ACTIVITY REPORT October 2016

Transcription

1 REGIONAL PLANNING ACTIVITIES ACTIVITY REPORT Discussion of Potential Sewer Service on Shiloh Road in Benner Township CRPA Director Jim May has been involved in discussions with the University Area Joint Authority (UAJA), College Township, the property owner, and consultants to potentially incorporate portions of Benner Township on Shiloh Road (south of Interstate 99) into the UAJA Sewer Service Area (SSA). Benner Township s Solicitor recently determined that the municipality is authorized to amend its SSA and will request that the area in question be removed from the Spring Benner Walker Joint Authority (SBWJA) and be added to the UAJA service area. This determination by the Benner Township Solicitor may negate the need for any agreement between the sewer authorities, but may require Benner Township to be a signatory to the Centre Region Growth Boundary and Sewer Service Area Implementation Agreement. The CRPA Director is determining if that would be necessary. This area of Benner Township has significant development potential, which the Centre Region should consider in any discussions regarding nutrient loading issues and long-term capacity at the UAJA treatment plant. The Centre Region should also have the COG Solicitor determine the risk of the SBWJA filing any legal action regarding the determination by the Benner Township Solicitor. Public Sewer Service to Morgan Advanced Materials Building, Innovation Park Previously, the COG General Forum directed the CRPA to work with the Public Services and Environmental (PSE) Committee to develop a policy that would provide clarity concerning wastewater collection and treatment in those areas where the UAJA currently provides service to the Pennsylvania State University. At its September 26, 2016 meeting, the COG General Forum recommended that the PSE Committee take action to direct the UAJA to provide service to areas of campus traditionally served by the UAJA and to provide service to Morgan Advanced Materials. After discussion, the PSE Committee approved a motion to direct the UAJA to provide service for the Morgan Advanced Materials building only. This would indicate that service requests to the UAJA from PSU that are received prior to the CRPA study and approval of a new policy, would be presented to the PSE Committee for approval. Potential adjustments to the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Program (CHIP) At its joint meeting on November 3, 2016, the COG Transportation and Land Use (TLU) Committee and the Centre Regional Planning Commission (CRPC) will discuss potential changes to the CHIP process. The CRPA has utilized this process since the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan in 2013 to establish priority projects to implement the Comprehensive Plan. After three years, the process is being reviewed and adjustments may be made to several areas, including the frequency of the process (currently annual), the best way staff can support COG Committees, and a formal process to amend approved priorities. Location of Beneficial Reuse Water Lines The intent of this project is to identify potential areas where the Beneficial Reuse water could be utilized and offer a set of recommendations for how the

2 Page 2 Region could plan for expansion of the Beneficial Reuse system and develop a Beneficial Reuse Water Policy as an amendment to the Region s Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan. At the September 1, 2016 CRPC meeting, CRPA staff gave a presentation on the GIS analysis. A draft report detailing the work was presented to the CRPC at its October 6, 2016 meeting and to the PSE Committee on October 10, State of Housing Report CRPA staff gave an update on the 2016 State of Housing Report at the Centre Regional Planning Commission s (CRPC) October 6, 2016 meeting. CRPA staff is incorporating feedback from the CRPC and is preparing a subsequent draft with additional data to provide at the Commission s December or January meeting. Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association 2016 Annual Conference Two CRPA staff attended this conference from October 16 to October 18, The training topics included planning and implementing green stormwater infrastructure; taxing, zoning, and licensing for short-term residential rentals; community planning and MS4 regulations; green and sustainable parking lots; promoting walkability at the local level; and utilizing planning methods in the public works department. CRPA staff also attended the Legislative Committee and Planning Officials Development Committee meetings. TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ACTIVITIES Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) Budget At its September 27, 2016 meeting, the CCMPO recommended that the Centre County Government, the six municipal funding partners, and the Centre Region Council of Governments (COG) approve the CY 2017 CCMPO Budget. Important items to note in the budget were that the base federal and state planning funds provided by PennDOT are the same as in CY 2016, supplemental planning funds are included for the Assessment of Articulated Bus Utilization for the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA), and municipal contributions are based on the local share funding formula approved by the CCMPO in May The budget reflects the full value of services provided by the Centre County Government. This includes the local contribution for 29 municipalities in the rural Planning Regions and a full-time staff position at the Centre County Planning and Community Development Office Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Administrative Actions Between June and September 2016, several administrative actions were completed for the Centre County Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Noteworthy items include: $1,313,564 was shifted to the Preliminary Engineering phase of Section 152 of the Atherton Street Drainage/Repaving project due to the complexity of the design of this section. Funds were shifted from excess funding on completed projects and from the Final Design phase of Section 152. $874,472 was shifted to the Structurally Deficient (SD) Bridge line item from de-obligated funding on previously completed projects.

3 Page 3 $345,500 was shifted to the Construction phase of the SR 3011 Branch Road Bridge over Slab Cabin run, which will allow an equivalent amount of funding for this project on the TIP to be shifted to other projects. $448,608 in additional Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding was provided to College Township s Puddintown to Orchard Bikeway Connector project from the statewide TAP reserve. Transportation Projects CRPA continues to participate in the planning and design stages of several highway and bridge projects, including the Route 322 Potters Mills Gap project, the Route 64/550 Intersection Safety project in Walker Township and Rapid Bridge Replacement (RBR) Program bridges in Haines Township. TRANSIT PLANNING ACTIVITIES Articulated Bus Study Two consultant proposals for the assessment of Articulated Bus Utilization were evaluated and ranked by CRPA and the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) staff. Based on staff discussion, a proposal was selected and an informational write-up on the project scope, timeline, and procurement process will be provided to the CATA Board of Directors to be used as a reference at its October meeting. CATA / CCOT Travel Training Project CRPA staff conducted training sessions for both Skills of Central PA and the Centre Region Senior Center on September 27, 2016 at the Nittany Mall. The facilitators in the trainings included CRPA staff and CATA public relations and operations staff. CRPA staff drafted a timeline to collect initial feedback on the training process so that necessary changes can be made to the training program. CRPA staff will soon begin drafting of the final report. Transit Site Plan reviews East Halls Curtin Road and Bigler Road, College Township / State College Borough North Atherton Street Section 152, Ferguson Township / State College Borough Gray s Centre Grays Woods Boulevard, Patton Township 254 East Beaver Avenue Mixed Use Building, State College Borough Pine Hall TTD, Ferguson Township LOCAL PLANNING ACTIVITIES College Township Sign Ordinance In light of a recent Supreme Court decision regarding temporary signs, CRPA staff has been reviewing College Township s sign ordinance and will be proposing a number of revisions to bring the ordinance into compliance with the recent decision. Additional revisions will be proposed for those signs located at Innovation Park. This ordinance will be reviewed by the College Township Planning Commission at a future date.

4 Page 4 Wireless Communication Facilities Ordinance College Township has been in the process of reviewing its Wireless Communication Facilities ordinance. In conjunction with the Cohen Law Group, a number of suggested revisions have been presented to the College Township Council to bring consistency to the ordinance with recent rule making by the FCC in relation to Wireless Communication Facilities. CRPA staff will make the suggested revisions to the proposed ordinance and present the revised ordinance to Council at a future date. Community Correctional Facility Keystone Correctional Services has met with CRPA staff to discuss the possibility of developing a community correctional facility in College Township at the former Rutgers Nease office building. While College permits halfway homes and correctional facilities, community correctional facilities do not quite fit the definition of either use; therefore, College will need to refine some of its land use definitions. CRPA staff has begun drafting an ordinance, including definitions and use-specific regulations as well as recommendations for appropriate zoning districts for such uses. This ordinance will be reviewed by the College Township Planning Commission at a future date. Makdad Supply A land development plan for a 7,232 square feet building to house a wholesale HVAC supply company is proposed for Clyde Avenue. This plan was approved by Council on October 6, Burger King A 2,808 square foot Burger King is proposed for the northeast corner of the East College Avenue/Gerald Street intersection. This plan will be reviewed by Council on October 20, 2016 East Halls Phase 2 PSU is proposing a second phase of renovation to the East Halls including the construction a new dormitory. This plan was presented to Council on October 6, PSU Lacrosse Field PSU has submitted plans for permanent structure at the lacrosse fields to house permanent bleachers, concession stand, restrooms, and locker rooms. This plan will be reviewed by the Planning Commission on October 18, Ferguson Township There was no new activity to report in Ferguson Township. Subdivision of Lands of Ronald and Pearl Guenot CRPA staff is reviewing a subdivision plan for the lands of Ronald and Pearl Guenot. Staff will provide comments to Ferguson Township later this week.

5 Page 5 Halfmoon Township Fire Regulations The Halfmoon Township Solicitor has reviewed the issue of liability in relation to the removal of fire regulations for certain developments. The Planning Commission will receive a strikethrough/underline version of the proposed amendments prepared by staff at the November 15, 2016 meeting. Rural Preservation Development (RPD) Standards CRPA staff prepared a strikethrough/underline document amending Halfmoon Township s Rural Preservation Development (RPD) standards in accordance with the Township Solicitor s and the Board of Supervisors recommendations. The proposed amendments to the RPD are scheduled for a public hearing at the Board of Supervisors meeting on November 10, Official Map The Halfmoon Township Official Map amendments were adopted at the September 8, 2016 Board of Supervisors meeting. CRPA staff is preparing the transmittal for recordation with Center County and local jurisdictions. Small Area Plan CRPA staff is preparing materials to form a volunteer steering committee for the small area plan. There will be a special meeting open to the public held on November 16, 2016 to select members for the steering committee. Subdivision/Replot on Granny Lane CRPA staff is currently reviewing a subdivision/replot for the lands of Donna Vaux on Granny Lane. The proposed plan includes subdividing/replotting four lots into three lots for a acre- property. Harris Township Commercial Zoning District Revisions One of the primary recommendations of the Boalsburg Small Area Plan is to revise the existing regulations to permit development and redevelopment along the Boal Avenue commercial corridor. At its July meeting, the Harris Township Planning Commission began discussing a new zoning district that will apply to the properties along this corridor. CRPA staff presented draft standards for the new district to the Planning Commission at its September meeting. The Planning Commission provided CRPA staff with feedback that will be incorporated into the draft standards. Further discussion of this item will take place at the Planning Commission s October meeting. Conservation Design Subdivision Regulations At its September meeting, the Harris Township Planning Commission was presented with standards and renderings for a potential flexible lot option for inclusion in the conservation design subdivision regulations. The flexible lot option, in addition to other development options, would allow for a variety of lot sizes with a percentage of the parent tract being maintained as open space. The Commission was in favor of the draft regulations presented and requested that CRPA staff begin working on drafting a conservation

6 Page 6 design subdivision ordinance. Staff is working on an ordinance and hopes to present a draft to the Harris Township Planning Commission later this year or in early Rittenhouse Final Subdivision Plan, Phase 2 The Rittenhouse Final Subdivision Plan for Phase II of the development was submitted to Harris Township. The plan was approved by the Board of Supervisor s at its October 10, 2016 meeting. Patton Township Open Space Task Force (OSTF) The Open Space Task Force (OSTF) provided its recommendation to the Board of Supervisors at its June 22, 2016 meeting. The OSTF has worked over the last year and a half to identify, review, and prioritize properties based on a set of established criteria to determine which one(s) may benefit the community if purchased by the Township as open space. The recommendation includes a list of four properties to be considered for partial or complete acquisition, in order of preference: 1. A portion of one or both of the 299 acre and 157 acre undeveloped Toftrees properties to the west of Waddle Road, which may include: a. An enhanced wooded buffer along the former Bellefonte Central Railroad from Alto Lane to the Cedar Cliff neighborhood. b. Additional trails with enhanced wooded buffers connecting to adjacent parcels outside of Toftrees. c. Preservation of significant natural features on the properties. The Patton Township Manager has proposed bringing in consultants (such as landscape architect, forester, and ecologist) to examine the property for such features, which may include rock outcroppings, viewsheds, or significant trees. 2. The entirety of a 13.9 acre parcel between the Cedar Cliff neighborhood and Toftrees that is adjacent to the 299 acre Toftrees property. 3. A portion of the 150 acre undeveloped property adjacent to the Gray s Woods Park property and the State Game Lands. The Patton Township Board of Supervisors approved the recommendation and authorized the Township Manager to begin working with the property owners to negotiate possible property acquisition. The market value of each property will be determined by an appraisal that will determine the maximum price the Township may offer. At its September 7, 2016 meeting, the OSTF received a draft report of its activities over the last year and a half, The 2016 Patton Township Open Space Plan. The members reviewed the report and offered only minor revisions, which will be included in a revised draft that will be presented to the Board of Supervisors in October. Once the Township Manager and the property owner(s) agree on

7 Page 7 a deal for an open space purchase, the last chapter of the report will be completed with details of the purchase agreement and the maintenance plan for the property(s). University Area Joint Authority (UAJA) Sewer Main Project CRPA and Patton Township staff continue to work with the University Area Joint Authority (UAJA) on proposed locations to install a new sewer main, portions of which may be outside the Regional Growth Boundary (RGB) and Sewer Service Area (SSA). This request, if eventually recommended to move forward, would require an amendment to the Centre Region Act 537 Plan. The proposal would reduce the number of sewer pump stations serving the Gray s Woods Planned Community and improve operations of the UAJA sewer collection system. This project was included in the UAJA s July 2016 proposed scope of work for the Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan Study and Update Revisions, along with the Reclaimed Water Extension to Harris Township project. Family Burial Plots Ordinance Patton Township previously received an inquiry as to the legal status of entombing the remains of deceased family members on an individual s property. CRPA staff developed an ordinance that defines a family burial cemetery as a site located on private land where no lots are sold to the public and the use is limited to relatives of the deceased. The ordinance includes language specifying depth of grave requirements that exceed the state minimums, the requirement of the burial permit applicant to supply a map, survey, or geographic coordinates for identifying or locating the site, the number of burials permitted per acre, minimum lot size, setbacks, and deed requirements. At its September 12, 2016 meeting, the Patton Township Planning Commission recommended approval of the ordinance, pending several revisions. At its September 14, 2016 meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved the proposed ordinance for a public hearing on October 26, Large Scale Solar Ordinance Alternative energy is an increasingly popular means of producing energy, both on an individual and commercial level. Solar energy facilities are becoming more common. Although small solar panels and rooftop systems can be regulated in a land use ordinance, large-scale, commercial solar energy production contains attributes that require more attention as it relates to siting, scale, and other land use matters. At its June 6, 2016 meeting, the Patton Township Planning Commission directed CRPA staff to begin drafting an ordinance similar to the College Township approach of regulating solar systems as primary and accessory uses. A first draft was prepared for the August 1, 2016 Patton Township Planning Commission meeting, but the item was tabled until a future meeting. At its August 18 th, 2016 meeting, the College Township Council adopted its solar energy ordinance, opting to include several minor additions based on CRPC comments, input from the public, local solar installers, and the Centre Region Fire Director. A revised first draft of the Patton Township Solar Energy Systems ordinance, which took the comments provided to College Township into consideration, was presented to the Patton Township Planning Commission at its September 12, 2016 work session. The members discussed the draft and requested more information related to glare requirements and several minor revisions. At ist October 3, 2016 meeting, the Planning

8 Page 8 Commission discussed the revised draft and indicated the intent to take action at its November 7, 2016 meeting. Farm Cafés Ordinance Patton Township received a request to allow farm cafés in the A-1 (Rural) zoning district. Farm cafés are intended to support small farms and encourage strong relationships between local food producers and citizens and to promote a healthy and sustainable local food system. In contrast with many traditional restaurants, farm cafés are intended to be an accessory use to an active agricultural operation and utilize foods produced onsite or locally to the greatest extent possible. CRPA staff developed a draft ordinance that proposes adding farm cafés to the list of Conditional Uses in the A-1 district and includes additional language specifying minimum lot size and hours of operation. The ordinance also contains provisions addressing land use and operational requirements, protection of the land through a conservation easement, parking, food sourcing, and retail sales. At its September 12, 2016 meeting, the Patton Township Planning Commission recommended approval of the ordinance, pending several revisions. At its September 14, 2016 meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved the ordinance for a public hearing on October 26, 2016 pending additional minor revisions. The CRPC discussed the proposed ordinance at its October 6, 2016 meeting and offered comments to the Township related to the interpretation and enforcement of the requirement for food served at the restaurant to come from onsite, local, or other Pennsylvania sources. The Board will consider the CRPC comments at its October 19, 2016 meeting. Request to Add Uses to the Planned Airport District The owners of a 13.6 acre property located along Bernel Road have requested that Patton Township revise the zoning regulations to permit a business to construct and lease self-storage units to the general public. The property is located in the Planned Airport District (PAD), where the proposed use is not permitted. The PAD prohibits certain uses as a means of protecting the State College Borough Water Authority (SCBWA) well field that lies east of Fillmore Road. The owners have provided a letter to Patton Township that addresses the steps they are prepared to take to provide protection from groundwater contamination. In conjunction, the owners of an adjacent 10 acre parcel at the intersection of Bernel Road and Fox Hill Road have also requested PAD revisions to permit self-storage units and to permit churches in the non-residential area of the district. All uses in the PAD are explicitly permitted or prohibited. At its October 3, 2016 meeting, the Patton Township Planning Commission discussed a draft ordinance that would add the uses to the list of permitted uses in the PAD. They recommended adding churches to the Nonresidential area, but requested several additional conditions for selfstorage facilities in the Mixed-Use and Nonresidential areas. These included a requirement for signage indicating that hazardous materials were prohibited and that outdoor storage areas were not allowed. The request to allow churches in the PAD will be considered by the Board of Supervisors at its October 19, 2016 meeting.

9 Page 9 Gray's Centre - Replot of Tax Parcels ,067, ,048C, and J - Patton Township received the Gray's Centre - Replot of Tax Parcels ,067, ,048C, and J plan on October 4, The site is located at 650 Grays Woods Boulevard in the Office Buffer District and the I-99 Interchange Overlay District. The plan proposes consolidating a 0.76 acre lot with portions of two adjacent lots, resulting in a new 1.17 acre lot. The purpose of the replot is to allow for the construction of a new health and fitness center and related driveways, parking areas, sidewalks, and stormwater management facilities for the site. The Township, in consultation with CRPA staff, provided a comment letter to the developer on October 21, Gray's Centre - Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan Patton Township received the Gray's Centre - Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan on October 4, The plan proposes the demolition of an existing house and the construction of a new health and fitness center on a 1.17 acre site. The site is located at 650 Grays Woods Boulevard in the Office Buffer District and the I-99 Interchange Overlay District. Demolition activities include the removal of the single-family home and outbuildings, as well as two paved driveway areas, a concrete walk and patio, the electric meter and service line for the house, an above-ground pool, trees and brush, and the sanitary sewer lateral to the house. In addition, the well for the existing home will be abandoned and capped in place. Construction will include a two-story commercial building with 14,136 ft 2 gross floor area with a 7,068 ft 2 footprint. A total of 43 parking spaces will be provided (2 ADA) onsite. Additionally, sidewalks, crosswalks, and curb islands will be provided in the parking area and an 8 foot wide asphalt bicycle path will be constructed along the entire frontage of the lot along Grays Woods Boulevard. The proposed improvements will result in a 23,351 ft 2 increase in total impervious area on the lot. The Township, in consultation with CRPA staff, provided a comment letter to the developer on October 21, Resubdivision for Skytop Vista Subdivision - Patton Township received the Resubdivision for Skytop Vista Subdivision plan on October 4, The site is located 650 feet south of the PA 550/Stoney Point Drive (T-551) intersection and lies within the A-1 (Rural) District. The plan proposes to modify the existing parcel configurations of three adjacent lots in the Skytop Vista Subdivision to provide larger areas for potential home sites. In addition to adjusting the lot lines, the plan proposes to change the alignment of the existing shared driveway to accommodate the new configuration of the lots. The Township, in consultation with CRPA staff, provided a comment letter to the developer on October 21, Oakwood Centre Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan - Texas Roadhouse Parking Lot Expansion - Patton Township received the Oakwood Centre Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan - Texas Roadhouse Parking Lot Expansion plan on October 4, The site is located adjacent to 1885 Waddle Road (Texas Roadhouse) on the 4.94 acre Oakwood Centre site in the Oakwood Planned Community District. The plan proposes to

10 Page 10 remove an existing undeveloped grassed area and construct a new parking lot with 37 spaces (2 ADA) for Texas Roadhouse patrons, curb islands, and a dry well for stormwater management. In addition, the plan includes other site improvements including a sound attenuation barrier for a HVAC unit and additional buffer plantings along several adjacent lots. The total overall impervious area on the site will be increased by 2,926 ft 2. The Township, in consultation with CRPA staff, provided a comment letter to the developer on October 21, State College Borough Hamilton Square Shopping Center Parking Lot Expansion Preliminary Land Development Plan The CRPA received the Hamilton Square Shopping Center Parking Lot Expansion Preliminary Land Development Plan on September 22, The proposed land development involves demolition of an existing fire-damaged building and the construction of a new parking lot on its footprint to serve the surrounding buildings. The site is located to the east of the intersection of West Hamilton Avenue and South Atherton Street in the Planned Commercial 3 Zoning District. The new parking lot will consist of 21 spaces. In addition, an adjacent area of the existing parking lot will be reconfigured to match the new lot by removing paint and signage for the six existing parking spaces and loading zone/fire lane, plus removal of curbing, sidewalks, and a landscaping wall. The reconfigured area will include 11 new spaces, resulting in a total increase of 26 parking spaces on the site (0 changes to ADA). The overall impervious area will be decreased by 200 ft 2. CRPA staff provided a comment letter to the Borough on September 29, Phi Kappa Tau Kitchen & Ramp Final Land Development Plan The CRPA received the Phi Kappa Tau Kitchen & Ramp Final Land Development Plan on September 22, The proposed land development involves the construction of several additions to the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house. The site is located to the east of the intersection of East Fairmount Avenue and South Garner Street in the Residence 2 (R2) Zoning District. The onsite parking will be reduced by 3 spaces, resulting in 21 total spaces. The CRPA provided a comment letter to the Borough on October 4, 2016.