MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

MINUTES: Regular Monthly Board Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 2017 Approved: March 8, 2017

BOARD MEMBERS ATTENDING: Steven Kline, Chair; Dulcie Flaharty, V-Chair; Robert Blue; David Cohen; Jill Blumhardt; John West; Scott Exley

STAFF ATTENDING: Jody Holton; Matt Edmond; John Cover; Scott France; Dan Farina; Danielle Weiden; Margaret Dobbs; Brian Olszak; Karina Caddick; Tiffany O’Neill, Executive Director of the MCDC; Narisa Sasitorn, Solicitor; Janet Galati, Commerce Department

PRESS: Peggy Gibbons, The Intelligencer

GUESTS: Andrew Svekla, Senior Planning & Design Analyst, DVRPC

I. Call to Order / Board Comments

Steven Kline called the board meeting to order. Mr. Kline mentioned that he attended the second meeting for the Bike Montco Steering Committee. Several staff members were in attendance and it was a very successful meeting. A new video was introduced with Michael Stokes.

Mr. Kline introduced Tiffany O’Neill, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Development Corporation (MCDC). She will be collaborating with planning commission staff on economic development initiatives.

II. Minutes of January 11, 2017

The minutes from the January 11, 2017 regular Board meeting were approved by the Board.

Motion: To approve the January 11, 2017 Board minutes, by Ms. Flaharty, seconded by Mr. Cohen, and approved by all present.

III. Public Comment None

IV. Montco 2040: Land Use Vision DVRPC – Transit Oriented Development in the Region Presenter: Matt Edmond, Guest: Andrew Svekla, Senior Planning & Design Analyst, DVRPC

Matt Edmond introduced Andrew Svekla from DVRPC who has been working on a study that looks at every rail station in our region and identifies the best opportunities for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).

Andrew Svekla spoke about a new DVRPC study. He began by defining a TOD as a way of developing vibrant neighborhoods around high quality transit stations. He discussed the role that transit plays in promoting growth and development within a community and described the changing housing preferences in our region. He explained the regional benefits of TOD, ways to evaluate the effectiveness of TOD and developing a strategy for encouraging a TOD. The potential benefits for a TOD includes decreasing the vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions; increasing housing options; reducing household transportation expenses; and increasing transit users and thus fare revenue. Mr. MCPC Board Minutes -2- February 8, 2017

Svekla provided examples of TOD developments that are evident within our county in Ambler, Hatboro and Lansdale. He provided three reasons why TOD’s make sense for our region. The first is to accommodate for future population increases, the second is to respond to an increased demand for less car-dependent lifestyles and finally to provide for a responsible way to manage growth and development and protect natural resources. Mr. Svekla provided an overview of the process for the study that was performed. They were tasked with reviewing 300+ stations to define the stations where growth and investment would be achievable with vacant or underutilized land, walkability, frequency of transit service, zoning, and other indicators. The target audience for the study is county officials, developers, municipal officials and those who would be making the local land use decisions. There were a total of 162 stations selected for the study with 28 in Montgomery County. The county and local officials could use the study to focus public investment and provide better access to transit for bicyclists and pedestrians; new station upgrades, economic development initiatives, and transit operations improvements for SEPTA.

V. Montco 2040: Vibrant Economy: MCPC Station Area Planning Services and TRID Legislation Amendment Update Presenter: Matt Edmond and John Cover

Matt Edmond presented a summary of the Transit Revitalization Improvement District (TRID) and the recent changes to the law. The creation of a TRID is allowed under state legislation, and enables Tax Increment Financing (TIF) around a transit station to finance public improvements. It creates a tool for encouraging Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). The TRID law was passed in 2004 and later amended in November 2016. There are three phases to creating a TRID: the Planning stage, the Management Entity stage and the Implementation stage. Currently, there are six TRID planning studies that have been completed in our region. However, none of them have gone further than the planning stage. Montgomery County has three TRID’s that are in the planning stage in Abington, Ambler and Lower Merion (Bryn Mawr). There are many obstacles that prevent TRID’s from reaching the Implementation Stage. Some of the obstacles include the inability to attract private investment and finance improvements; taxing bodies cannot agree on a value capture rate; and the lack of staff for creating the Management Entity. Changes to the TRID legislation are intended to overcome these obstacles. This includes expanding the boundary from ½ mile to ¾ mile. “Management Entity” replaces the Municipal Authority and allows for more entities to implement the public improvements. It also extends the timeframe for improvements by 10 years to 2035. The new legislation removed the $75,000 cap for TRID study grants and provides for a new grant program. In the new grant program, state sales taxes are transferred out of the General Fund; $350,000 each for 20 years for approved TRID. This funding can be used to borrow against. It also requires a 33% match from a private or public partner. The DCED is expected to issue further guidance on these changes and instructions on how to apply for the state grant program this Spring.

VI. Worcester Planning Assistance Contract - Action Presenter: John Cover

John Cover requested that the Board approve the Planning Assistance Contract for Worcester Township. This contract will include providing assistance on general services and flexible assistance. The three year contract will run from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019. The contract will include 2 planner days per month; 10 night meetings per year for a total cost of $59,073.00 with a municipal share of $29,536.50.

Motion: To approve the Worcester Township Planning Assistance Contract, by Mr. Blue, seconded by Ms. Blumhardt, and approved by all present.

VII. Bike Montco Plan - Action Presenter: Matt Edmond

Matt Edmond requested that the Board approve the TCDI Grant Contract with DVRPC. The Planning Commission will use the grant funds to hire an engineering firm. The engineering firm will provide assistance for the four case studies of the Bike Montco Plan. Their services will include providing recommendations as well as to provide cost estimates for the project. The TCDI grant is $30,000 with a $7,500 MCPC in-kind service share to work on the plan.

MCPC Board Minutes -3- February 8, 2017

Motion: To approve the TCDI Grant Contract with DVRPC, by Mr. Exley, seconded by Mr. Cohen, and approved by all present.

VIII. 2016 Annual Development Summary Presenter: Scott France, Dan Farina

Scott France presented an overview of the 2016 Annual Development Summary. This report documents all the proposals for subdivision, land development, zoning ordinances and map amendments that the planning commission received. The total number of proposal submissions for 2016 was 412, which was slightly lower than the 478 submitted in 2015. Of the 412 proposals received, 190 were for new development. The number of submissions can be used as a measure of development activity in the County, and these numbers confirm that the economy continues to see consistent activity in development. Mr. France also noted that the amount of average acreage proposed for development over the last four years (1,409 acres) is triple that of what was seen during the post-recession recovery (567 acres). Daniel Farina spoke about residential and non-residential categories of development and stated that there were 3,805 units proposed in 2016 and explained that this continues the recovery since the recession. These numbers are similar to what was experienced back in the 1990’s. The report shows that there is increased demand for denser housing types and mixed-use infill. Also, over the last six years there has been increased interest in multifamily housing. The number of single family attached housing units increased, while single family detached units decreased. Mr. France concluded that 2016 development activity essentially matches the post-recession peak values seen since 2012. While total submissions were down for the year, residential units and nonresidential construction continued to reflect a strong recovery in Montgomery County. Residential proposals were historically strong with 1,500 more units in 2016 than the annual average over the last 10 years. Multifamily apartment projects continue to draw interest and lead the residential types in 2016. Nonresidential square footage proposals increased slightly to its highest total since 2008. Office and institutional were at the highest they have been in at least 7 years. The Montco 2040 Comprehensive Plan guides us in our reviews of these plans – many of the major plans are consistent with county goals because they locate infill and redevelopment where infrastructure already exists and we are seeing a greater mix of uses around employment centers. With the improving economy, greater investment in infrastructure, and a reinvention of some traditional suburban development types we should see growth continue.

IX. Montco 2040: Sustainable Places: Farmland Preservation Program 2016 Annual Summary Presenter: Danielle Weiden

Danielle Weiden provided the board with a summary of the Farmland Preservation Program. The program began in 1990 in Montgomery County under PA Act 43 of 1981. The program allows for the purchase of agricultural easements. This guarantees that the farm must be used for agriculture and could never be developed for another use. The farm owners apply for the program and, if accepted, are paid for the value of the development rights. The farmer continues to own the land and can sell the farm at any time, but the land must continue to be used for agriculture. The farmland preservation program is mainly funded by the State and County. Some municipalities contribute in preserving farms. Ms. Weiden distributed to the board a copy of the 2016 Farmland Preservation Summary which details the preserved farms by year since the beginning of the program. There are currently 158 permanently preserved farms in Montgomery County with over 9,200 acres. As described in the Montco 2040 comprehensive plan, it is a goal of Montgomery County to preserve farms and support their role in our county’s economy.

X. Douglass Township Contract Presentation Presenter: Margaret Dobbs

Margaret Dobbs presented an overview of the planning assistance contract for Douglass Township. Douglass Township is 15.4 square miles and is located on the western edge of Montgomery County. Ms. Dobbs provided an overview of the demographic data, local government and reviewed the current land use and zoning maps. The township is a predominantly rural community that encourages farmland preservation and open space in the northern half of the Township. There are currently 43 farms (3,067 acres) that are part of the Farmland Preservation program. Future development is directed to existing communities in the lower half of the Township, especially along the Route 100 corridor.

MCPC Board Minutes -4- February 8, 2017

Completed work items from the previous contract include an update to the Land Use Assumptions for Act 209; a Montco2040 grant application for a green parking lot retrofit; a Riparian Corridor Conservation Ordinance; and an update to the Floodplain Ordinance. The new contract work will include updates to the Zoning code and SALDO to promote sustainability initiatives including Green Buildings and Lighting. The Township also wishes to continue to secure grant funding for continued improvements to Douglass Park and Gilbertsville streetscape based on recommendations from the Main Street Greenways Study as well as other projects identified in the 2012 Gilbertsville Revitalization Plan.

XI. Cheltenham Township Contract Presentation Presenter: Brian Olszak

Brian Olszak presented an overview of the planning assistance contract for Cheltenham Township. Cheltenham Township is the third most populous municipality in Montgomery County with an estimated 37,014 residents. Mr. Olszak provided an overview of the demographic data, local government, current land use and zoning maps. The township has commercial and business district areas in Glenside, downtown Elkins Park and Cheltenham Village. Cheltenham has two historic districts that are nationally listed and contains other historic properties such as Beth Sholom Synagogue, the and . There are also several higher education institutions that include , and Westminster Theological Seminary. There are over 300 acres of parks and open space in the township. The completed work items during the last contract included completing a Comprehensive Zoning Update draft, and a Fiscal Impact Analysis of the proposed MU3 Zoning District. The new contract will include final revisions and adopting of the comprehensive zoning ordinance draft; SALDO Update; a Comprehensive Plan Update; a Sustainability Plan Implementation and enhanced land development reviews.

XII. Director’s Report

1. Ms. Holton distributed a copy of the Planning Smarter Montco 2017 Brochure. These educational events are offered to municipal officials and the general public. The first event is the Keeping Farming Conference in Montgomery County on February 10th. Ms. Holton also highlighted the three planning courses that will be offered again this year. DVRPC and MCPC will be offering a three webinar series on walkability. There will be a walking tour in June of the mixed use development at the Village at Valley Forge. In October, we will release a new guidebook and host an event on Building Better Townhouse Communities. The Montgomery Awards will be celebrating its 50 year this year in November.

2. The Planning Commission will be updating and revising the brochures about the agency of the services that we provide. They include the general Planning Commission Brochure; School District Enrollment Projections; and Community Planning Assistance brochure.

3. The Planning Commission is working on a brochure with the Commerce Department for prospective and new businesses in the county. It highlights all the services that the County has to offer. Also, MCPC is working with Commerce on a guide and map of the industrial and business parks.

4. The Calendar of Events from February 8th to March 7th, 2017 was distributed for board review. Ms. Holton highlighted the Montgomery County Consortium of Communities Monthly Meeting in Whitpain Township. Scott France will be presenting to the group the Montco 2040 Grant program along with Janet Galati from Commerce who will describe other grants that are available. The MCATO Spring Convention is on February 24th and MCPC will have a table with information.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:00.

The next Board meeting will be on March 8, 2017 at 9:00 AM in the Planning Commission’s Office.