Damascus planners propose new subdivision method

By TOM KANE

DAMASCUS, PA — The Damascus Township Planning Board proposed the adoption of a new subdivision procedure called conservation subdivision at a public hearing on Thursday, January 6 called by the Township Board of Supervisors.

The planning board, which has no authority of its own, makes proposals to the supervisors who exercise the power.

The planning board has been working on the proposal since March 2003. If adopted, the procedure would be optional.

One of the advantages of the conservation subdivision is that it provides a way to preserve open space, according to Ernie Matern, planning board chairman.

At the outset of the meeting, Matern set forth the motivation for the board’s action in suggesting the new subdivision procedure.

“We could be faced with a very large subdivision if the owner of the Farmstead Village comes forward in the near future,” he said. “We must be better prepared for such an eventuality than we are now.”

Farmstead Village, which is an extensive redevelopment project in Tyler Hill of 1,200 lots on 1,000 acres, was proposed and conditionally approved years ago by owner Fred Frankel. The project has been lying dormant but could be reintroduced at any time.

At the meeting, planners proposed additions to the list of conditional uses that could be included in a rural residential zone.

Wayne County Planning Reaction

The Wayne County Planning Department wrote two lengthy letters reacting to the proposed plan. The county voiced concern that the proposed amendments were very extensive and should be carefully examined.

“This is the typical style of application that could be expected in the suburban areas of Philadelphia and Pittsburg,” one letter said. “We suggest the supervisors carefully read these amendments and ask the consultant to clearly define the differences between the two scenarios. Most of these changes would be excessive for a typical ‘mom and pop’ subdivision in Damascus Township.”

“At future meetings, we will address the county’s comments in detail,” Matern said.

Comprehensive plan revision

“Why are you proposing a drastic measure like this before you have worked on a new comprehensive plan?” asked resident Gary Packer. “Shouldn’t that come first?”

“We intend to work on a new comprehensive plan very soon,” Matern said, “but we felt we had to act quickly over the possibility of Farmstead Village happening.”

The township comprehensive plan has not been reexamined for 10 years, Gager said.

“It’s time that we did it because things have changed a lot.”

Packer urged the township board to examine the proposal closely since it could cause a financial loss to the township.

Why in rural residential?

Ellen Bay, a resident who has attended most of the planning work sessions asked why the additions to the conditional use list were placed in a rural residential zone.

“Why are such uses as an airport, a detention facility, a race track, power plant, solid waste facilities, zoos and menageries, a treatment center and a wind farm in a rural residential zone?” she asked. “Shouldn’t these be placed in the industrial zone or the neighborhood commercial zone?”

“The Pennsylvania Municipal Code directs that we must allow these conditional uses to occur somewhere in the township,” Matern said. “Exactly which zone they should be in is something that can be settled at future meetings.”

The township board will hold additional public hearings on the subject, according to the township board chairman Bill Gager.