WASHINGTON BOROUGH PLANNING BOARD

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON

JUNE 12, 2006

 

The regular meeting of the Washington Borough Planning Board was called to order by

Chairman Miller at 8:08 P.M. in the second floor Court Room/Council Chambers of the

Borough Hall.  Mr. Miller read the following statement into the record:  "The requirements

of the "Open Public Meetings Law", P.L. 1975, Chapter 231, have been satisfied in that

adequate notice of this meeting has been published in the Star Gazette and posted on

the Bulletin Board of the Borough Hall stating the time, place and purpose of the meeting

as required by law."  Chairman Miller led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

ROLL CALL:                 Present:            Turner, Post, VanDeursen,

                                                            Opdyke, Sheola, Boyle, Miller

                                    Absent:             Gleba, Vacancy                                                                                                 Also Present:            Robert Miller, Board Engineer

                                                            Stuart Ours, Board Attorney

                                                            Beth McManus, Planner

 

Chairman Miller stated that Bill Gleba would be late due to a conflict.                                                        

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:       

Meeting of May 8, 2006:

Andrew Turner noted that he should be listed under absent for the walking tour and also under the official roll call for meeting.  Rich Sheola noted that Jim Sheldon should be listed under public present for walking tour not under “also present”.  Pat Post noted a word correction on page 4 paragraph 4 and also that she was not present for walking tour. Therefore, it was moved by Post, seconded by Turner to approve the minutes with corrections.

                        ROLL CALL:                  Turner, Post, VanDeursen,

                                                            Opdyke, Sheola, Boyle, Miller

                                                            Ayes: 7; Nays: 0; Abstentions: 0

                                                            Motion carried.

 

Bill Gleba arrived at 8:12 p.m.

 

RESOLUTION:

PNC Bank:  It was noted, under the fourth “whereas” paragraph, that the resolution did not match the minutes.  Correction to minutes on page 3 – 9 ft wide/16.5 ft. long.  Therefore, it was moved by VanDeursen, seconded by Turner to correct the minutes.

                        ROLL CALL:                  Turner, Post, VanDeursen,

                                                            Opdyke, Sheola, Boyle, Miller

                                                            Ayes: 7; Nays: 0; Abstentions: 0

                                                            Motion carried.

 

Bob Miller stated that under Item #9, need to add “and preserve the existing hedge along the easterly property line”.  Therefore, it was moved by VanDeursen, seconded by Gleba to approve the resolution with corrections.

                        ROLL CALL:                  Turner, Post, Gleba, VanDeursen,

                                                            Opdyke, Sheola, Boyle, Miller

                                                            Ayes: 8; Nays: 0; Abstentions: 0

                                                            Motion carried.

 

 

 

WASHINGTON BOROUGH PLANNING BOARD

MINUTES OF THE JUNE 12, 2006, MEETING

PAGE 2

 

OLD BUSINESS: 

Area in need of redevelopment:

Beth McManus stated that they had a meeting with the Borough the previous Thursday.  They stated the individual property evaluations with approximately 40% completed.  Using same criteria as discussed on tour.  Expects to be done by end of the week.  Chairman Miller asked what the timeline was.  Marianne VanDeursen stated September/October.  Beth stated that perhaps they will have more by next meeting.

 

Evaluation will either keep boundaries or change it.  Will put together for Planning Board adoption.  Next step will be to design guidelines, building standards, setback standards, etc.  The Borough can be creative.  Marianne VanDeursen explained to the audience the reason for redevelopment.  Beth McManus stated that changes would primarily be exterior.  They may look at interior if need to.

 

NEW BUSINESS:  None

 

REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES:  None

 

UNAGENDIZED STATEMENTS:

Chairman Miller asked about member availability for summer meetings on July 10, 2006, and August 14, 2006.  Bob Opdyke stated that he would not be at the August meeting and Marianne VanDeursen stated that she would not be at the July meeting.

 

Don Eller came forward to discuss the approval of the PNC Bank application.  He faxed a concept to Bob Miller’s office regarding the traffic.  Bob stated that he had problems with the concept plan.  Mr. Eller suggested that a means of ingress be provided from West Washington Ave. along the drive-thru for better flow of traffic.  Chairman Miller questioned Mr. Eller about the eastbound traffic trying to make a left into the bank from Washington Ave.  Mr. Eller stated that it would require signage for no left turns.  He feels more than one entrance would make traffic better.

Bob Opdyke commented on the parking spots proposed at the entrance and feels they are too close.

 

Andrew Turner stated that block and lot signs were seen on Nunn Ave.  Marianne VanDeursen told the Board that Baker Residential pulled out but a new developer was interested.  Property now mountain zone.  Attorney Ours stated that the lawsuit was not dead.  Washington Township still in as well as the garden apartments.  Motion made by the apartmenst to get out of suit.  Baker cannot appeal until this portion is complete.  Owner of tract can sell what lots are there.

 

Ambulance personnel were in audience.  They asked what the Board has currently approved.  Chairman Miller discussed the various projects currently approved.  They asked if their department can speak with the developers.  Attorney Ours stated that no changes can be made at this point.  Municipality must provide service.  Marianne VanDeursen stated that the developer needs to know the impacts during public hearing meetings.  The application process was reviewed with the audience. 

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

No comments

ADJOURNMENT: 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted by Patricia L. Titus, Planning Board Clerk