TOWNSHIP OF O HARA PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 18, 2012 The Planning Commission met on in the Township Municipal Building, 325 Fox Chapel Road, at 7:30 p.m. for its regular meeting. The meeting was brought to order and preceded as outlined on the agenda. Present: Edward Crates, Chair; Joseph Zgurzynski, Vice-Chair; John J. Claus, Secretary; Ronald L. Flucker, Assistant Secretary; Richard Citrin, First Ward; Judith B. Spray, Second Ward; Joseph Kelly*, At-Large Staff: Charles W. Steinert, Jr., P.E., Township Engineer; Cathy Bubas, Recording Secretary * Indicates late arrival SUMMARY OF AGENDA ITEMS: I. CALL TO ORDER II. III. APPROVAL OF EXCUSED ABSENCES NEW BUSINESS A. Conceptual Review John Campbell Plan B. Conceptual Review - Philly Pretzel Factory C. Proposed Marcellus Shale Ordinance IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. April 16, 2012 V. UPDATE ON PRIOR ACTIONS A. Discussion of Proposed Inter-Municipal Overlay District with ARTEZ and Pashek Associates No action required or taken. B. 2011 Annual Planning Commission Report Approved by Planning Commission as presented. VI. VII. OTHER BUSINESS ADJOURNMENT
I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Crates called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF EXCUSED ABSENCES Mr. Kelly was not in attendance during roll call and had not contacted Township staff concerning attendance. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Conceptual Review John Campbell Plan Chairman Crates noted for the record that Planning Commission was not required, nor would take any action on the Conceptual Review. Mr. John Campbell, owner of the former Moon s Farm, noted the property involves six acres which he previously subdivided into two lots, with one parcel having 2 acres and the rear parcel having 4 acres. Both parcels have frontage along a public road. Mr. Campbell explained he is contemplating subdividing the rear, 4-acre parcel into two lots, which would result in a flag lot due to lack of the required frontage. The two lots would be accessible via one driveway. Mr. Kelly arrived at 7:33 p.m. Chairman Crates recalled historically the Planning Commission has not looked favorably on flag lots. Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. reminded the Commission that Mr. Campbell had a prior three-lot subdivision on a private road off of Field Club Road, near the Fox Chapel Borough border, next to the water tower. Only one of the lots has frontage along Field Club Road. Chairman Crates also recalled an easement existed prior to that subdivision. Mr. Campbell indicated there is currently 450 of lineal frontage. The first lot has sold, but with the owner s permission, he could potentially re-subdivide, and end up with 150 frontage. He questioned if two lots could share one driveway as long as each lot met the frontage requirement, which Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. confirmed. Mr. Zgurzynski noted the Planning Commission has a responsibility to ensure a lot does not have an outrageously odd shape. Mr. Campbell stated the lot would be odd-shaped. He indicated the first home would likely set more to the rear of the lot than preferred. Chairman Crates inquired about the topography of the property. Mr. Campbell stated the property is flat. Though the lot would be odd shaped, it would not be visible. Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. informed Mr. Campbell that another option would be to construct a private road. Mr. Zgurzynski recalled the prior subdivision was approved with the condition that the rear lot remains intact. A private road would be expensive to install. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 1
Chairman Crates recommended Mr. Campbell meet with the Building Inspector and Township Engineer to discuss options prior to making a formal application for Planning Commission s review. He also suggested Mr. Campbell present options. B. Conceptual Review - Philly Pretzel Factory Mr. Joe Callen, franchise owner of Philly Pretzel Factory, was considering opening another location in O Hara Township, at the corner of Old Freeport and Freeport Roads. He intends to lease the property, and the property owner would construct the building. Chairman Crates expressed concern of traffic flows. Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. stated the prior proposal involved two buildings, whereas the proposed pretzel factory is one building with one use. He also noted variances for setback requirements had been granted by the Zoning Hearing Board. It was noted the pretzel factory would provide for walk-in or drive thru service, though there would be no seating. Eleven parking spaces would be provided. Mr. Callen explained the building would face away from the intersection to accommodate parking and the drive-thru. Chairman Crates verified that the gasoline tanks had been removed from the property. Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. indicated the only issue would be the intended location of the dumpster, and suggested moving the dumpster a little closer to the order board. Mr. Callen noted the dumpster would be located in the back of the building, and the building would be high enough to conceal the dumpster which would be enclosed to resemble the rest of the building. He explained for security reasons, he wanted to keep the dumpster up against the building. Mr. Citrin inquired about proposed landscaping along Freeport Road. Mr. Callen preferred to have as much glass in the front of the building so people could see the making of pretzels. Any landscaping would be low-level so not to obstruct the vehicular line of site. The Architect would propose the type of landscaping in the front of the building. Mr. Citrin noted from the Township s perspective the intent of the property is the Gateway to the Community. Mr. Callen indicated such a sign could co-exist. Mr. Zgurzynski inquired about the need of a traffic study. Mr. Callen stated there would not be more than 50 peak trips, and therefore a traffic study was not required. Mr. Flucker expressed his traffic concerns and inquired about the facade of the building. Mr. Callen indicated the front of the building would have as much glass as possible. Mr. Flucker suggested a wall behind the last 20 of glass, or use black glass. Mr. Kelly requested a 3-D CAD presentation. Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. stated he would discuss potential variances with the Zoning Officer. He advised Mr. Callen to submit an application by June 22, 2012 for formal review by Planning Commission which would be included on the July Planning Commission meeting agenda, followed by review and approval by Council in August. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 2
Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. noted if the Planning Commission desires, they could recommend that Council grant final approval with the initial application. He noted items to be submitted with the application for formal review. C. Proposed Marcellus Shale Ordinance Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. explained the State has mandated laws regarding Marcellus Shale Drilling, which supersedes the Township s ordinance. The Township Solicitor reviewed the ordinance and has recommended requiring fencing around the ponds. Any Marcellus Shale business would still be required to follow the rules other businesses must follow, such as hours, etc. Mr. Kelly inquired about the chances of Marcellus Shale Drilling occurring in O Hara Township. Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. thought the chances were slim. Chairman Crates indicated the only possible place would be along Saxonburg Boulevard. Motion by Mr. Flucker to recommend Council to approve the proposed ordinance was seconded by Mr. Claus and carried unanimously. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. April 16, 2012 Motion by Mr. Kelly to approve the subject minutes as presented was seconded by Mr. Claus and carried unanimously. V. UPDATE ON PRIOR ACTIONS The following prior actions were noted: A. Discussion of Proposed Inter-Municipal Overlay District with ARTEZ and Pashek Associates No action required or taken. B. 2011 Annual Planning Commission Report Approved by Planning Commission as presented. VI. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. indicated Planning Commission would meet in July. Mr. Zgurzynski inquired about the status of sanitary sewers for Saxonburg Boulevard. Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. indicated the easement agreements should be sent to the residents soon. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 3
Chairman Crates asked what was going into the old bank in Fox Chapel Plaza. Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. indicated First National Bank was relocating from across the street. Chairman Crates referenced a new bank constructed in Aspinwall Borough, but has not yet opened for business. Mr. Flucker indicated the Federal Reserve has been very slow in granting approvals for new branches. VII. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. Flucker to adjourn the meeting was seconded by Mr. Claus and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m. Attachment(s): Sign-In Sheet(s) John J. Claus, Secretary Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 4