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The conditional use application of Woodstone Development Company, Inc. pertains to the proposed 33 lot single-family residential subdivision of an 87-acre property located at 1156 St. Matthews Road (Tax Parcels 25-8-7 and 25-8-10.12) in the R-2 zoning district. The purpose of the hearing was to take formal action on the application of a conditional use permitted under Section 1704B.1.a of the Township Zoning Ordinance for construction of individual driveways, under Section 1704B.1.c for construction of stormwater management facilities, and under Section 1704B.1.d for grading of cut and fill with finished grades not to exceed 33%, all within the Precautionary Slope District. This hearing had been duly advertised as shown by the proof of publication and notice had been given to all property owners within 500’ of tax parcels 25-8-7 and 25-8-10.12. Solicitor Greenwood submitted the following exhibits into the record on behalf of the Board: B-1 Daily Local News Proof of Publication B-2 Memorandum from Robert Wideman dated December 21, 2000 B-3 “Request for Additional Information Needed” from Robert Wideman dated January 15, 2001 B-4 Unapproved West Vincent Township Planning Commission minutes dated December 21, 2000 B-5 Memorandum from the West Vincent Township Environmental Advisory Council dated January 11, 2001 B-6 Chester County Planning Commission review letter dated January 2, 2001 B-7 Notice to neighboring property owners Solicitor Greenwood asked if anyone present would like to enter an appearance as party to the proceeding and the following entries of appearance were filed: 1. Anne H. Strawbridge 1072 St. Matthews Road Chester Springs, PA 2. Laura Hardt 5 Pine Drive Chester Springs, PA 3. Mark W. Jennion 15 Pine Drive Chester Springs, PA 4. Theodore Fallon, Jr. 2162 Miller Road Chester Springs, PA 5. Richard E. Ide 2308 Miller Road Chester Springs, PA 6. Ruth A. Faunce 2108 Miller Road Chester Springs, PA 7. Marianne E. Irwin 1091 St. Matthews Road Chester Springs, PA The Board confirmed party status in the conditional use proceeding for the seven persons who entered their appearance. Chairman Miller explained the basic procedure for the hearing and copies of the hearing procedures were made available. John E. Good, Esquire presented the first witness, David A. Beideman, Commonwealth Engineers Inc. Mr. Beideman reviewed his professional background, company background, and overview of the three issues included in the proposed application – driveways, stormwater management facilities, and cuts and fills in precautionary (15-25%) slopes. Lots 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, and 18 will require grading with finished grades proposed at 4:1 slopes or 25%. Stormwater management facilities within precautionary slopes are located north of Lots 5-11 and on the eastern boundary of Lot 31; some grading at a 3:1 slope (33%) will be necessary in the lagoon area. During testimony, the following exhibits were submitted for the record: A-1 Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Woodstone Development Company, Inc., revised November16, 2000, issued January 15, 2001 noting Steep Slope Areas and Disturbed Steep Slope Areas A-2 Application for Conditional Use Upon completion of testimony, Parties Mark
Jennion, Theodore Fallon, Jr., Anne Strawbridge, Laura Hardt,
Ruth Faunce, and Richard Ide cross-examined the witness; Manager
Heist, Mr. Wideman, Mrs. Perkins, Solicitor Greenwood, and
Mr. Miller asked questions seeking clarification of the evidence
presented. Cross-examination
and questioning included the following issues, questions,
and concerns: · The impact grading will have on the project’s stormwater management. · The impact of additional runoff onto neighboring properties. (none) · Volume of water diverted by the swale north of Lots 5-11. (included in Hydrology Study) · Total acreage to be graded. (unknown) · Stabilization and maintenance of slopes – the applicant proposes grass, which will be mowed. Lower maintenance vegetative coverings was suggested. If needed, the applicant will water the slope areas to establish seeding. · The treeline on Lot 31 will not be disturbed to construct the swale. · 10% maximum grade of driveways, except Lot 12, which will have a 15% grade. · Use of Best Management Practices to protect wetlands and watershed areas was suggested. · Identification and replacement of trees in the lagoon area was suggested; the maximum slope of lagoon is 33%, which meets DEP requirement; a wooded buffer between the lagoon and creek was suggested. · Proposed road width is 20’; proposed lot size is 30,000 sq. ft.; and proposed houses are 70-75’ long x 35’ deep (similar to Springlea). · Explanation of the grading process. · The applicant does not plan to remove topsoil from the site unless it is not needed. · The plan shows a grading easement on the Laymen’s Home Missionary Movement 14-acre retained portion of the subdivision plan. Code Enforcement Officer Robert Wideman offered testimony regarding erosion and sedimentation control, slope maintenance, protection of intermittent ponds on the southern portion of the tract, and Section 1704C.2 of the Township Zoning Ordinance possibly requiring a special exception for public or community sanitary or storm sewer systems in areas of precautionary slope. Upon completion of testimony, Mr. Beideman, Mr. Good, Mr. Fallon, and Mr. Jennion cross-examined the witness. There being no further testimony or questions, the evidentiary portion of the record was closed; the Board will render a decision on Monday, February 26, 2001. The conditional use hearing in connection with the application of Woodstone Development Company, Inc. will continue on Monday, February 26, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. at the West Vincent Township Building; the hearing was adjourned at 10:13 p.m. |