Thursday, January 21, 2010

Update: East Vincent Planning Commission Meeting, January 19, 2010

Discussion last evening revolved largely around possible zoning changes. This discussion came about as a result of the workshop meeting between the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission which was held on December 14, 2009. The possibility of swapping the PO/GI (professional office and light industrial) districts to the Pennhurst Property, and moving the LR (light residential) district to the Jones Motor location, was initially suggested at this workshop meeting.

Ryan Costello, attorney for the Pennhurst Property owner, spoke to the Planning Commission (PC) about rezoning the Route 724 Corridor. He was requesting input and opinions from the PC about a possible rezoning; swapping the PO/GI district at Jones Motor, with the LR district of the Pennhurst site. Mr. Costello read the PO/GI ordinances and mentioned different uses allowed in this zoning. PC member Dr. Schwartz acknowledged that the "PO/GI district is a 'white elephant' due to it's size and is the largest of all the municipalities in the [Phoenixville Planning] region." He mentioned that "we [East Vincent Township] don't have to have a place for all of these uses," [PO/GI district]. Mr. Costello reminded the PC that the Phoenixville Regional Plan saw the PO/GI district in East Vincent Township as an incentive EVT had for the [Phoenixville] region. Dr. Schwartz would like to see mixed-use development at the Pennhurst site instead. He would like to see the light rail line come through as a means of transportation to and from the Pennhurst site. Dr. Schwartz commented that mixed-use development is very high in traffic and he didn't see the Jones Motor property and its surrounding roads capable of handling the traffic of a mixed-used development. Mr. Costello mentioned a cargo rail line that is in the Pennhurst area which could also be used to transport cargo to and from the Pennhurst site, therefore easing traffic concerns of a PO/GI use.

Mr. Costello suggested that if EVT were to allow for mixed-use on the Jones Motor site, the lands closer to West Bridge Street and Stoney Run Road could remain open space or used for farming---which would maintain the rural character of that area. If the zoning were to remain "as is", the Windgates and surrounding homes may eventually look out and see industrial use directly across from their developments. "A live, work and play" use at Jones Motor is the idea Mr. Costello was expressing.

Chairperson Adams commented that she would like to see Pennhurst as a mixed-use development and also suggested reducing the PO/GI tract along the Rt. 724 Corridor. Chairperson Adams would like to see an "Eagleview" type of development at the Pennhurst site. Mrs. Milito agreed with Chairperson Adams and Dr. Schwartz. Mrs. Milito would like to see the reduction of the PO/GI district so it doesn't have to go to Pennhurst. Mr. Costello mentioned that the PO/GI can be reduced at Pennhurst also.

PC member Lawson MacCartney stated that "our colleagues in Spring City don't want traffic to Pennhurst." PC Member Todd Bereda said "we need good uses to get people to stop in Spring City. If there is a good use at Pennhurst, this will give people a reason to stop." Spring City Borough Council Member, Jim Burns, mentioned that he lives off Church Street (one of the access point to the Pennhurst site) and he doesn't want to see the traffic. Dr. Schwartz said "we need a creative way of traffic flow".

Supervisor McNeil mentioned the Community Design Collaborative grant for the Pennhurst site. Mr. Costello is going to find out more about this.


The Planning Commission will host a working meeting with Mr. Costello, his client and the Spring City Borough, to continue to review the Rt. 724 Corridor and the possibility of rezoning.

Another issue regarding an amendment to the Open Space Design Option (OSDO) was discussed. Planner Ray Ott provided a document to the PC suggesting the reduction of the multiplier in the AP/RC (agricultural preservation and rural conservation) districts. Mr. Ott was scheduled to present his information but did not attend the meeting. Dr. Schwartz suggested reducing the multipliers more than Mr. Ott considered, or to get rid of the OSDO completely. He mentioned that the Phoenixville Regional Plan calls for East Vincent Township to have less density (number of homes). PC Member Bereda asked if the density is reduced in the AP/RC districts, how will this affect the LR, MR and HR (light, medium and high residential) districts? Will these districts have to increase density? Vice-Chair Herron had the same concern. Mrs. Milito suggested making a motion to approve Mr. Ott's cover letter which provided documentation regarding the the reduction of the multipliers in the AP/RC district. The rest of the PC did not want to take action due to questions pertaining to the information on the inside of Mr. Ott's document.

An amendment to the Open Space Map was approved by the Planning Commission and allows for more open space south of the PECO power lines. This particular open space addition to the map is located south of Rt. 23. This amendment to the Open Space Map will go to the Board of Supervisors.

The Planning Commission has no objections to the proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance in the Borough of Phoenixville. This proposed ordinance allows for a multi-residential district (townhouses) on a reduced tract of 5 acres. This proposal will now move forward to the Board of Supervisors.

The Board of Supervisors' meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.

Please continue to contact us with any questions about issues or proposals affecting our township.
Thank you and have a nice day!
The Informed East Vincent Residents Group
www.informedeastvincentresidents.blogspot.com
informedeastvincentresidents@gmail.com

Monday, January 18, 2010

East Vincent Township Planning Commission Meeting, January, 19, 2010 at 7:00 P.M.

The next East Vincent Township Planning Commission Meeting is tomorrow, Tuesday,
January 19, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. in the East Vincent Township Municipal Building, located at 262 Ridge Road.

The agenda for this meeting can be found at http://www.eastvincent.org/. Click on "Current Agenda" to view this agenda.

Amendments to the Open Space Map, Route 724 Corridor Rezoning and an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance by the Borough of Phoenixville, are on this agenda.

Please continue to contact us with any questions you may have about issues or proposals affecting our township.
Thank you,
The Informed East Vincent Residents Group
http://www.informedeastvincentresidents.blogspot.com/
informedeastvincentresidents@gmail.com