Update on TDR/OSDO Ordinance Amendment Public Workshop Meeting

Last evening, many residents showed up at the Board of Supervisors meeting to learn about the proposed zoning and density changes in East Vincent Township.

One reason East Vincent Township is looking at the present zoning and density change stems from the creation and implementation of the Open Space Design Option (OSDO) in 2002. This OSDO was suggested by the Brandywine Conservancy for the 2002 East Vincent Township Zoning Ordinance and was supported by Planning Commission member, John Funk and East Vincent Township Supervisor, Christine McNeil at the time the 2002 Zoning Ordinance was established. This OSDO does allow for density (in order to preserve open space) in the Agricultural Preservation (AP) and the Rural Conservation (RC) districts and therefore ended up directing development to these areas. The Reiff Tract ruling found that the Open Space Design Option (OSDO) does permit public water and sewer in the AP and RC districts. Public water and sewer can't be legally stopped in the Agricultural Preservation and Rural Conservation districts with an Open Space Design Option.

To address this problem, Mr. Ray Ott attempted to stop all major residential development in the AP and RC districts by utilizing a residential density multiplier. Mr. Ott created receiving areas north of the power lines so the sending areas located in the AP and RC districts would have a place to send the Transfer of Development Rights. The use of the TDR's provides an incentive for builders to move their development out of the AP and RC districts to areas which can receive higher density in the Light, Medium and High Density districts, just as was done previously with the Reiff Tract settlement. The Phoenixville Regional Plan and The Chester County Landscapes 2 Plan also calls for designating growth areas and redirecting growth to those areas deemed appropriate and were also mentioned as reasons for the TDR/OSDO Ordinance Amendment.

The imbalance, however, of shifting all residential development north of the power lines brought residents together. When residents questioned the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors about this proposed zoning change utilizing a residential density multiplier, Supervisor Dunphy requested a public workshop be held so residents could learn more about the proposed zoning and density change and have an open forum to discuss these proposed changes.

In the months leading up to this public workshop meeting, some of our appointed officials have come to realize they didn't spend enough time investigating these proposed zoning and density changes, and the impact of these changes on our township, and have now decided to revisit the zoning change and start from scratch.

We thank those volunteers on the Planning Commission who have stopped to take another look at the zoning change and who are willing to work with the residents to come up with a zoning ordinance that benefits all of the residents in East Vincent Township and our neighboring townships.

The Informed East Vincent Residents group appreciate all those who have contacted us and supported us in stopping the TDR/OSDO Ordinance Amendment. Thank you!

We will continue to keep you posted on the zoning changes and any proposals brought forth in our township.

Yours in a balanced East Vincent Township,
The Informed East Vincent Residents Group
www.informedeastvincentresidents@gmail.com

Tonight is the TDR/OSDO Ordinance Amendment Public Workshop

Tonight, Wednesday February 18, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. in the East Vincent Township Municipal Building, is the public workshop meeting and zoning discussion to discuss proposed changes to East Vincent Township's zoning ordinance.

We look forward to seeing all residents concerned about the zoning change and the impact it will have on our township at this public workshop meeting.

Yours in a balanced East Vincent Township,
The Informed East Vincent Residents Group
www.informedeastvincentresidents.blogspot.com
www.informedeastvincentresidents@gmail.com

Reminder: TDR/OSDO Ordinance Amendment Public Workshop on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

The Transfer of Development Rights/Open Space Design Option Ordinance Amendment (TDR/OSDO) public workshop meeting is being held this Wednesday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the East Vincent Township Municipal Building located at 262 Ridge Road.

The Township has this meeting posted as a "zoning discussion" on the announcement board outside of the township building. Residents concerned about the shift of all major residential development north of the power lines should attend this workshop to voice your concerns and let your supervisors know that everyone in East Vincent Township will be impacted by this shift in residential density. This also includes a bonus residential density of 500+ units. The increase in density will permit town houses, apartments, cluster homes, condominiums, etc. on smaller parcels of land than the present East Vincent Township Zoning Ordinance permits. Residents on Buckwalter Road, just one example, will see a dramatic shift in residential density in their neighborhood. The impact of this density increase, or "up zone" will be directly felt by all residents in that vicinity.

The impact of this zoning change, which includes the use of a residential density multiplier to create receiving areas for TDR's, will be felt throughout East Vincent Township. Tax increases to support infrastructure and utilities, increased demand on emergency personnel, possible future storm water issues, traffic congestion throughout the township---and neighboring township roads, and tax increases to support the demand on the Owen J. Roberts School District will result in the event this TDR/OSDO Ordinance Amendment is approved.

The shift of all major residential development to one side of the township may lead to the Owen J. Roberts School District needing to redistrict to accommodate the new student population, a majority of which will be located north of the power lines in East Vincent Township. All Owen J. Robert School District taxpayers will bear the burden of supporting the increase in student population brought about by the adoption of this bonus residential density proposed by the TDR/OSDO Ordinance Amendment.

Those of us in the Informed East Vincent Residents group felt this matter was extremely important and made every effort to inform our residents, along with neighboring township residents, and now we will all have the opportunity to be involved in the discussion to stop the TDR/OSDO Ordinance Amendment.

For a history of how this TDR/OSDO Ordinance Amendment came about, please refer to past postings on this blog.

Please come out to the TDR/OSDO Ordinance Amendment Public Workshop meeting THIS Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the East Vincent Township Municipal Building to voice your concerns and provide your input. If ever there was a meeting to attend, please let this be the one. Please share this meeting date and time with your neighbors also.

Thank you.
Yours in a balanced East Vincent Township,
The Informed East Vincent Residents Group
www.informedeastvincentresidents@gmail.com
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Update Board of Supervisors Meeting February 4, 2009

The Bid of $212,150 was accepted last evening for the roof and cornice restoration of the Parkerford Tavern. Chairman Funk and Vice-Chair McNeil approved utilizing $130,000 in taxpayer dollars for the roof restoration. East Vincent Township also received a $90.000 grant towards the Parkerford Tavern roof restoration.

East Vincent Township has officially become the "lead municipality" for Northern Federation Grants. The Northern Federation is the largest active planning group in Chester County, and it's goal is to provide regionally consistent recommendations and actions for the identification and protection of the Region's Natural, Historic, Scenic, Agricultural and Recreational Resources. Townships involved in the Northern Federation include East Vincent, East Coventry, East Nantmeal, East Pikeland, North Coventry, South Coventry, Wallace, Warwick and West Vincent. East Vincent Township's role as the "lead municipality" for Northern Federation Grants involves East Vincent Township Taxpayers fronting the money for any grant requests of the Northern Federation by utilizing any funds available in the East Vincent Township budget. Once the grant application is approved and the 247 reviewed, the East Vincent Township Taxpayer will then be reimbursed. Again, Chairman Funk and Vice-Chair McNeil have approved spending more taxpayer dollars on more Northern Federation requests. Out of the nine members of the Northern Federation Region, East Vincent Taxpayers will be solely responsible for fronting the money for any upcoming grants. Northern Federation Chairman, Charles Jacob; East Vincent Township Vice-Chair and East Vincent Township Northern Federation member, Christine McNeil; and East Vincent Township Manager, Ms. Flagg will be the signatories.

Chairman Funk shared his experience observing the SWAT Team. Mr. Funk was impressed with these professionals and believes having a SWAT Team is worthwhile.

Mr. Harry Tucci is now East Vincent Township's new Emergency Management Coordinator. Congratulations Mr. Tucci!

Congratulations to East Vincent Township on the Standard and Poor's Municipal Bond Rating of Double A! This rating, according to Micheal Wolfe of Boenning and Scattergood, is fabulous and quite an achievement for a community of our size.

Congratulations to Mr. Paul Schmidt, East Vincent Township Building Inspector, who was recognized for his dedication in assisting the Spring Hollow Country Club with their recent addition. The owner invited Mr. Schmidt to cut the ribbon celebrating the new addition. Thank you Vice-Chair McNeil for sharing this with the residents in attendance.

Reminder: The Transfer of Development Rights/Open Space Design Option Ordinance Amendment (TDR/OSDO), Residential Density Multiplier (RDM) Public Workshop Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. in the East Vincent Township Municipal Building located at 262 Ridge Road. Please be sure to attend this public workshop meeting to provide input about any questions or concerns you may have about this ordinance amendment which utilizes the density multiplier.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have at informedeastvincentresidents@gmail.com

Yours in a balanced East Vincent Township,
The Informed East Vincent Residents Group