Mrs. Beasley seconded and the motion passed 7-0.

Promenade at Sycamore Street – Preliminary/Final Plan: Attorney Ed Murphy presented a plan for land development for this proposed development of 1.96 acres for six retail stores and 25 residential condominiums with associated parking and stormwater facilities in the TC Town Commercial Zoning District. Revisions to the plan had been made to comply with the suggestions made at the preliminary review of September 29, 2009.

Mr. Murphy noted that since the September 9 meeting, the architects have met with HARB and have begun to make façade changes with the goal of receiving a favorable recommendation from HARB for a certificate of appropriateness.

Karl Janetka of Van Cleef Engineering said that he has spoken with Ms. Fountain about her review letter dated October 12, 2009. The applicant will comply with that review. At the last review, Mr. Sensibaugh had made some suggestions for connecting the stormwater discharge pipe in such a way as to avoid additional disruption to Sycamore Street. Those suggestions have been incorporated into the revised plan.

Resident Vince Lombardi said that the street will still need to be opened at different points for water and sanitary sewer connections. He pointed out that all materials must be replaced “in kind and in quality.”

Mr. Fidler said that he has some concern about back flow into the underground detention facility.

Ms. Fountain discussed the emergency spillway provided. She agreed with Mr. Janetka that the chance of back flow is extremely remote.

Ms. Fountain said that the underground garage has some parking spaces that are being allocated to the retail uses. She asked how patrons would be made aware of this additional parking.

Mr. Murphy said that the underground parking would be accessed with a key system. The residents of the residential units would be assigned these parking spaces. The extra 18 spaces would be for employees of the retail spaces; retail managers would be given the access keys.

Mr. Wind asked whether the residents would be assigned specific parking spaces.

Mr. Murphy said the spaces would be numbered and each unit would be allocated two spaces.

Ms. Fountain asked about the construction easement with the Church.

Mr. Murphy said that he has spoken to representatives of the Church. The garden will be re-landscaped. The existing garden will be included in the easement.

Mr. Janetka reviewed the need for an additional waiver from Section 522.4.A, for a slope of 3:1. He said that this would eliminate the retaining wall. It would be stabilized with landscaping plants and grass.

Mrs. Beasley asked about the steps leading to the Church.

Landscape Architect Scott Mill said that a walkway and garden path would lead from the stairs to the entry to the Church. The steps will be replaced and the garden is being modified at the request of the Church to be less formal. An irrigation system is being installed.

Mr. Fidler suggested that any plants to be transplanted into the new garden be in the care of a horticulturalist until construction is complete.

Mr. Mill agreed to make such arrangements.

Mrs. Beasley noted that portions of an older cemetery are still at the rear of the Church and must also be considered when planning for renovations to the Church gardens.

Mr. Sensibaugh pointed out a tree planned for the parking area, near the garage ramp and loading area. He said that he has some concern that a tree at this location would interfere with sight distances.

Mr. Mill said that a honey locust tree is planned; its branches would be high and would not interfere with views. If it were not planted a waiver would be needed.

Mr. Whartenby mentioned that the root system for a tree at this location could also be a problem. He agreed that perhaps it should be eliminated.

The members agreed that a waiver should be granted, however the tree should be planted elsewhere in the Township.

In response to questions from the members about emergency access to the garage, Architect Peter Stampfl reviewed the locations of stairs and elevators. Each side of the Promenade archway will have an elevator and stairwell. Both elevators will go to the underground garage. Both are large enough to accommodate emergency equipment, including a gurney.

Mr. Whartenby asked about downspouts and trench drains for the stormwater management system.

Ms. Fountain said that the applicant will comply with her review of stormwater management. The system detains 75% of pre-development run off as required by the Ordinance.

Ms. Fountain noted that a “mon well” appears on sheet four of the plans. The purpose should be verified and it should be verified that it can be removed.

Mr. Murphy said that this is being researched.

Mr. Fidler said that he has some concerns about sewer service; the Sewer Authority will calculate the needed EDU’s for 25 residential units, but the manifold system might not be adequate.

Mr. Janetka said that a submission to Gannet Fleming has been made; details are being worked on.

The Commission discussed traffic concerns, suggesting perhaps including a “right on red” for the intersection of Jefferson with Sycamore Street or restricting left turns from Jefferson Street onto Sycamore.

Joe DeSantis of McMahon Associates, reviewed some of the concerns. He indicated that the applicant will comply with the review of Carroll Engineering. He did not recommend allowing right on red at Jefferson Street because signage and shrubbery interfere with sight distances. He suggested instead to provide more green time to Jefferson to help alleviate back-ups. He said that it might be helpful to ban left turns from Jefferson onto Sycamore Street. He urged the Commission to first adjust the timing of the traffic light, then re-evaluate the traffic before eliminating the left turn.

Mr. DeSantis said that in discussing the traffic report with the Newtown Borough Traffic Engineer, they had considered making Jefferson a one way street, but they agreed that this might burden the other intersections, particularly Washington Avenue.

The Commission discussed restricting left turns from Jefferson onto Sycamore Street only during peak hours.

Mr. DeSantis said that this might be helpful with appropriate signage.
Mr. Brown noted that appropriate signage would also have to be placed in Newtown Borough.

Mr. Calabro asked if delayed green lights could help.

Mr. DeSantis said this was considered, but it did not benefit traffic flow.

Mrs. Beasley expressed some concern about eliminating the left turn. Motorists might then go straight into the Promenade to make a U-turn.

Mr. DeSantis said that local residents quickly learn and adapt to changed traffic patterns. This might only be an issue for a short while.

Mr. Fidler said that it is important that any possible solutions to traffic concerns be part of the approval, even it they are to be implemented after completion of the project.

Mr. Stampfl reviewed discussions held with HARB about the exterior design of the project. HARB had favored different, more muted colors. HARB has recommended some changed balcony railings and roof details and dormer changes as well as some changes to the retail facades. The overall changes make for a more Victorian appearance.

HARB member Harriet Beckert confirmed that HARB is recommending that the Board grant a certificate of appropriateness with certain conditions. The applicant has agreed to comply with those conditions.

The Commission discussed the possibility that blasting could be necessary if rock is found during excavation.

Mr. Murphy said that a baseline study on the Church property will be done. A certificate of insurance will be issued.

Mr. Boyle said that there is a blasting permit process with the EMS department.

Ms. Fountain said there is also a formal insurance procedure.

Mrs. Beasley expressed some concern that all of the various procedures and processes might not be good enough, as the Church is a very old historic property.

Mr. Fidler agreed that perhaps the Township should put certain provisions into place to protect properties in the Historic District.

(Mr. Fisher arrived at this point.)

Mr. Sensibaugh moved to recommend that the Board of Supervisors grant preliminary/final land development approval to the Promenade at Sycamore Street, being known as Bucks County Tax Parcel No. 29-10-7 prepared by Van Cleef Engineering, dated July 24, 2009, last revised October 6, 2009, subject to the following conditions, all of which the Applicant has agreed to:

1. Prior to the signing of the Final Plan and its recordation, and subject to the variances granted and waivers secured, the Plan shall be revised to comply with the following professional consultants’ review letters:

A. October 12, 2009, review letter from CKS Engineers, except for the

following comments which shall be resolved as indicated:

• Zoning issues: With respect to page 3, item 11, 18 additional parking spaces in the parking garage shall be dedicated for use by employees of the retail facilities in the development, only accessible by a security mechanism, key or card.
• Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, with the comment that paragraph 12 are waiver requests.
• Grading, storm water management/storm drainage and erosion and sedimentation control, with the comment that recommendation number 23 on page 8 is removed.
• The Applicant shall execute an appropriate agreement and easement with the Newtown Presbyterian Church for construction neasements and garden plans, and with the Newtown Ambulance Squad for construction easements.
• The Applicant shall remove the proposed tree in the parking lot, located at or near the delivery dock, which shall be donated to Newtown Township for planting elsewhere, with the comment that the appropriate subdivision and land development ordinance waiver should be granted to effect this condition.

B. October 9, 2009 review letter from Carroll Engineering except for the

following comment which shall be resolved as follows:

• The Applicant agrees that, if determined by Newtown Township that the left-hand turn from Jefferson Street west onto Sycamore Street southbound should be eliminated, after the completion of the project, it will comply, at its expense, with that recommendation.

C. September 2, 2009 review letter from the Bucks County Planning Commission.

D. October 7, 2009 review letter from the Newtown Emergency Services Department.

2. The Applicant shall comply with all terms and conditions of the variances granted by the Newtown Township Zoning Hearing Board on July 2, 2009.

3. The Applicant shall supply all permits required by all Township, County, State and Federal governmental agencies.

4. The Applicant shall supply and execute all development and financial security documents in a form satisfactory to the Township Solicitor.

5. The Applicant shall provide a will serve or appropriate agreement from the appropriate water and sewer authorities confirming the availability of public water and public sewer to the project.

6. The Applicant shall provide an adequate letter from the Bucks County

Conservation District as to erosion and sediment control.

7. All lighting shall comply with all Township Ordinances (except to the extent any waivers or variances have been granted) and no glare shall extend onto adjoining properties and a note shall be added to the plan so indicating.

8. The Applicant shall comply with all storm water management ordinances and the Township Engineer recommendations and the Applicant shall execute a storm water management agreement in a form acceptable to the Township’s professionals.

9. No Use shall be permitted which is noxious or offensive to the immediate area by reason of odor, dust, smoke, gas, vibration, illumination or noise or which constitutes a public hazard by fire, explosion or otherwise and a note shall be added to the Plan so indicating.

10. If applicable, the Applicant shall pay a traffic impact fee pursuant to the schedule of fees of Newtown Township and as assessed by the township traffic engineer.

11. Applicant shall execute a declaration of unilateral restrictions and covenants as it relates to the notes on the Plan, which Declaration will be filed contemporaneously with the final plans.

12. Applicant shall pay all review and professional fees incurred by the Township in connection with all prior reviews and reviews in connection with this approval as required under the Township SALDO and its applicable rate structure.

13. Developer shall provide sufficient landscape buffering so as to preclude headlights from impinging upon nearby intersections.

14. All signs shall be subject to and comply with Township sign ordinances and shall only be placed after securing any and all permits from the Township.

15. A fee in lieu of dedication of park and open space area shall be paid in accordance with the Township Fee Schedule.

16. The property shall be ADA compliant.

The following waiver requests were recommended for approval:

• Section 402.1.A – to provide plans at a scale of 1’ = 20’ in lieu of 1” = 50’ or 1” = 100’.
• Section 402.3.B – to provide the location of property lines and names and owners within 400 feet of any part of the land developed.
• Section 402.3.C – to provide the location, size and names of owners of all significant manmade structures within 400 feet.
• Section 402.3.G – requiring location, identification and dimension of tree masses and tree count and girth of all trees greater than 15 inches. (The Applicant noted that all trees are to be removed.)
• Section 514.2 – all off-street parking areas in commercial and industrial zones shall be located to the side and rear of buildings. Parking is proposed underground.
• Section 514.5 – requiring a minimum width of parking islands of 10 feet.
• Section 514.9 – the edge of any parking area shall not be closer than 20 feet to the outside wall of the nearest building.
• Section 514.11 – no less than a five foot radius of curvature shall be permitted from all curb lines in a parking area.
• Section 522.6.D – to require stormwater management be placed within the right-of-way, parallel to the roadway, and shall be designed as a combination storm sewer and under drain when located in the undedicated land. They shall be placed within an easement not less than twenty feet wide as approved by the Township Engineer.
• Section 522.9.D.1 – to provide a minimum drop of two inches in the inlet between the closest inlet pipe invert elevation and the outlet pipe invert elevation.
• Section 522.9.D.4.b – to require a 95% efficiency for Type C inlets if 100% is not practical.
• Section 529.2.B – all subdivisions and land developments shall be laid out in such manner as to preserve the healthy trees and shrubs on site.
• Section 529-4.D – parking areas of a 20 vehicle width shall be separated from one another by planting strips not less than 10 feet wide.
• Section 429-4-E – all parking areas shall have at least one tree of one and one half inch caliper minimum for every five parking spaces in single bays and one tree of one and one half inch caliper minimum for every ten parking spaces in double bays. A minimum of 10% of any parking lot facility over 2,000 square feet in gross area shall be devoted to landscaping, inclusive of required trees. This requirement has been met for the at-grade parking, but not for underground parking. If applicable, a fee in lieu shall be paid in accordance with the Township fee schedule or the required planting shall occur elsewhere within the Township, as determined by the Board of Supervisors.
• Section 530.3.D – street trees shall not be closer than six feet from the edge of any sidewalk or curb or fifteen feet from any overhead utility or two or more story building.
• Section 522.4.A, to allow a slope of 3:1 along the property’s western boundary line and a portion of its southern boundary line to be planted with shrubs and grass to stabilize the slope as depicted on the preliminary/final plan reviewed.

Mr. Whartenby seconded.

Discussion of motion: Mrs. Beasley said that there had been no discussion of lighting.

Mr. Mill said that lighting is shown on the plan. It is shielded to prevent glare into the residential units. Lights on the retail business signs would be part of each retail unit’s conditional use approval.

Mr. Fidler said that he is very please that the applicant has worked with the Commission and with the concerned residents. He is eager to see this project move forward to the Board of Supervisors. He said that he would urge the applicant to revise the plans to comply with the review, rather than present a long list of “will complies” to the Supervisors.

Mr. Bolla said that he was very impressed with the Planning Commission’s knowledge and the work they have done.

The motion passed 7-0-1, with Mr. Fisher abstaining.

Liaison Reports

Mr. Fidler suggested that the reports be tabled due to the late hour.

Old Business/New Business

Mr. Fidler reminded the members that the November 3, 2009 meeting would be canceled because of election day.

Mr. Fidler announced that the Board of Supervisors had approved a proposal by Lynn Bush of the Bucks County Planning Commission to work with the Commission and Board on plans for a vision for Sycamore Street.

Mr. Fidler reminded the members that he would not be available for the next Board of Supervisors meeting. Mrs. Beasley and Mr. Whartenby would report to the Supervisors on this evening’s meeting.

Mrs. Beasley moved to adjourn at 10:45 PM. Mr. Wind seconded and the motion passed 8-0.

Respectfully Submitted:

Mary Donaldson, Recording Secretary