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CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP
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Present
Call to Order:
7:15 p.m.Announcements
There were no announcements.
Citizens Forum
Ms. Jill Green asked how long before the meeting must the agenda be posted on the website, and Mr. Heleniak said 24 hours prior to the meeting.
Approvals
Mr. Philips moved to approve the items listed below and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
- Minutes for the December 2, 2024 Business Meeting
- December 2024 Treasurer’s Report
- Accounts Payable Report - All Funds for January 6, 2025
Reports
Mr. Philips moved to accept the December 2024 reports #1-16 as submitted, and Mr. Rubinfield seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Old Business - none
New Business
Zoning Hearing Board Overview – Valley Hill Properties LLC
Mr. Scott Deisher of JMR Engineering represented Valley Hill Properties LLC to provide an overview of the zoning hearing board application for setback relief for a property at 2109 Valley Hill Road.
The owners of the property, Dave and Lori Warner, propose to demolish the existing dilapidated structure and construct a new single family home utilizing the existing driveway. The lot is nonconforming for size (1.38 acres) and setbacks and is wooded in the rear. Mr. Deisher showed the proposed house location, indicating that moving it further back on the property would involve more tree removal.
Mr. Willig asked how close the nearest home is to the proposed house, and Mr. Deisher said approximately 100 feet, and a similar distance to the abutting Jenkins property owned by the Township. Setback relief will be needed to build the house with its footprint of 4,129 sq. ft.
Mr. Kuhn asked if the neighbors are aware of the plan, and Mr. Warner said yes, and there were no objections.
Mr. Deisher referred to Mr. Wright’s review letter, noting that the steep slopes have been delineated, and the house can be constructed without disturbing them. Mr. Philips asked where the septic and stormwater management systems will be located, and Mr. Deisher said they will be in the rear of the lot in a less wooded spot than other rear areas. The County Health Department has visited the proposed septic site. Mr. Philips asked if the stormwater system will be subsurface, and Mr. Deisher said yes.
Mr. Philips asked if the Turnpike is toward the rear of the property, and Mr. Warner said yes, along with two houses. Mr. Philips asked the owners if they were aware of the Township’s future plans for Jenkins Park, and they responded yes.
Ms. Jill Green asked if the house could be repositioned to better meet the setbacks, and Mr. Deisher said yes, but it would entail more tree removal for the stormwater and septic systems.
Mr. Philips moved to take a neutral position to the application, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Mr. Kuhn gave a brief explanation of the supervisors’ options in taking a position on a zoning hearing board application.
J.P. Orleans Request for Dedication of Spring Oak
Mr. Heleniak said he received a letter from Gary Chase, Director of Land Development for Spring Oak giving notice of completion of the public improvements and requesting dedication of them and the return of the associated sureties.
Mr. Heleniak said the first step in the process dictated by Section 510 of the Municipalities Planning Code is for the Board to arrange for a final inspection of the improvements.
Mr. Wright said the request includes dedication of the improvements for Phases I, II, and III and release of those escrows. His office will review the escrows and legal descriptions of the improvements and make a recommendation for consideration at the February meeting. Typically, some funds are held back to address punch list items following the final inspection. A contingency figure of $100,000 would also be held.
Mr. Wright said the improvements would include all of Spring Oak Drive, and Quigley Drive and Milton Drive just up to Spring Oak Drive. This would provide access to Devault Village at Spring Oak for busses that will loop in and out of Rees Road.
Mr. Willig asked for the Homeowners Association’s position, and three members of the HOA introduced themselves as Bayo Ayoade, Rita Ganguly, and Stephen Subers.
Mr. Ayoade said the HOA obtained an engineering report from Bustamonte Engineers citing major deficiencies, and JP Orleans has not responded to it and has likewise not been responsive in getting documents for review to the HOA, which delays the transition from the builder to them. The HOA is concerned with releasing the escrow funds to the builder. Mr. Thompson said the Township has quite a bit of leverage working with the developer but noted that the improvements covered by the escrow agreements, including open space, streets, sidewalks, and curbs may not include other items for the builder to address with the HOA that are outside of these agreements.
Mr. Willig asked if the Township is under a time constraint to respond to JP Orleans’ request for inspections, and Mr. Heleniak said a report is due within 30 days.
Ms. Ganguly said the HOA will forward the Bustamonte report to Mr. Wright.
Mr. Kuhn moved to authorize and direct Mr. Wright to conduct the final inspection for Spring Oak, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Ms. Green asked if the HOA has to cover the cost of their engineer, and Mr. Subers said yes, and also for legal consulting.
Authorization to Advertise a Hearing for Adoption of Accessory Dwelling Unit and Agritainment Zoning Ordinance Amendments
Mr. Philips moved to authorize advertising for a hearing to consider adoption of Accessory Dwelling Unit and Agritainment Zoning Ordinance Amendments for March 3, 2025 at the Township Building, 11 General Warren Blvd, Suite 1, Malvern PA for 7:00 p.m., and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Adjournment
There being no additional business, Mr. Kuhn adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m. and announced that the Board will hold an executive session directly following the meeting to discuss real estate matters. The next business meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 3, 2025, at 7 p.m., at 11 General Warren Blvd., Suite 1, Malvern, PA.
Linda M. Csete
Township Treasurer/Admin
