3 August 2021 Planning Commission Meeting Summary
The following are audio clips and notes from the August 3, 2021, public meeting of the Newtown Planning Commission. The only item on the agenda was the latest Arcadia Development Plan.
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In an August 6, 2021, recommendation letter to the Newtown Board of Supervisors, Committee Chair Allen Fidler said "As to the decision from PENNDOT to deny Alternatives 1 - 3 as means to increase access into the development in addition to the existing service road; as well as its apparent approval of Alternative 4, the construction of a U-Turn at the intersection of Buck Road, Mill Pond Road and Diamond Drive, the Planning Commission expresses its disappointment with that decision, but acknowledge that applicant has met its obligations under the Settlement Agreement."
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Traffic and Access Issues Are Top Concerns
In the following 8-minute collection of audio recordings, Attorney John VanLuvannee and developer Jason Duckworth respond to questions from Commission members regarding traffic concerns and especially PennDOT's response letter that rejected every vehicle access plan EXCEPT for the U-turn at Mill Pond Road plan.
The Planning Commission members had a number of concerns with the various access plans and it was suggested that as Arcadia continues to pursue approvals, that residents and the Township be involved in these discussions.
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When asked by Commission Chair Allen Fidlet about construction trucks navigating the proposed U-turn, Mr. VanLuvanee contended that Mill Pond Road was "built as a bypass before Newtown Bypass" and "that was where the truck traffic was supposed to go." He pointed out that trucks currently use that road to access Newtown Crossing and that residents "would never notice the difference" when the development is completed.
It should be pointed out that the Stipulation Agreement specifically states on page 22 "Arcadia shall include in its construction agreements and shall enforce, at its sole cost and expense, a prohibition against any and all construction traffic traveling on Mill Pond Road. Arcadia shall erect signage notifying construction traffic that the use of Mill Pond Road is prohibited." |
Buffer Zone, Patios, Open Space
In following 4-minute collection of audio recordings, Attorney John VanLuvannee and developer Jason Duckworth responded to questions from Commission members regarding the buffer zone between the development and surrounding communities.
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The Stipulation Agreement specifically states on page 11 "Nothing shall be placed or constructed within the Eagle Ridge or Newtown Crossing Setback areas including, but not limited to, sheds, pools, storage of materials, decks, patios, swing or play sets, fire pits, or basketball or other sports courts shall be placed or constructed within the open space portion of the Eagle Ridge Setback, as distinguished from that portion of the Eagle Ridge Buffer that is located on individual lots. This provision shall be included as a restriction in the HOA governing documents."
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Mr. Fidler correctly pointed out that very often HOA's allow residents to install such conveniences despite the restrictions that are in place and the Newtown Zoning Hearing Board will grant any required variances as long as this is the case and neighbors have no objections.
Public Comments
In the following 11-minute collection of audio recordings, the Commission hears comments from residents of surrounding communities mostly regarding traffic concerns, safety, and especially PennDOT's response letter.
In the end, the Commission deemed the plan was compliant with the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement and the Commission voted 6-2 to recommend that the Board approve the plan subject to certain conditions including compliance with Newtown's professionals’ review letters.
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