FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Hearing for the Amendment to the

Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance

July 15, 2004

 

 

ROLL CALL

Present were Supervisors Ed Balsavage, Naomi Decker, Larry Lambert, Don Lerew, John Shambaugh, Secretary Linda Hansen.  Visitors included: Rodney Decker, Art Bert, Allen Hoffman, Peg Williams, Keith Miller, Ted Pesano, Cynthia Jones, Robert Grace, Patrick Hephner.

 

ORDER OF BUSINESS

Chairman Ed Balsavage opened the hearing with comments from the floor at 6:30 p.m.  Ted Pesano said he was in favor of the changes the township is proposing specifically larger lots. The township needs to be concerned with water supply, sewage, roads and other infrastructure. 

 

Rodney Decker stated the ordinance will not conserve land instead it will promote development since no provisions are made for density.  As currently written two dwelling units can be built on an acre and a half of land.

 

Art Bert asked for clarification of the proposed ordinance in regards to density. 

 

Keith Miller asked the Board to consider the comments of the planning commission.  The York County Planning Commission also opposes the changes of the 1000 feet sewer requirement.  The 4 acre lot size will not withstand any challenge.  He stated he talked to a lot of people and not one was in favor of a 4 acre minimum lot size.

 

Engineer Tim Knoebel stated a feasibility study with a module may be a better option instead of the 1,000 feet requirement for sewer hook-up.

 

Naomi Decker said density has not been addressed.  Multi dwelling units need to be addressed.

 

Allen Hoffman stated with the proposed changes up to 6 duplex units can be put on a 4 acre lot.

 

Larry Lambert stated the density issue was missed.  This can be addressed in a separate amendment.

 

Ed Balsavage said he doesn’t feel there is a demand for duplex housing on 4 acre lots.

 

Cynthia Jones wanted to know if this ordinance provides open space by stating where houses can be placed on lots creating shared greenways.   Ed Balsavage said it did not.

 

Solicitor Schorpp advised if the ordinance is changed, action can not be taken until 10 days after advertisement of the proposed changes.

 

Keith Miller was concerned that 4 acre lots are too large to be properly maintained.  Patrick Hephner said he disagrees.  Four acre lots allow more space for growing trees which are desirable.

 

Solicitor Schorpp felt the ordinance is ambiguous to commercial as far as lot size is concerned.

 

Ray Knaub stated he is opposed to the 4 acres and thinks it is illegal.  This will not preserve farm land. Also since he lives on a private road he can not subdivide land for his children.  This ordinance is poorly thought out.

 

Naomi Decker stated the loop cul de sac needs to be addressed.  Previously one way in and one way out was required.  There is no restriction on the number of lots that can be put on a loop

cul-de- sac.

 

Don Lerew asked if you want to add on to your house and you do not have 4 acres, would you need to purchase land.   Solicitor Schorpp stated you would not have to buy additional land.

 

The public hearing was concluded at 6:55 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Linda J. Hansen

Secretary