Centre Regional Planning Agency
2643 Gateway Drive, Suite #4 State College, PA 16801 Phone (814) 231-3050 www.crcog.net
CENTRE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Centre Region Council of Governments Office Building 2643 Gateway Drive
Thursday, September 3, 2020 4:00 p.m.
MEETING INFORMATION
Please refer to the links below to REGISTER to attend the meeting via Zoom and to LOCATE the agenda and attachments.
CLICK here to register to attend the meeting via Zoom After registering you will receive a confirmation e-mail from Centre Regional Planning Agency containing information about attending the meeting via Zoom.
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To attend this meeting via phone: +1 301 715 859 | Meeting ID: 873 3177 6234 | Passcode: 229568
Meeting Contact: Marcella Laird ([email protected] - 231-3050)
This meeting and the group chat will be recorded and both video and audio files of the meeting will be made available on the COG website upon its conclusion.
• We ask that non-voting participants remain muted with their video turned off unless recognized or are actively speaking. To reduce audio interference, please remain off speakerphone during the meeting.
• VOTING PROCEDURES: Members will provide their vote by voice. Clarification will be sought by the Chair if the vote is unclear. Members opposed to a motion should vote “No”.
• PUBLIC COMMENT GUIDELINES: Members of the public may comment on any items not already on the agenda (five minutes per person). Comments relating to specific items on the agenda should be deferred until that point in the meeting.
• To access agendas and minutes of previously held meetings, and to learn more about the COG General Forum on our website, please click HERE.
Serving the Townships of College, Ferguson, Halfmoon, Harris, Patton and the Borough of State College The Centre Region is a Bicycle Friendly CommunitySM Centre Regional Planning Commission September 3, 2020 Page 2 of 10
CENTRE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
Centre Region Council of Governments Office Building 2643 Gateway Drive
Thursday September 3, 2020 4:00 p.m.
As a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, this Centre Regional Planning Commission meeting will be held via video conference. Written public comment or requests to speak to the Centre Regional Planning Commission for items not on the agenda and for specific agenda items below may be submitted in advance by emailing [email protected]
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mr. Forziat will call the meeting to order. Ms. Laird will review the meeting procedures.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 6, 2020 meeting
3. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS – For items not on the agenda. Please e-mail comments in advance to [email protected]. Submitted comments will be read into the record by the CRPC Chair or Recording Secretary at the appropriate time during the meeting.
4. REGIONAL INTEREST ITEMS – Commission members will report on activities in their municipalities that may be of interest to CRPC members and the public.
5. CRPA ACTIVITY REPORT – Mr. May will report on items of interest from the CRPA Activity Report.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Vacation of Unnamed Alley between Sparrow Alley and 905 Robin Road – State College Borough
7. GUEST PRESENTATIONS
a. PSU Campus Master Plan Activities and Project Update – Neil Sullivan
Mr. Sullivan will update the CRPC members on campus master plan and planning and construction projects on campus. No staff report attached.
8. ACTION AGENDA
a. Amendment to Remove the Corridor Overlay Designation – College Township
b. Demolition Delay Ordinance – Harris Township
Centre Regional Planning Commission September 3, 2020 Page 3 of 10
9. POLICY AGENDA
a. Draft CRPA 2021 Budget – Centre Region
Mr. May will present the draft CRPA budget to CRPC members. No staff report attached.
10. COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS
a. Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) Report – Mr. Eich will report on recent activities of the CCMPO Coordinating Committee.
b. State College Borough Water Authority (SCBWA) Liaison’s Report – Mr. Rilk will report on recent activities of the SCBWA.
c. University Area Joint Authority (UAJA) Liaison’s Report – Mr. Rilk will report on recent activities of the UAJA.
d. Parks and Recreation Authority Report – Mr. May will report on recent activities of the Parks and Recreation Authority.
11. OTHER BUSINESS
a. Matter of Record – The CRPC will next meet on Thursday October 1, 2020 at 12:15 p.m. This meeting is scheduled as a joint meeting of the COG Transportation and Land Use (TLU) Committee and the CRPA. anticipated to be conducted via video conference. b. Matter of Record – At its August 10, 2020 meeting the State College Area School District Board approved the enclosed Sustainability Policy. The strategies identified in Policy 833 align with the climate action goals of the recently passed Resolution 2020-1. Partnerships throughout our community, such as with the school district and university, will be key to creating and implementing a successful climate action and adaptation plan. c. Matter of Record – Centre County Commissioners passed Resolution 17 of 2020 at its July 28, 2020 meeting to create the Centre County C-PACE Program countywide and identified Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF) as the program administrator. Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (C-PACE) is a financing program launched in PA in 2018 that provides businesses, agriculture interests, and non-profits access to low interest, long-term loans for clean energy and clean water projects that are repaid as property tax. To learn more about the program click this C-PACE Booklet link or visit the COG website (search for C- PACE). d. Matter of Record – Resolutions approving the Act 537 Plan Special Study for the Scott Road Pump Station and Bristol Avenue Interceptor have been completed by all six Centre Region municipalities. Staff will forward the resolutions to the Department of Environmental Protection for final approval.
Centre Regional Planning Commission September 3, 2020 Page 4 of 10 e. Matter of Record – The Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) has prepared the Draft Centre County Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) 2050. The new LRTP updates the current plan that was adopted in 2015 and updated in 2018. The LRTP documents current and future transportation needs, identifies long-term projects to meet those needs, and helps guide decision- making about transportation improvements in Centre County. The Draft LRTP 2050 and the 2020 Centre County Air Quality Conformity Determination Report is available for public review and comment during a 30-day period beginning Friday, August 14, 2020 and concluding at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2020. The documents are posted on the CCMPO’s website at www.ccmpo.net . The CCMPO will also hold a virtual public meeting to receive input about the Draft LRTP and Conformity Report on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. For information on how to join the public meeting, please contact Marcella Laird, Office Manager, at [email protected] or by calling 814-231-3050 and leaving a voicemail. The CCMPO Coordinating Committee will consider adopting the LRTP 2050 and Conformity Report at its virtual meeting scheduled for 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. For more information about the Draft LRTP 2050 and Air Quality Conformity Determination Report, contact Tom Zilla, Principal Transportation Planner, Centre Regional Planning Agency, 2643 Gateway Drive, Suite 4, State College, PA 16801; Phone: 814-231-3050 (leave a voicemail); Email: [email protected].
CENTRE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Thursday, August 6, 2020 4:00 p.m. Zoom Platform
CRPC Members Present: Amy Lorek Harris Township Ellen Taricani Ferguson Township Jon Eich State College Borough Andrew Meehan Halfmoon Township Ray Forziat College Township
Others Present: Jim May Centre Regional Planning Agency (CRPA) Mark Boeckel CRPA Pam Adams CRPA Nicole Pollock CRPA Corey Rilk CRPA Tom Zilla CRPA Trish Meek CRPA Greg Kausch CRPA Marcella Laird CRPA Lindsay Schoch College Township Principal Planner Kristin Aneckstein Ferguson Township Community Planner
1. CALL TO ORDER Mr. Forziat called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Due to the meeting being held via Zoom, Ms. Laird reviewed a few procedural items prior to the meeting getting underway. She explained that the meeting was being recorded by CNET, and the recording will be posted on the CNET website as well as the CRPA website and Facebook page. Ms. Laird went on to say that directives on how to locate the agenda, participate in, and attend this meeting were advertised in the Centre Daily Times and online. Ms. Laird took a roll call of the Commission members to ensure that they could both hear and be heard. Ms. Laird stated that she received no general public comments prior to the meeting.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion was made by Mr. Meehan and seconded by Ms. Lorek to approve the minutes of the June 4, 2020 CRPC meeting, as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
3. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS There were no citizens’ comments.
4. REGIONAL INTEREST ITEMS
a. College Township – Mr. Forziat reported that the Planning Commission had many discussions regarding the short-term rental ordinance, considering the COVID-19 Pandemic. Much of the discussion revolved around the permitting process, sanitation and cleaning, and the number of allowable consecutive nights as well as the number of allowable nights throughout the year. The Planning Commission also discussed the removal of the Corridor Overlay near Shiloh Road and the Nittany Mall down to College Gardens on East College Avenue. This overlay was adopted many years ago and contains restrictions regarding setbacks Centre Regional Planning Commission Minutes August 6, 2020 Page 2
and screenings. The Township felt that there were opportunities for redevelopment in this area; however, the Corridor Overlay seemed to be too restrictive. In addition, the Township is in the beginning stages of developing a Small Area Plan for the Shiloh Road and Nittany Mall area that would also incorporate components of the consulting project that was completed for the Nittany Mall area. The Township is creating a Steering Committee for the Small Area Plan, and the plan will help the Township form a new vision for development near the Nittany Mall. b. Ferguson Township – Ms. Taricani reported the Planning Commission met and discussed revisions to its Sign Ordinance. In addition, the Planning Commission revised its Chicken Ordinance to allow for ducks. This ordinance amendment has been forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for its review and approval. The Planning Commission also discussed its Affordable Housing Ordinance in great detail. Permitting and regulations for building affordable housing can be time consuming and difficult, so the Planning Commission has discussed ways to use redevelopment of vacant buildings as a way to increase affordable housing units. This is an ongoing discussion. c. Halfmoon Township – Mr. Meehan reported that recently, the Township amended its private road requirements, and due to the circumstances of a particular plan submission, the Planning Commission approved a waiver process that allows residents to apply to bypass the requirements of the private road ordinance. d. Harris Township – Ms. Lorek reported that the Planning Commission met and discussed a request to allow outdoor storage of vehicles in the Village Commercial District. Ms. Lorek explained that many automobile dealers are posting cars for sale online, but they need to have the cars to sell nearby; therefore, more parking spaces are needed to be able to sell the vehicles online. The Planning Commission also reviewed solar accessory ordinance regulations with the Board of Supervisors. In addition, the Planning Commission recommended approval of its Historic District Overlay Demolition Delay Ordinance to the Board of Supervisors for its review and approval. e. Patton Township – There was no report as Mr. Rater was not in attendance. f. State College Borough – Mr. Eich reported that the Planning Commission met with the State College Borough Transportation Commission in July to discuss the Borough’s Parking Study that included downtown and adjacent areas. There was discussion regarding policy issues about the utilization of public and private parking spaces now and in the future. Lastly, the Planning Commission met with the Borough Council and the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee to restart its discussion regarding the policy issues of density for downtown State College. g. Penn State University – There was no report as Mr. Sullivan was not in attendance.
5. CRPA ACTIVITY REPORT Mr. May stated that Ferguson Township has moved forward on the resolution supporting the Special Study Task Activity Report for the Scott Road Pump Station and Bristol Avenue Interceptor Project. College Township will consider action on this resolution tonight as well. The project is scheduled to be approved in August by all of the Centre Region municipalities. Mr. May communicated that the University Area Joint Authority (UAJA) has proposed a pilot solar project in the Centre Region. The UAJA plans to hire a third party contractor to finance solar panels for residential single-family units as well as the possibility of commercial and industrial buildings. The contractor would be supported through the UAJA, and the revenue from the project would go through the UAJA. This project would help the Centre Region meet its sustainability and comprehensive goals, as well as meet some of the emission reductions that the Climate Action and Adaption Plan will address. Mr. May reported that Meyer Dairy had a septic system failure and was cited by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). Meyer Dairy is currently using a pump and haul system to deliver its Centre Regional Planning Commission Minutes August 6, 2020 Page 3
sewage to the UAJA. Meyer Dairy plans to hook into the public sewer system, which is allowed by an exception of the Act 537 Plan, as long as Meyer Dairy does not expand its operations. Mr. May communicated that he and Mr. Rilk have a meeting with the Sourcewater Protection Project Management Team (SWP PMT) next week to discuss the Beneficial Reuse Service Area project that has been proposed by the UAJA. Many issues have been brought forward by the SWP PMT members, so this meeting will start to address the comments that have been made on this Task Activity Report. Mr. May communicated that CRPA staff continues to work in the office on a rotating schedule and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The Centre Region COG building is not open to the public yet. 6. CONSENT AGENDA a. Proposed Amendment to Keeping of Chickens and Ducks on Residential Zoned Properties – Ferguson Township b. Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Increase the Height of Signs in all Zoning Districts except Planned Commercial 1 (CP1) – State College Borough Motion was made by Ms. Lorek and seconded by Mr. Eich to recommend approval of the items on the Consent Agenda. The motion carried 5-0.
7. GUEST PRESENTATIONS There were no guest presentations.
8. ACTION AGENDA a. Proposed Curative Amendment for Adult Uses – College Township Mrs. Schoch provided a detailed presentation regarding the proposed changes to College Township’s Chapter 87 – Conditional Uses and Chapter 200 – Zoning. This change will create a new article in Chapter 87, adult business use and/or bottle club use, and completely remove Section 200-42, adult business and/or bottle club uses. An adult business use and/or bottle club use overlay will be created in place of the removed Section 200-42. The use will be changed in the use table from a permitted use by right to a conditional use, and the overlay will be added to the Zoning Map.
Mrs. Schoch provided a brief overview of how College Township has arrived at the Curative Amendment process. In January of 2020, College Township discovered that because of existing buffer requirements (1,000 feet from any residential use, residential district boundary, or any church or other place of worship, school, park, or premises licensed to sell alcoholic beverages) for adult business use and/or bottle club use, the use had been “zoned out.” The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) requires each municipality that enacts a zoning ordinance to provide for all legal uses. The Township was then aware that it was in violation of that section and that the ordinance was substantially invalid. Council took the required steps set forth in the MPC to begin the Curative Amendment process, which included acknowledging the invalidity, starting the 180-day process to “cure” the ordinance, and passing a resolution, which identified the deficiencies in the ordinance. Because of COVID-19 and the passing of Act 15 of 2020, the Township was allotted approximately 70 more days to act on this Curative Amendment.
Mrs. Schoch explained that staff proposed a few options to College Township Council, including utilizing the intergovernmental agreement already in place with Patton Township. Township staff approached the Patton Township Planning Commission requesting that the intergovernmental agreement be amended to include adult businesses as a commercial use provided in Patton Township. In return, College Township would permit, by right, gaming establishments, if it were ever proposed in Patton Township. Patton Township respectfully declined the request and staff moved forward with other options. Centre Regional Planning Commission Minutes August 6, 2020 Page 4
After more discussion between staff, Council, and the Planning Commission, it was ultimately decided that an overlay would be created to allow for this specific use. The buffer requirements would be removed, and the use would be contained within the overlay. The area in which the overlay is proposed generally falls within the area where the use would be permitted if the buffers were in place. Staff felt that the parcels that contain the former Macy’s property, the area between the former Macy’s and McDonalds, and the parcel where McDonalds exists currently would be an appropriate place. The overlay was attractive because the use can be established in this specific area, so if an incompatible use such as a church is proposed in the area, the church will be aware that they are moving to a zoning district in which adult businesses and bottle clubs are permitted. To take it one-step further, adult business use and/or bottle club use will become a conditional use. This will not only allow specific conditions applied to the use, but public notification and posting of the property would be required if the use is proposed.
Mrs. Schoch noted that this is just a stopgap until the Small Area Plan (in-progress) is prepared and implemented, recognizing that this overlay could possibly change as a result of the recommendations of the Small Area Plan.
The Commission had a detailed discussion and offered the following comments to College Township Council: • The Township should consider including gaming establishments in the proposed overlay district. There are uses that could potentially be established in the underlying zoning and in turn, push gaming establishments out as a permitted use. The Commission felt that gaming establishments in the overlay would be consistent with the Township’s previous willingness to consider gaming establishments in other areas of the Township.
Motion was made by Mr. Eich and seconded by Ms. Lorek to direct CRPA staff to prepare a comment letter and recommend College Township Council approve the proposed Curative Amendment. The motion carried 5-0.
9. POLICY AGENDA a. Regional and Local Land Use Issues and Responses to COVID-19 – Centre Region The CRPC received a report from Mr. May regarding long-term impacts and potential changes in the built environment, impacts on how the Region plans, and community engagement that COVID-19 Pandemic impacts could bring to the Centre Region.
Mr. May provided a brief summary of some of the municipal land use, zoning, and transportation actions that have been undertaken to respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Many of the actions are short-term, addressing immediate regulatory issues to assist small and large businesses with staying open for business, successfully conducting remote meetings, and accommodating projects in the land development review and approval processes. • College Township has taken a number actions to address immediate issues including issuing temporary permits for some uses (13 weeks); allowing outdoor seating in some restaurants; and working with Mount Nittany Medical Center to review vehicular circulation for COVID-19 testing on the Mount Nittany site. • Ferguson Township adopted Resolution 2020-18 establishing guidelines for flexible business support during COVID-19. • Harris Township passed Resolution 20-13 that suspends parking requirements in order to establish temporary guidelines and policies for the outdoor sales of food and merchandise during the COVID- 19 Pandemic. This resolution provides businesses with the ability to utilize outdoor areas, including Centre Regional Planning Commission Minutes August 6, 2020 Page 5
parking lots for commercial activities and dining with certain restrictions. The guidelines and policies established in the resolution are in effect until October 31, 2020 or until the resolution is repealed by the Township, whichever occurs first. • Patton Township has enacted several policies including: permitting temporary signs, having staff issue interim temporary use permits prior to Planning Commission and Board of Supervisor review, and working with businesses to make reasonable temporary changes on an individual basis. • The Borough of State College Planning Department has taken several actions regarding COVID-19. The Department created a Temporary Use Permit for Outdoor Commerce. This is for the life of the COVID-19 emergency declaration or one year, whichever is shorter. The permit allows for a temporary use of parking spaces and other areas on private property for outdoor commerce. o The Redevelopment Authority is offering a new Small Business Relief Loan program. Details are not completely finalized, but it will be a small loan amount made available to local Borough businesses with likely 20 full-time employees or less. The loan will be a three-year term with 0% interest. No payments will be required until September 2021. o The Public Works, Planning, and Parking Departments are all working with Stahl Sheaffer Engineering on design and PennDOT permitting requirements to explore removing a lane of parking on both College and Beaver Avenues in order to widen sidewalks. The long-term impacts of the global COVID-19 Pandemic are still being understood, but elected and appointed officials should begin thinking how this crisis could mark the physical, social, and economic conditions in the Centre Region. Many global impacts are well beyond local control, but the consequences are felt most noticeably at the local level.
Mr. May posed the following questions for initial discussion by CRPC members: 1. Should interim actions be transitioned to permanent solutions if they are successful and do no harm to the public good? Are there any other regulatory changes that could be implemented now? 2. How can planning professionals maintain equitable community engagement during planning processes that require community involvement? 3. What potential long-term impacts on the built environment should planners anticipate, and how will it impact the people who live here? 4. What are the potential long-term impacts on the way planners do their work and on the planning profession in general? 5. What fiscal impacts on municipalities can we anticipate, and how will they affect planning budgets specifically?
The CRPC members had a lengthy and detailed discussion regarding the following topics: • Transportation and transit needs in the Centre Region will be important, specifically related to social distancing both in CATA buses and in the Borough, where some sidewalks are very narrow. In addition, municipalities should anticipate an increase in the use of bikes and how to accommodate this mode, as public transportation will be limited. • Municipalities should consider closing parking spaces to allow for more space for pedestrians to travel via bicycle or by walking. • Centre Region officials and municipal staff should research what urban cities are doing to allow businesses to continue to thrive and see if those changes could be considered for the Centre Region.
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• There could be potential changes in residential districts if working from home becomes more of a permanent function. New residential housing could have changes in layouts to accommodate several people working from home. • CRPA staff should keep a comprehensive list of changes that municipalities make to address impacts of COVID-19 to ensure that in the future, there are policies and regulations to fall back on if necessary. • How will a reduced number of students coming back to the Penn State University Campus affect the local economy that is built to serve a population of 90,000 to 95,000? • If working from home becomes a more regular occurrence, the Centre Region could see professionals from bigger cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh move to the Centre Region. To make the Centre Region a more attractive place to live, elected and appointed officials should support infrastructure for high speed internet to be available to the entire Centre Region population.
Mr. May thanked the Commission for its discussion and comments and explained that this topic will be discussed at future meetings as more information is about COVID-19 impacts arise.
10. COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS a. Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) Report - Mr. Eich stated that the CCMPO Committees adopted the 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which includes funding for highway, bridges, transit, and bikes and pedestrian projects for Centre County. The 2021-2024 TIP also included additional funds for the State College Area Connector (SCAC) project and the Route 26 Local Access Interchange project that is apart of the I-80/I-99 High Speed Interchanges project. The Local Access Interchange project is underway. The Potters Mills Gap project will be completed in October of 2020, and the preliminary engineering phase of the SCAC project has begun as well. Mr. Eich reported that the Centre County Draft Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) 2050 will be going out for public comment and a public meeting in mid-August and will wrap up in mid-September. The CCMPO Committees received a presentation from the PennDOT consultants regarding details of the SCAC Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study. The full presentation can be viewed at www.ccmpo.net. Mr. Zilla added that staff will include the two-page handout that the PennDOT consultants provided to the CCMPO Committees regarding details of the PEL Study. In addition, PennDOT and its consultant will be giving the same presentation throughout the month of August to the six municipalities that are within the initial study area – College, Potter, Harris, Benner, and Spring Townships, and Centre Hall Borough. Mr. Zilla stated that staff believes the PEL phase of the SCAC project will kick off in September with the PennDOT consultants holding a few virtual public meetings to receive input to consider as the project progresses. Mr. Zilla communicated that the public comment period for the Centre County LRTP 2050 will begin on August 14, 2020 and end on September 14, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. In addition, the CCMPO will hold a virtual public meeting for the LRTP 2050 on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. to receive input on the plan. For those that are interested in participating, please email Marcella Laird at [email protected] for the meeting information. The CCMPO Coordinating Committee will consider adoption of the plan on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. during its regular meeting. b. State College Borough Water Authority (SCBWA) Liaison’s Report: - Mr. May stated that there is no report. c. Parks and Recreation Regional Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee: - Mr. May stated that the Parks and Recreation Authority pools are operating at 50% capacity and several sports tournaments have been Centre Regional Planning Commission Minutes August 6, 2020 Page 7
scheduled. In addition, some of the CRPR’s normal day camps have been expanded. Although CRPR is doing well adjusting to the COVID-19 Pandemic, its revenue stream has depreciated tremendously. d. University Area Joint Authority (UAJA) Liaison’s Report: - Mr. May stated that he provided a presentation to the UAJA Board regarding CRPA’s stance on the Beneficial Reuse Service Area Task Activity Report. Mr. May referred to the Matter of Record – b on the agenda, which provides information on an ArcGIS Storymap called “Wastewater & Beneficial Reuse” that summarizes the Beneficial Reuse Project. Mr. May stated that Beneficial Reuse Project was authorized by the six Centre Region municipalities more than 20 years ago to accomplish two primary goals: Have no negative impact to aquatic life in Spring Creek by limiting average daily discharge to no more than 6.0 million gallons per day; and accommodate future growth in the Region by authorizing the UAJA to produce up to 3.0 MGD of beneficial reuse water for use by environmental enhancement or conveying to reuse customers. At this time, approximately 3.67 MGD is discharged into Spring Creek and the UAJA can produce up to 2.0 million gallons per day of beneficial reuse water which is returned to the Spring Creek Watershed. This story map can be accessed at this link: https://centrecog.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html
11. OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Forziat announced that the next CRPC meeting will be on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 4:00 PM. This meeting is anticipated to be conducted via video conference.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Lorek moved to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Taricani. There being no other business, the August 6, 2020 CRPC meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcella Laird Recording Secretary CRPA ACTIVITY REPORT August 2020
REGIONAL PLANNING ACTIVITIES
Land Consumption Rates and Minimum Development Densities Inside the RGB and SSA • This project is intended to analyze the consumption of residential land in the Centre Region and determine if the Centre Region municipalities should require minimum development densities. • Staff created a database that included 90-95% of all residential projects in the Regional Growth Boundary. The database has over 17,000 parcels and nearly 30,000 dwelling units. • Staff provided an update on the study to the TLU Committee and the CRPC at their June meetings. • Staff is currently working on drafting a final report that will be completed by the fall.
2020 US Census Update • The enumeration of the 2020 Census has been significantly delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. There have been significant concerns about the Census Bureau’s ability to ensure an accurate count of college and university students that reside off campus. • In mid-June, the Director of the US Census Bureau issued a letter to all colleges and universities asking for their assistance in counting students that were residing in off-campus housing on April 1, 2020. The letter states that local Census Bureau staff will be reaching out to all institutions to collect this information in order to ensure an accurate count in university communities.
Considering Accessory Units as an Alternative to Affordable Housing • This project is outlined in the 2020-2021 CRPA staff prepared CHIP. • Providing affordable housing is a difficult process and has traditionally focused on new construction. This approach could shift the focus from larger, affordable developments to developing affordable housing throughout existing neighborhoods. • This approach will examine the barriers to allowing this type of housing, provide strategies for how they could be allowed in existing neighborhoods through multiple means, and provide recommended specifications and regulations. • Research includes reviewing municipalities with current accessory housing programs to determine how they have worked, considering any geographic limitations on areas, examining how to maintain the accessory after a sale, and other impacts. • This project should conclude in 2020.
Best Practices for Parking Management in Urban and Suburban Centers • This project is outlined in the 2020-2021 CRPA staff prepared CHIP. • Parking in urban and suburban communities is expensive, consumes land, contributes to stormwater runoff, and does not support non-automotive transportation. CRPA/CCMPO Activity Report August 2020 Page 2
• The major goals are to identify opportunities for climate adaptation, explore how to accommodate the transformation of retail, and examine how to accommodate the transformation of the automobile. • This project will examine several strategies including reducing impervious areas, promoting shared parking, incorporating other transportation modes into parking lots, and improving pedestrian accessibility and safety. • Currently, an inventory of commercial parking along major corridors in the Region is nearing completion.
Act 537 Amendment – Scott Road Pump Station and Bristol Interceptor Special Study: • The University Area Joint Authority (UAJA) owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater conveyance system located along State Route 26 in Ferguson Township. This part of the wastewater system handles sewage flow from the Pine Grove Mills area of Ferguson Township. Due to the increased wet weather events, the pump station and the associated forcemain must be upgraded to handle the increasing flows. The Special Study outlines the alternatives for correcting the issues associated with the increasing flows. The Special Study was presented to the General Forum on July 27, 2020. By the end of August, CRPA Staff will have presented the Special Study at each municipalities’ Board or Council meetings. Staff will report the results municipal meetings at the August 24, 2020, General Forum meeting.
Regional Planning - Source Water Protection Project Management Team • The PMT met on August 12, 2020, to discuss the Beneficial Reuse Service/Study Area Task Activity Report (TAR). The meeting generated some good conversation about issues related to the TAR. The PMT decided to continue discussions involving the TAR at a future meeting prior to bringing the item forward to The Public Services and Environmental Committee. The next quarterly meeting of the Source Water Protection Committee Project Management Team is set to take place on September 9, 2020.
SUSTAINABILITY PLANNING ACTIVITIES
Meetings on Proposed Climate Actions for our Community: The TAG has been engaging subject matter experts to gather the best available science, technology and knowledge to identify a menu of action items that could be incorporated into the climate action and adaptation plan. TAG has hosted three Climate Actions for our Community sessions on energy, transportation, and solid waste. The next session is on September 2, 2020 to discuss agriculture-land management strategies. A future session will be scheduled to review water and resiliency. For more information on the sessions, including potential action items identified, visit www.crcog.net – Committees | TAG or click this direct link.
Stakeholder Engagement: West Penn Power meeting: On August 5, 2020 Ms. Adams and Ms. Brandi Robinson, Climate TAG Chair, met with Joleen Hindman and Randy Durr from West Penn Power’s Government and External Affairs department. The purpose was to educate them about the Centre Region’s climate action and adaptation planning process and build upon our partnership. The focus was on CRPA/CCMPO Activity Report August 2020 Page 3 understanding how we can work and support each other’s goals regarding climate change and resiliency. Future engagement sessions are being planned with other stakeholders.
Benchmarking of COG Buildings: Penn State student intern Jared Szczesniak has been learning the process of benchmarking building energy and water consumption, which will likely be one of the top strategies included in the climate action and adaptation plan. Using the industry standard Energy Star Portfolio Manager, Mr. Szczesniak has entered energy and water usage data for COG’s seven buildings, and we shared the information with Mr. Norenberg and Mr. Viglione on August 14. The next steps will be to share with Agency Directors and the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee. Benchmarking allows property owners to measure their energy and water usage, get a score for comparison to other similar buildings and be able to track improvements made to reduce their usages. By making buildings more energy efficient property owners can reduce their operating cost so this could be a widely embraced tool that will support GHG emissions reductions.
TRANSIT PLANNING ACTIVITIES
CATA Analysis of Fare and Contract Structures and Policies • Staff continued to hold regular conference calls with the consultant team to ensure task completion, schedule, and budget adherence. • CRPA staff circulated the draft final project report to CATA staff for review and comment. • Staff received the tenth consultant invoice for the project, reviewed it for accuracy and allowability of expenses, and submitted several follow-up questions to the consultant team • CRPA staff received a written proposal from the consultant team to shift remaining fund balance designated for sub-consultant use back to primary consultant use, allowing project close-out tasks to be completed without increasing the overall amount of the contract.
Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) 2050 – Transit Element • Staff presented draft transit project list, fiscal constraint, and policy elements to both the CCMPO Technical and Coordinating Committees, and integrated comments and requests for clarification received. • CRPA staff completed draft transit performance measure element and associated narrative for inclusion in the draft LRTP. • Staff completed the draft coordinated planning appendix for inclusion in the draft LRTP. • At the start of the LRTP public comment period, staff circulated the draft LRTP, with particular emphasis on the coordinated planning appendix, to a comprehensive list of transportation and human service stakeholders.
Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association (PPTA) – “Building Better Bus Stops” Initiative • Staff reviewed and provided associated comments to the project consultant team with regard to the draft model ordinance language intended to assist transit agencies and local municipalities in better governing the design and placement of transit stops and related amenities. CRPA/CCMPO Activity Report August 2020 Page 4
Transit Site Plan Reviews • Benner Pike Shopping Center – Benner Pike – Benner Township • Gray's Pointe Phase 6, Section B – Subdivision Plan Minor Alteration #1 – Gray’s Woods Boulevard – Patton Township • Parkview Subdivision – Replot of 24-118-128 and 24-118-128A – Circleville Road – Ferguson Township • Penn State University – Lasch Football Building – Quarterback Lab Position Room – Final Land Development Plan – Hastings Road – State College Borough • Kocher Well Field Water Pumping Improvements – Preliminary / Final Land Development Plan – Ferguson Township • Thistlewood Lot 19 – Final Land Development Plan – Treetops Drive – Ferguson Township
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ACTIVITIES
State College Area Connector (Route 322/144/45 Corridors) • PennDOT and its consultant teams have initiated work on the “Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL)” for the State College Area Connector project. A presentation about the PEL study was provided to the CCMPO Coordinating Committee on August 4 and will be provided to the Technical Committee on September 9. Through early September, similar presentations will be provided to the Centre County Board of Commissioners and six Components of SCAC PEL Study municipalities in the study area, including College and Harris Townships. The initial public participation activities for the PEL study are tentatively scheduled to begin in late September.
Tentative Schedule for SCAC
CRPA/CCMPO Activity Report August 2020 Page 5
Centre County Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) 2050 • The MPO staff and consultant team completed preparation of the Draft LRTP 2050. The Draft Plan and the Centre County Air Quality Conformity Report are available for public comment from Friday, August 14 through 12:00 noon on Monday, September 14. The CCMPO will also hold a virtual public meeting to receive input about the Draft Plan on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm via Zoom. For information on how to join the public meeting, please contact Marcella Laird, Office Manager, at [email protected] or by calling 814-231-3050 and leaving a voicemail. The CCMPO Coordinating Committee will consider adopting the LRTP 2050 and Conformity Report at its virtual meeting scheduled for 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. The Draft Plan is available on the CCMPO’s website at www.ccmpo.net .
Virtual Bike Activities • CRPA staff is working with partner agencies (Centre Region Parks and Recreation, CentreBike, Centre Moves, Penn State Transportation Services, and State College Borough) on virtual and solo bike activities for the Fall. The League of American Bicyclists has designated September 21 – 27 as National Bike to Work Week and Tuesday, September 22 as National Bike to Work Day. Some of the upcoming activities include virtual classes, Fall Bike Anywhere Friday, Bike Lingo Word Search, Bike Scavenger Hunt, Bike Bingo and a local Bike Your Park event.
CRPA/CCMPO Activity Report August 2020 Page 6
LOCAL PLANNING ACTIVITIES
Harris Township
Comprehensive Rural Rezoning • The Planning Commission forwarded the comprehensive rural rezoning regulations to the Board of Supervisors for possible adoption at their January 2020 meeting. • Staff forwarded the rural rezoning regulations to the Township Solicitor for review. • Staff recommended several minor amendments to the proposed Conservation Design regulations the March 16, 2020 Planning Commission meeting. The Commission agreed with the proposed amendments. • Staff anticipates that the rezoning proposal will be discussed by the Board of Supervisors sometime this Fall.
Village Zoning District Amendments • The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing for the proposed Village District amendments at their March 9, 2020 meeting. After a lengthy discussion, the Board sent the regulations back to the Planning Commission for additional study. • The Board of Supervisors specifically asked that the Planning Commission review the proposed lot coverage and impervious coverage regulations. • The Planning Commission will discuss this item at an upcoming Planning Commission meeting.
Review of the Single Family Residential (R1) Zoning District • The Planning Commission began their review of the Single-Family Residential (R1) zone at their February 18, 2020 meeting. • At the May meeting, Staff recommended that several changes be made to group home and family care facility regulations in order to be compliant with Federal law. The Commission agreed with Staff’s recommendation and plans to continue their review of development standards for the R1 zone at a future meeting. • The Planning Commission will discuss development potential in the district at their August meeting. Staff is recommending that the Township consider maximum lot size regulations for new development as a means of ensuring that R1 zoned land is developed efficiently.
Demolition Delay and Historic Resources Overlay District Ordinances • The Planning Commission finalized a demolition delay ordinance and historic resources overlay district, which were forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for review. • The Board of Supervisors discussed the ordinances at their August meeting and scheduled a public hearing for possible adoption in October.
CRPA/CCMPO Activity Report August 2020 Page 7
Requested Amendment to the Village Commercial Zoning District • The Board of Supervisors received a request from the Boalsburg Fire Company to permit the long-term storage of vehicles within the Village Commercial Zoning District. • The request was made so that a local car dealership can store vehicles on the property, but not sell vehicles from the location. • The Planning Commission discussed this request at their July meeting and recommended that the regulations not be amended. The request was discussed by the Board of Supervisors at their August meeting and the Board agreed with the Commission’s recommendation. Solar Energy System Regulations • The Planning Commission reviewed a draft accessory solar ordinance at their July meeting. This ordinance was developed over a several month period. • The Planning Commission will begin discussing primary solar energy systems at their August meeting.
Subdivision and Land Development Plans: • Rallis Subdivision Plan – PennTerra Engineering submitted a minor subdivision plan that proposes the creation of two lots on approximately 30 acres of land located off of Mountain Road. Staff provided a review of the plan and are waiting for a response from the consultant. • Big Lot 1RRR Site Plan – PennTerra Engineering submitted a site plan to update the Boalsburg Industrial Park. The plan has been revised and updates the conditions within the existing Technology Park. The plan was reviewed by the Planning Commission at their June 15th meeting. The Board of Supervisors approved the site plan at their July 13th meeting. • Satalia Construction Preliminary Land Development Plan – PennTerra Engineering submitted a preliminary land development plan that proposes construction of a 13,000 square foot industrial building in the Boalsburg Industrial Park. A revised plan was submitted and Staff conducted another review. • Rockey Ridge Section 5 Preliminary Land Development Plan – PennTerra Engineering submitted a preliminary land development plan for section 5 of Rockey Ridge. This section will connect to the Kaywood development at Kay Street. Staff conducted two reviews of the plan, which will be discussed by the Planning Commission at their August meeting. • Ricketts Minor Land Development Plan – Mease Associates submitted a minor land development plan to construct two single family dwellings on an 18.49-acre parcel along Houser Road. The Board of Supervisors approved the plan at their August meeting. • Laurel Hills Phase 2, Section 2 Minor Subdivision Plan – PennTerra Engineering submitted a minor subdivision plan for lots 11-12-13 in the Laurel Hills Subdivision. These properties were consolidated previously and will be resubdivided back to how they existed following the original Laurel Hills subdivision. The Board of Supervisors approved the plan at their August meeting. CRPA/CCMPO Activity Report August 2020 Page 8
Patton Township
Affordable Housing • The Board of Supervisors has tasked the Planning Commission with exploring potential means of addressing affordable housing in Patton Township. • The Township has some affordable housing provisions in several zoning districts, but the Board wants to evaluate options for a more comprehensive approach. • The Planning Commission has identified three new approaches to gaining affordable housing: potentially allowing duplexes in the Low-Residence District (R-2), exploring inclusionary housing regulations with density bonuses, and permitting the use of the Mixed- Uses Overlay District (MXD-2) on all Planned Commercial (C-2) properties. • The August 3, 2020 Planning Commission meeting focused primarily on allowing duplexes in the R-2 zoning district. Staff is continuing to research important elements and analyze public comments. • The discussion will continue at the September 14, 2020 Planning Commission meeting.
Planned Airport District (PAD)/Penn State University (PSU) Trail Connection • Patton Township is currently working with PSU to identify potential multi-modal trail routes to connect Bernel Road to the Toftrees community. A couple routes are under consideration. • Discussions with various stakeholders in the area are underway and will continue.
Subdivision and Land Development Plan Reviews • Gray’s Woods Planned Community – Gray’s Point Phase 6B Minor Alteration -- This minor alteration plan is looking to subdivide the common open space lot 77 within Grays Pointe Phase 6B neighborhood into lots 77A & 77B. The purpose of this subdivision is to grant open space ownership of one of the newly created lots to the Single-Family Homeowner’s Association (HOA) and the other lot to the Multi-Family Townhouse HOA. The Planning Commission recommended conditional approval at the August 3, 2020 meeting. This plan will be on the Board of Supervisors’ agenda for August 19, 2020.
Halfmoon Township
Subdivision and Land Development Plans: • Preliminary Subdivision Plan – Seifert Property – The Township received a preliminary subdivision plan for the property of Mr. Elwood Seifert. The plan subdivides the property creating a new 1.375 acre parcel. This proposed parcel would be one of the four exemptions allowed within the A 1 – Rural Preservation Design zone. Plan deficiencies included no public road frontage and the subdivision was not accessed via a public road. Mr. Seifert’s engineer revised the plan satisfying the public road frontage requirement by purchasing property along Beckwith Road. Mr. Seifert completed a waiver requesting that Kay-Ty Lane remain a private road. In addition, the revised plan shows Kay-Ty Lane being upgraded to allow for fire apparatus traffic and turnaround, however it is does not meet CRPA/CCMPO Activity Report August 2020 Page 9
municipal public road standards. On July 7, 2020, the Halfmoon Township Planning Commission recommended approval of the Seifert Plan to the Halfmoon Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). The BOS reviewed the Plan at their August 13, 2020, meeting. The BOS did not approve the plan.
State College Borough
Subdivision and Land Development Plans: • Preliminary Final Land Development Plan for PSU Lasch Building Quarterback Lab – HOK Architects Inc. submitted a final land development for the Lasch Building Quarterback Lab. Staff provided a regional memo acknowledging receipt of the plan and did not identify any significant concerns.
Ferguson Township
Subdivision and Land Development Plans: • Land Development Plan for Thistlewood Development Lot #19 – PennTerra Engineering submitted a land development plan for the Thistlewood Development Lot #19 located at 180 Treetops Drive. The parcel is 1.816 acres and zoned rural residential. Lot 19 is situated in an area where sinkhole development, flooding, and drainage problems may arise. Staff provided a regional memo acknowledging receipt of the plan and did not identify any significant concerns.
• Preliminary Land Development Plan for the State College Borough Water Authority - Kocher Well Field Water Pumping Improvements - A Land Development Plan was submitted by Gwin, Dobson & Foreman Engineering, Inc. on behalf of their client, The State College Borough Water Authority. The Land Development Plan proposes water pumping improvements to the Kocher well fields on Tax parcel 24-006-055E, located at 3961 W. Whitehall Road. Staff provided a regional memo acknowledging receipt of the plan and did not identify any significant concerns.
• Subdivision/Replot of Parkview Subdivision (Tax parcel 24-118-128 and 24-118-128A) - PennTerra Engineering, Inc. submitted a Subdivision/Replot on behalf of their client, Alec J. Pringle and Jodi L. Green, owners of Tax parcel 24-118-128 and 24-118-128A. The parcels are located at 1401 Circleville Road and 1403 Circleville Road respectively. Staff provided a regional memo acknowledging receipt of the plan and did not identify any significant concerns. CRPA/CCMPO Activity Report August 2020 Page 10
College Township Subdivision and Land Development Plans: • Torquato-Eby Replot – Gregory Shufran submitted a minor plan which proposes the lot consolidation of two parcels located along Pike Street. CRPA staff provided an acknowledgement of the plan but did not have any comments. • Mount Nittany Manor Subdivision – Uni-Tec Engineering submitted a plan that proposes subdividing a 37.85-acre parcel located along Nittany Terrace Lane into four parcels. Staff provided a review of the plan and will be reviewing portions of the associated planning module. • Rural King Subdivision – PennTerra Engineering submitted a plan that proposes subdividing a parcel at the Mount Nittany Mall in order for the former Sears building and parking area to be located on a separate parcel. Staff provided one review of plan. • Kunes at Henzey Street Subdivision – PennTerra Engineering submitted a plan that proposes the subdivision of a parcel at the corner of Henzey Street and the corner of Mount Nittany Road. Staff provided one review of the plan. Centre Regional Planning Commission September 3, 2020 Page 5 of 10
ITEM 6a.
VACATION OF UNNAMED ALLEY BETWEEN SPARROW ALLEY AND 905 ROBIN ROAD – presented by Ed LeClear
This item provides information on a petition to vacate a portion of an unnamed alley between Sparrow Alley and 905 Robin Rd. State College Borough Council will conduct a public hearing and consider adopting a vacating ordinance on September 14, 2020.
THE ISSUE
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) requires the governing body of any municipality to forward proposed actions to vacate public rights-of-way to the county or regional planning commission for review and comment.
PREVIOUS ACTIONS
There have been no previous presentations or actions regarding this item.
CONSISTENCY WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The requested action is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
RECOMMENDATION
This requested action has no regional impact and the CRPC should request staff to prepare a letter to the State College Borough Council indicating there is no regional impact.
SUGGESTED MOTION
That the CRPC move to approve the Consent Agenda.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Petition to vacate the unnamed alley 2. Ordinance vacating the unnamed alley
NEXT STEPS:
The CRPA prepare a letter to the State College Borough Council indicating there is no regional impact from this request.
ORDINANCE ______
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF STATE COLLEGE, A HOME RULED MUNICIPALITY, PROVIDING FOR THE VACATION OF AN UNORDAINED PORTION OF AN UNNAMED ALLEY BETWEEN SPARROW ALLEY AND 905 ROBIN ROAD IN STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA
WHEREAS, a portion of an unnamed alley between Sparrow Alley and 905 Robin Road is proposed to be vacated; and
WHEREAS, State College Borough Council has voted affirmatively to approve such vacation.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Borough of State College hereby enacts the following:
SECTION 1. BEGINNING at a spike set in pavement, said point being on the eastern line of Sparrow Alley, said alley having a width of 20 feet, and said point being the northwestern corner of an unnamed, unopened alley and being the western corner of the lands of Richard L. Kalin, et. ux; THENCE along the northern line of said unnamed, unopened alley and the lands of Richard L. Kalin, et. ux., South 74 degrees 25 minutes 32 seconds East, a distance of 89.73 feet, to a point; THENCE along the eastern line of said unnamed, unopened alley and the lands of Richard L. Kalin, et. ux., South 42 degrees 29 minutes 52 seconds West, a distance of 22.44 feet, to an iron pipe found on the boundary of the lands or Gregory T. Hayes, et. ux.; THENCE along the southern line of said unnamed, unopened alley and the lands of Gregory T. Hayes, et. ux., North 74 degrees 25 minutes 32 seconds West, a distance of 89.73 feet, to an iron pin set: THENCE along a line being the western line of Sparrow Alley, North 42 degrees, 29 minutes, 52 seconds East to a spike set, being the point of beginning. BEING a portion of an unnamed, unopened alley as shown on plans of record of Fairview Heights.
SECTION 2. The within Ordinance shall take effect 30 days following enactment or the 14th of October 2020.
ENACTED AND ORDAINED as an Ordinance by the Council of the Borough of State College on this 14th day of September 2020.
Attest: BOROUGH OF STATE COLLEGE
Sharon K. Ergler By: Jesse L. Barlow Assistant Borough Secretary President of Council
EXAMINED AND APPROVED as an Ordinance this ______day of , 2020.
Ronald L. Filippelli Mayor Centre Regional Planning Commission September 3, 2020 Page 6 of 10
ITEM 8a.
AMENDMENTS TO THE COLLEGE TOWNSHIP CODE TO REMOVE THE CORRIDOR OVERLAY – CHAPTER 200, ZONING – presented by Lindsay K. Schoch, Principal Planner
This item provides information regarding the proposed changes to Chapter 200 - Zoning. This change will remove, in its entirety, the Corridor Overlay from Struble Road to near the Benner Township line (see crossed hatch are on the map below). All properties within the corridor overlay will revert to their underlying zoning district. The Zoning Map will be updated to remove the overlay.
THE ISSUE
The Corridor Overlay was established in the nineties to minimize access points to College Avenue and the Benner Pike, provide landscaping and pedestrian access along the corridor, and avoid parking up to the right-of-way line. The Corridor then and still today has varying widths that makes landscaping and sidewalk widths difficult to develop consistently. The widening of the Benner Pike affected properties and with the required 70- foot front yard setback, development became very difficult.
Several property owners in the area petitioned the Township, requesting a change to the zoning along the corridor. Staff reviewed the zoning ordinance, considered the existing developments and the areas that could be infilled and determined that the underlying zoning, (in most cases, general commercial), is sufficient to meet the future needs of this area. Staff requested Council’s review of the proposals from property owners and staff’s recommendation to remove the Corridor Overlay. After a discussion, Council remanded the issue to the Planning Commission, which then voted (5:2) to remove the Corridor Overlay. The two members who did not vote for the removal had concerns that removing the overlay would take away the character of the corridor, since the existing requirements require more buffer and landscaping areas. Staff acknowledges these concerns and recognizes maintaining limited access along the corridor and advancing recommendations for similar stringent requirements for buffering and landscaping will remain in the forefront of any proposed land developments.
Centre Regional Planning Commission September 3, 2020 Page 7 of 10
CONSISTENCY WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Future Land Use Map The future land use map identifies this area as Commercial/Office, Industrial/Office and Residential. The underlying zoning will not change, so the map will continue to be consistent with the ordinance.
Land Use – Sustainable and Smart Development Practices – Goal 3: Sustainable and smart development characteristics are incorporated into residential neighborhood and building designs. Objective 3.1: Municipalities should consider the following points in planning for and developing new projects and should consider retrofitting existing development to assure walkable neighborhoods, a mix of residential densities, a strong sense of place, and a mix of land uses. To achieve this, municipalities should ensure compact development plans, discourage sprawl, encourage infill, and provide a range of housing opportunities and choices. The removal of the Corridor Overlay will allow for infill development in an area that could use some new development, redevelopment and infill development.
Objective 3.3: Balance the amount of vacant commercially zoned property with the needs of the Centre Region. The map to the right shows Vacant Land in the Centre Region Growth Boundary, which is an interactive map prepared by the CRPA. This map displays vacant parcels in the area of the corridor overlay but does not display parcels containing underdeveloped parcels.
Policy 3.3.4: Given the adequacy of the existing amount of commercially zoned land, the Centre Region Municipalities should encourage the redevelopment of existing commercial property and the development of vacant commercial lands that have appropriate infrastructure.
Economic Development: According to the 2010-2011 Centre Region Economic Development Assessment’s mid-term recommendations, the Region should work to encourage the revitalization of aged commercial centers and brownfields.
The Township is working to take a proactive approach to reevaluating our corridor. The aforementioned statements from the Regional Comprehensive Plan substantiates our efforts to remove the corridor overlay and open up our underdeveloped parcels for future development.
Centre Regional Planning Commission September 3, 2020 Page 8 of 10
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the CRPC receive staff’s presentation regarding the proposed changes to Chapter 200, Zoning and provide comments to College Township Council and staff.
PROPOSED MOTION
Move to recommend to direct staff to provide a comment letter to the College Township Council.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Draft Ordinance 2. Proposed Draft Zoning Map showing the newly created Overlay. 3. Letter to CRPA requesting review of the proposal.
NEXT STEPS
CRPA will prepare a comment letter for the College Township Council. Township Council will hold a Public Hearing on October 1, 2020 and take public comments regarding the proposed changes.
1 COLLEGE TOWNSHIP 2 CENTRE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 3 4 ORDINANCE O-20-05 5 6 PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE COLLEGE TOWNSHIP 7 CODE BY (1) REMOVING THE CORRIDOR OVERLAY DISTRICT IN ITS ENTIRETY 8 AND ALL REFERENCES THERETO ALLOW THE PROPERTIES TO CONVERT BACK 9 TO THE UNDERLYING ZONING DISTRICTS (2) REMOVE THE REFERENCE TO 10 CORRIDOR OVERLAY DISTRICT IN CHAPTER 87 CONDITIONAL USES (3) REMOVE 11 THE CORRIDOR OVERLAY FROM THE ZONING MAP 12 13 14 Strikethrough = deletion 15 Bold Italics = addition 16 17 18 BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDAINED, by the College Township Council, Centre County, 19 Pennsylvania, and the authority of the same, does hereby adopt, made this ______day of 20 ______, 2020, by amending the Code of the Township of College, Pennsylvania, with the 21 amendment of Chapter 200, as follows. 22 23 24 SECTION 1. GENERAL REFERENCES 25 26 Chapter 87 – Conditional Uses 27 28 SECTION 2. CHAPTER 200 – ZONING 29 30 200.11.S(3)(a) If any portion of a lot proposed for a gaming establishment is located within the 31 corridor overlay district, the regulations of 200.38.2 shall apply to the whole lot. 32 33 200.38.2.(d). Setback reduction. In order to promote and provide for more flexibility within the current 34 zoning regulations and to maintain an aesthetically pleasing visual appearance of both the road 35 corridor and individual businesses and properties, the front yard parking setback area for the 36 commercial districts (C-1, C-2, and R-O), unless located in the Corridor Overlay District, may be 37 reduced to 15 feet, at the discretion of the Township Planning Commission, by reducing the maximum 38 impervious surface coverage ratio by 5%. 39 40 200-38.2 Corridor Overlay District. 41 42 All land defined herein as a Corridor District shall be subject to the following regulations regardless 43 of the district regulations within which land and structures are located: 44 A. Intent. It is the intent of this district to promote safe and efficient use of highways as well as to 45 protect the aesthetic and visual character of the lands adjacent to them and to:
46 (1) Encourage safe ingress and egress from existing and proposed development along arterial 47 transportation corridors, to maintain adequate highway capacity and lessen or prevent traffic D R A F T O r d i nance for Curative Amendment 7.22 . 2 0 2 0 P a g e | 2
48 congestion.
49 (2) Encourage development consistent with the 1990 Centre Regional Comprehensive Plan.
50 (3) Discourage unlimited commercial strip development and curb cuts along highways and 51 encourage land development to occur in nodes and clusters utilizing shared or controlled access.
52 (4) Establish an identity of the Township's communities as viewed by residents and visitors.
53 B. Location of district.
54 (1) The Benner Pike (SR 0150)/East College Avenue (SR 0026) Corridor Overlay District shall 55 encompass an area starting at the East College Avenue/Gerald Street/Struble Road intersection, 56 eastward to the "Y" where the Benner Pike begins. The district shall continue east on both the 57 Benner Pike and East College Avenue, terminating at the Benner Pike/Margaret Road intersection 58 and the East College Avenue/Margaret Road/Transfer Road intersection. The district boundary 59 shall use a combination of property lines and/or a distance not to exceed 660 feet measured 60 perpendicular from the center line of the above rights-of-way. The approximate boundary of this 61 zoning district shall be shown on the Official Zoning Map and shall be shown as a surveyed line 62 by the applicant on each property.
63 C. District regulations. All uses must conform to the lot, yard setback and height regulations 64 stipulated herein, as well as other appropriate requirements of this section and chapter.
65 (1) Minimum lot width: 300 feet measured at the right-of-way line. A minimum lot width of 150 feet 66 with access provided by means other than directly onto the arterial corridor shall be permitted. A 67 minimum lot width of 150 feet with direct access to the arterial corridor shall be provided.
68 (2) Yard setbacks.
69 (a) Front: 70 feet measured from the right-of-way line. The front yard setback may be reduced in an 70 amount equal to any right-of-way taken from the property after adoption of this section by 71 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or College Township.
72 (b) Side: same as the underlying districts.
73 (c) Rear: 10 feet of setback shall be deducted from the underlying district setbacks.
74 (3) Maximum building height: 35 feet. The maximum height may be increased by using a ratio of 75 five feet of additional height for an additional 10 feet in building setback from the arterial 76 corridor. In addition, all building mechanical systems shall be enclosed or screened.
77 D. Site access. Access to properties adjacent to arterial streets shall be limited to local streets, 78 collector streets or marginal streets, except when the only available access to a lot is from an D R A F T O r d i nance for Curative Amendment 7.22 . 2 0 2 0 P a g e | 3
79 arterial street. In such cases, access for each lot shall be limited to not more than one driveway 80 for the first 300 feet of frontage or fraction thereof and one driveway for each additional 300 feet 81 of frontage. The number of accesses shall be minimized. To the extent feasible, (additional) 82 accesses to lots shall be provided via one of the following:
83 (1) Access via a common driveway serving adjacent lots.
84 (2) Access via a cul-de-sac, loop road or service/marginal access road that may be shared with 85 adjacent lots.
86 (3) Access via adjoining parking lots located in the rear and/or side yards.
87 E. Off-street parking. No off-street parking, storage or product display shall be permitted in the 88 required front yard setback along the arterial corridor and, to the extent feasible shall be shared 89 with adjacent lots via an off-street access or as per § 200-38A(2)(a)[2].
90 F. Parking lot landscaping and screening.
91 (1) In addition to the requirements of § 200-38, the areas immediately adjacent to parking lots in the 92 front, side and rear yard areas shall be planted with mixture of trees, medium height shrubs and 93 canopy deciduous and evergreen trees indigenous to the area. Earthen berms, walls and/or fences 94 that compliment the structure(s), along with appropriate plantings, may also be considered. Open 95 lawn areas with appropriate landscaping shall be encouraged within yard areas along the arterial 96 corridor.
97 (2) All loading, trash collection and storage areas shall be located and oriented on the site as 98 inconspicuous as possible. They shall be screened from all adjoining properties and public roads.
99 (3) Building and plant materials should be altered, combined and or varied to achieve a pleasing 100 effect.
101 (4) All landscaped areas shall be properly maintained. Shrubs or trees which die shall be replaced 102 within one growing season.
103 G. Pedestrian and bicycle access. Pedestrian access between adjacent lots and individual businesses 104 within a development shall be provided. Access to bikepath rights-of-way (if adjacent to a lot) 105 shall be provided via a paved connection no less than eight feet in width. Interior circulation 106 design shall incorporate safe separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
107 H. Tree and woodland preservation. Existing trees and woodland areas shall be preserved whenever 108 possible. Particular efforts shall be made to preserve trees and/or woodland areas which have 109 special character because of size, age, historical importance or which have value as screening and 110 buffering elements. Trees and/or woodland areas shall be selected prior to siting the building(s) 111 and impervious areas and shall be shown on the land development plan. Grading in and around D R A F T O r d i nance for Curative Amendment 7.22 . 2 0 2 0 P a g e | 4
112 the preservation areas shall be kept to a minimum. Critical areas such as floodplains, steep slopes 113 and wetlands shall be kept in their natural condition.
114 (1) Protection of trees and woodland areas during construction shall be as follows:
115 (a) Grading shall be avoided within the dripline of trees and woodland areas; if so, tree wells or walls 116 shall be constructed.
117 (b) Backfilling shall not take place within the protected areas.
118 (c) Compacting soils through construction material storage and traversing vehicles shall be avoided.
119 (d) All trees and woodland areas to be retained shall be marked in the field with one of the following 120 or similar methods:
121 [1] Survey flagging tape.
122 [2] Snow fencing.
123 [3] Post and board fencing.
124 (2) Size. Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH), 4 1/2 feet up, of four inches shall be retained 125 where feasible.
126 (3) Design objectives.
127 (a) Retain trees that are suitable for buffering and screening along arterial corridors and rear of side 128 lot lines.
129 (b) Retain trees that provide visual relief from expanses or impervious surfaces.
130 (c) Do not retain trees that will interfere with proposed structures, pavement and underground or 131 overhead utilities.
132 (d) Do not retain trees where extensive grade changes are proposed.
133 (4) Tree and woodland replacement. Trees and woodland areas that are identified on site and shown 134 on the land development plan shall be protected as per Subsection H(1). Replacement of the 135 identified trees and woodland areas shall be required if they are damaged or die within one year 136 from the date of construction completion and shall be as follows:
137 (a) Tree replacement is required at a ratio of two new trees installed for every one tree damaged or 138 which dies and subsequently must be removed.
139 (b) Replacement of trees is to be installed at a caliper (cal.) size and/or height not less than 1/3 of the D R A F T O r d i nance for Curative Amendment 7.22 . 2 0 2 0 P a g e | 5
140 existing tree sizes to be removed [with a minimum size replacement of 1.5 inches cal. (DBH) and 141 maximum replacement size of four inches cal. (DBH)].
142 I. Building materials. All portions and sides of buildings located within the corridor district that 143 have sides and walls visible from the arterial corridor are encouraged to be covered with the same 144 materials that are used on the designated front of the building.
145 J. Utilities. All utilities, electric, telephone, cable television and other such utilities shall be 146 underground, where feasible.
147 200-42.D(3). In addition to landscaping perimeter plantings outlined below in 200-42D(4), any adult 148 business use and/or bottle club use proposed within the corridor overlay district will have to 149 comply with all requirements of 200-38.2
150 SECTION 3. CHAPTER 87 – CONDITIONAL USES 151 152 Article VI, Nonindustrial Uses in I-1 General Industrial District 153 154 87-20 Land Use, density and intensity. 155 156 H. Corridor Overlay District. The following regulations of the Corridor Overlay District, as established 157 pursuant to 200-38.2, shall be superseded by the regulations contained herein: 158 159 (1) Section 200-38.2C, District regulations 160 (2) Section 200.38.2F, Parking lot landscaping and screening 161 162 SECTION 4. ZONING MAP – REMOVE THE CORRIDOR OVERLAY IN ITS ENTIRETY 163 FROM THE ZONING MAP 164 165 SECTION 5. SEVERABILITY 166 167 If any sentence or clause, section, or part of this ordinance is found to be unconstitutional, illegal or 168 invalid, such findings shall not affect or impair any of the remaining parts of this ordinance. It is hereby 169 declared to be the intent that this ordinance would have been adopted had such part not been included. 170 171 SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE 172 173 This ordinance shall take effect five (5) days after enactment. 174 175 ENACTED AND ORDAINED, this ______day of ______2020, by the College Township 176 Council, Centre County, Pennsylvania. 177 178 COLLEGE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL: 179 ATTEST: 180 ______181 Adam T. Brumbaugh, Manager / Secretary Anthony Fragola, Council Chair
Centre Regional Planning Commission September 3, 2020 Page 9 of 10
ITEM 8b.
HISTORIC RESOURCES OVERLAY DISTRICT AND DEMOLITION DELAY ORDINANCE – presented by Mark Boeckel
This item provides information on a proposed Historic Resources Overlay District and Demolition Delay ordinance. The proposed overlay district will apply to properties in Harris Township that are located on the National Register of Historic Resources. The proposed demolition delay ordinance will delay the issuance of demolition permits for historically significant structures.
THE ISSUE
The Boalsburg Small Area Plan, which was adopted by the Harris Township Board of Supervisors in 2016, recommended that the Township consider adopting a demolition delay ordinance to provide some protection to historic structures in the Village of Boalsburg. The Planning Commission’s 2020 work program included the development of a demolition delay ordinance that would apply to historic properties in the Township.
Harris Township includes the Boalsburg National Historic District and the Linden Hall National Historic District. Combined, the two districts include 74 buildings that are listed as significant or contributory. In addition to the two districts, the Hill House along Tennis Alley and the Boal Mansion are individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
OTHER INFORMATION
The proposed Historic Resources Overlay District would apply to all properties in the Boalsburg and Linden Hall National Historic Districts as well as the two structures that are individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Township decided to pursue the creation of an overlay district to support the proposed demolition delay ordinance as opposed to creating a separate historic district through the State’s Historic Preservation Act. The Township did discuss the potential creation of a Historic Architectural Review Board or HARB but felt that such an advisory body was not necessary given the simplicity of the proposed regulations.
The proposed Demolition Delay ordinance would apply only when complete demolition of a historically significant structure is proposed. New definitions for “historically significant structure” and “demolition” are included in the proposed regulations. The ordinance would not apply to partial demolitions, additions, or remodels. If a historically significant structure is to be demolished, the applicant would need to provide public notice in a newspaper of general circulation, notice to adjacent property owners via certified mail, and post a sign on the property. A 30-day demolition delay period would begin from the date the notice was first published in the newspaper or the date the sign was posted on the property, whichever was most recent. The proposed regulations also include provisions that would permit the Centre Region Code Administration to issue a demolition permit in the event of imminent and substantial danger to the health or safety of the public due to deteriorating conditions.
Centre Regional Planning Commission September 3, 2020 Page 10 of 10
The Board of Supervisors discussed the proposed overlay district and demolition delay ordinance at its August 10th meeting. One member of the Board stated that he was in favor of increasing the delay period to 60 days.
PREVIOUS ACTIONS
There has been no previous action by the CRPC on this item.
CONSISTENCY WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
This proposed overlay district and demolition delay ordinance are consistent with numerous goals, objectives, and policies in the Natural, Environmental, Cultural and Historic Resources Element of the 2013 Centre Region Comprehensive Plan.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the CRPC support this item and provide any comments to the Harris Township Board of Supervisors for their consideration.
PROPOSED MOTION Move to forward CRPC comments, as noted to the Harris Township Board of Supervisors for their consideration.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance 345: Historic Resources Overlay District and Demolition Delay Ordinance 2. Map: Draft Amendments to the Official Zoning Map 3. Map: Proposed Historic Overlay District
NEXT STEPS:
CRPA staff will prepare a comment letter to the Township Board of Supervisors. The Harris Township Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and consider taking action on the ordinance on October 12, 2020.
ORDINANCE NO. 345
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF HARRIS, CENTRE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA AMENDING CHAPTER 12, ENTITLED “ZONING” BY AMENDING ARTICLE VII, SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS AND ARTICLE II, ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS, TO AMEND THE TOWNSHIP ZONING MAP TO CREATE THE HISTORIC RESOURCES OVERLAY DISTRICT
Be it ENACTED AND ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Harris, and it is hereby enacted and ordained by authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1: Harris Township Code Chapter 12, Article VII, “Supplemental Regulations,” hereby is amended to add the following:
12-7-14 Historic Resources Overlay District
A. Intent. The Historic Resources Overlay District applies to areas of the Township that contain significant historic structures that are listed, either independently or as part of a district, on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the intent of this district to:
(1) Promote the preservation of community character through the protection of historic resources.
(2) To encourage the continued use of historic resources and facilitate their appropriate reuse and/or adaptive reuse.
(3) To discourage the demolition of historic resources.
B. Delineation of the Historic Resources Overlay District. The Historic Resources Overlay District, as depicted on the Official Zoning Map for Harris Township, shall apply to all properties located in the Boalsburg National Historic District and Linden Hall National Historic District as well as properties that are individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
C. District Regulations. All properties within the Historic Resources Overlay District shall comply with the regulations in this section.
12-7.14.1. The following provisions shall apply to all properties located within the Historic Resources Overlay District.
A. Demolition of Historically Significant Structures. The provisions of this section shall apply to the demolition of any historically significant structure within the Historic Resources Overlay District.
(1) Prior to demolition of a historically significant structure, the applicant shall meet the following public notification requirements:
(a) A “Notice of Intent to Demolish” (hereinafter referred to as “Notice”) shall be published in a local newspaper of general circulation in the municipality, with proof of publication being provided to the Township. The notice shall include: [1] The address of the structure to be demolished;
[2] A brief description of the structure to be demolished;
[3] A brief description of the proposed reuse or development of the property; and
[4] The anticipated date when demolition will occur.
(b) The Notice shall be sent via certified mail to the owners of all properties adjoining the property on which the structure to be demolished is located. Copies of the certified mail receipts shall be provided the Township.
(c) A sign that is at least twenty-four (24) by thirty-six (36) inches in size shall be posted in a conspicuous location on the property where the structure is located. The sign shall be visible from the nearest street or other access way adjoining the property and shall include a copy of the Notice and shall contain the word “Demolition” in capital letters no less than two (2) inches in height. The sign shall remain posted on the property until a demolition permit is issued.
(2) A 30-day demolition delay period shall begin from the date the notice was first published in the newspaper or the date when the sign was posted on the property, whichever is most recent. No demolition shall occur prior to the completion of the thirty (30) day demolition delay period and Township verification that the public notification requirements of 12-7.14.1.A.1 have been met.
(3) Following the required demolition delay period, the Township shall provide a letter to the applicant stating that the requirements of this ordinance have been met. This letter shall be valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance.
(4) Emergency Demolition. Notwithstanding the above provisions, the Centre Region Code Administration (CRCA) may issue a demolition permit at any time in the event of imminent and substantial danger to the health or safety of the public due to deteriorating conditions. The CRCA shall document in writing the findings and reasons requiring an emergency demolition and shall provide a copy to the Township within seven (7) calendar days of issuing the demolition permit.
SECTION 2: Harris Township Code Chapter 12, Article XI, “Terminology,” is hereby amended to add the following:
DEMOLITION: Razing or demolishing an entire building or structure, whether or not reconstruction is planned after demolition, or removal of a building or structure from its present location.
HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURE: Any structure that is listed on or contributes to the National Register of Historic Places. This shall include structures that are identified as significant or contributory in an established National Historic District.
SECTION 3: Harris Township Code Chapter 12, Article II, “Establishment of Districts,” is hereby amended as follows:
12.2-1 Districts Established is hereby amended to add the following:
District Map Symbol Historic Resources Overlay District HROD
SECTION 4: Any Ordinance or parts of Ordinances of the Township of Harris, Centre County Pennsylvania, conflicting with this Ordinance or any part thereof is hereby repealed insofar as the same affects this ordinance.
SECTION 5: The effective date of this Ordinance shall be five (5) days after the date of enactment thereof.
ENACTED AND ORDAINED this ______day of ______, 20_
HARRIS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
______Nigel Wilson, Chair
______Dennis Hameister, Vice-Chair
______Bruce Lord, Supervisor
______Franklin Harden, Supervisor
______Charles E. Graham, Supervisor
ATTEST:
______Amy Farkas, Secretary