The Schuylkill Township Planning Commission held their regular meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, at the Township Hall. Members of the Planning Commission present were Mr. Dan Keogh, Mr. Morris Quigg, Mr. Jim Reading, and Ms. Jan Potts. Mr. Jack Claffey was not present. John Sartor of Gilmore & Associates was present as well as Township Manager Mary Bird and Township Solicitor William Brennan. Supervisors Jim Morrisson, Norm Vutz and Lee Ledbetter were in the audience.
On motion made by Mr. Morris Quigg seconded by Mr. Dan Keogh and passed, the Planning Commission approved the minutes of the September 17, 2008 meeting.
Reeves Property – Mr. Todd Pohlig presented some sketch plans with four different traffic calming devices that they came up with during a meeting with Gilmore & Associates. The four considerations are: 1) roadway narrowing 2) traffic circle 3) landscaped median 4) speed hump. All can be used separate or in combination. The first proposal is to install a landscaped circle with a malleable curve in the existing cul de sac on East Philip Drive, the road leading from the cul de sac to Eagles Pointe will have a landscaped median. The entrance from Route 23 will have a narrower cartway width, 24’, with slight bends in the roadway to also slow traffic. Another measure to slow traffic is to keep the trees close to the cartway; experience has shown this also slows traffic. Dan Keogh advised to be selective about the trees being planted close to the cartway, no low hanging branches. Mr. Pohlig advised they will look at tall tree species. The Route 23 entrance will also have a 10’ landscaped median at the end of the main entrance close to the “T” intersection. The circle on East Philip Drive will be approximately 30-35’ in diameter, allowing two 12’ lanes of traffic and a 10’ wide planting island. Jim Reading asked who would be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the landscaping. Mr. Pohlig stated this would be a Homeowners Association responsibility. Mr. Jim Morrisson asked if the East Philip Drive cul de sac dimensions were going to be changed. Mr. Pohlig stated that no, the cul de sac was remaining the same size, only the landscaped circle was being added. Mr. John Meaney, an East Philip Drive resident, asked how much would these proposed traffic calming measures statistically reduce cut through traffic. Mr. Pohlig responded he’s unaware of any statistics. Mr. John Sartor stated that he reviewed the traffic calming measures with John Wichner of TPD and the traffic design plans being presented tonight are being supported by Gilmore & Associates. Mr. Meaney asked why East Philip Drive is still being used since it was a “non stub road”. Mr. Reading stated there are no legal standings on that. Mr. Meaney then advised that since Penndot is allowing left turns from Sedgley, East Philip Drive shouldn’t be necessary. Mr. Reading advised that is in the Planning Commissions overall feeling that the East Philip Drive access is good planning. Mr. Meaney then asked what recourse would the township have if the traffic calming measures did not work, could the access be closed? Mr. Reading stated that they can put signs up limiting hours, residents only, etc., but they cannot close the access. Mr. Vutz agreed.
On motion made by Morris Quigg, seconded by Dan Keogh, the Planning Commission is accepting the traffic calming plans as proposed with the condition that a waiver is made for the Sedgley entrance cartway to be 24’ and the landscaped center median be moved back further from the “T” intersection. Motion approved.
Pending – No discussion – Exxon (Rt. 23 & Whitehorse Rd), Brackman Property, Magic Memories Daycare, Ratoskey & Trainor/Faggioli 330 Pawling Rd.
There being no further business for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kimberly Yocom
Township Clerk
Next Meeting Wednesday November 19, 2008