CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES Charlestown Township Municipal Building 11 General Warren Blvd., Suite 1, Malvern, PA Monday, April 7, 2025

Present

Call to Order:

7:00 p.m.

Announcements –

None

Citizens Forum

Members of the Parks & Recreation Board introduced themselves to the public, as many of them are recent additions to the group. Members included Chairman Scott Ammerman, Makinlee Fox, Stephanie Robinson, John Kulp, and Jarod McFadden. Mr. Kuhn commented that the Township was fortunate to have them.

Approvals

Mr. Philips moved to approve the minutes for the March 3, 2025 Business Meeting and Ms. Carlson seconded with a minor date correction. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Willig moved to approve the March 2025 Treasurer’s Report and Ms. Carlson seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Rubinfield moved to approve the April 7, 2025 Accounts Payable Report, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Reports

Ms. Carlson moved to accept the March reports #1-16 as submitted, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Hearings

Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Accessory Dwelling Units

Mr. Thompson opened the hearing, and the proceeds were taken by Mark Hagerty, Court Reporter. Mr. Thompson entered the following exhibits into the record:

T-1	Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment
T-2	Public Notice
T-3	Proof of Publication
T-4	Review letter from the Chester County Planning Commission dated 3/14/25.

Mr. Heleniak provided background on the proposed amendment, explaining that the use will be permitted by conditional use, the same as the ordinance for guest quarters that this ordinance is updating. A full kitchen will now be permitted with the use.

Comments and deliberation on this proposed ordinance were held until the second ordinance this evening was presented.

Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Agritainment

Mr. Thompson entered the following exhibits into the record:

T-1	Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment
T-2	Public Notice
T-3	Proof of Publication
T-4	Review letter from the Chester County Planning Commission dated 2/10/25.

Mr. Heleniak provided background on the proposed ordinance, which will allow entertainment related to agricultural use by conditional use on lots over 50 acres in size.

Mr. Thompson called for comments on both ordinances from the supervisors followed by the public. The following people came forward:

Greg Nesspor
Jill Green
Jamy Velho
Carol Armstrong
Paul Velho
David Zlotowski

Mr. Thompson then closed the hearings.

Mr. Philips moved to adopt Ordinance 226-25 Amending Chapter 27 of the Charlestown Township Code permitting accessory dwelling units in Farm Residential, Residential-1, and TND Zoning Districts. Ms. Carlson seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Kuhn moved to adopt Ordinance 227-25 Amending Chapter 27 of the Charlestown Township Code permitting Agritainment in the Farm Residential Zoning District. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Conditional Use Hearing – Jay and April Robinson

Mr. Thompson opened the conditional use hearing for Jay and April Robinson for their application to allow construction of an accessory structure exceeding 50% of the ground floor of the principal structure. The structure will be used to house a pinball machine collection and occasionally to foster dogs. The proceeds were recorded by Mark Hagerty, Court Reporter.

Mr. Thompson placed the following exhibits into the record:

T-1	Conditional Use Application
T-2	Public Notice
T-3	Proof of Publication
T-4	Review memorandum from Tom Comitta dated 3/4/25.
T-5	Review letter from Dan Patry of Montrose Environmental dated 3/4/25.

The following people requested party status:

Anurag Shrivastava
Elizabeth Hounsell

Mr. Thompson added the following applicant’s exhibits into the record:

A-1	Proof of certified mail notifications to property owners within 250 feet.
A-2	Response to the Standards of Conditional Use
A-3	Environmental Impact Assessment Report

Mr. Robinson was sworn in and provided testimony. One additional exhibit was placed into the record:

A-4	Rendering of the building and floor plan for each story.

Questions were heard from both parties, who were sworn in. Elizabeth Hounsell entered an aerial photo of Mr. Robinson’s property into the record as P-1.

Mr. Thompson called for comments from the public, and the following people came forward:

Bill Westhafer
Jill Green

The hearing was then closed. A discussion on possible conditions of approval took place, including:

Limiting the number of foster dogs to 2
Providing additional vegetative buffer
Maintaining and/or repairing the existing fence
Any additions to the driveway to meet setback requirements
Township engineer’s approval of stormwater management plan

Mr. Thompson said the Board has 45 days to provide a written decision.

Old Business - none

New Business

Greene-Marks Amended Preliminary/Final Subdivision Plan

Julie Bernstein, Esq. representing the applicants, provided some background on the settlement agreement resulting in the submission of plans allowing for a two-lot subdivision in place of the originally proposed 3-lot subdivision. Lot 1 consists of 4.99 acres and Lot 2 is 4 acres. The shared driveway is 12 feet wide at the Howell Road entrance and tapers to 10 feet to preserve the existing access easement to the Beyer-Green lot. Stormwater management was enhanced in the rear of the property to converge via swale along the driveway ultimately going to an existing inlet on Howell Road.

Ms. Bernstein referred to page 11 of the plans, consisting of the landscaping plan, indicating a reforestation area of 3 acres, providing a large buffer between the two proposed lots and the neighboring property. She indicated the applicants will comply with the consultants’ review letters.

Brynne Schaeffer, P.E., confirmed that the plans had been submitted, reviewed, and recommended by the Planning Commission. Mr. Philips asked if the lots were restricted from further subdivision, and Mr. Schaeffer said yes. Mr. Thompson asked if any waivers were requested, and Mr. Schaeffer said there were no new waiver requests, only the four original waivers granted in the previously approved plan.

Jill Green confirmed that she would have an opportunity to see the revised plans once the consultants’ comments were addressed.

Mr. Philips moved to approve the amended Preliminary/Final Subdivision Plan for Greene-Marks, and Mr. Rubinfield seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Presentation of Swiss Pines Preliminary Master Plan

Mr. Tom Comitta presented the preliminary master plan for Swiss Pines. He explained that the Preliminary Master Plan is the first step in the planning process for Swiss Pines and presents concepts for potential improvements. The Steering Committee included 6 people who met on five occasions to develop guiding principles for preservation and protection, restoration, and public use.

The Committee visited the Ashbridge Mansion in Exton and met with the PA Game Commission. The Ashbridge Mansion was in similar poor condition to the Llewellen Mansion and its example provided a possible avenue toward an adaptive reuse.

This Plan sets the stage for developing a Final Master Plan which will include more detail after the property survey is completed and additional research can be done. Mr. Heleniak noted that the survey is presently underway and should be available within a few weeks. More direction from the Supervisors on implementation and phasing will be sought.

Mr. Comitta said he visited Arnold Bartschi at Swiss Pines in 1973 and received a tour. He displayed aerial photographs throughout the decades, the historical resource map, existing conservation easements, a hydrological map and a map of soil conditions. He said there are extensive woodlands to be assessed. The constraints of the existing parking lot were examined.

Mr. Comitta said the preliminary master plan budget was $25,000 and has been completed on time and within the budget. Next steps will include possible modifications to the steering committee, identifying who will address various elements of the plan, and a time horizon for the final master plan. A special subcommittee for historical research may be needed. There are a great many documents still on site, and he hopes the original landscape architect’s drawings will be among them. He suggested that visits to Chanticleer and Jenkins Arboretum may be useful. He said he’ll prepare a proposal for the final master plan for the June supervisors’ meeting.

Mr. Kuhn said a great deal of the statuary is still on site, perhaps as much as 85%. He said Nancy Long has offered to conduct a diversity study of the plants. Planning Commission member Michael Churchill said it’s critical to identify the real intention of the preservation and restoration efforts. Mr. Kuhn said that there’s been no serious talk of a full restoration. General interest seems to lie in the gardens, public access, and the inclusion of trails.

Mr. Rubinfield suggested focusing on linking the gardens, trails, and parking as first steps. Mr. Nesspor said he grew up near Swiss Pines, and Arnold Bartschi had a crew of at least a dozen caretakers working on the property throughout the year.

Planning Commissioner Michael Richter asked if the Township was considering a partnership approach, and Mr. Kuhn responded that it’s a possibility. Mr. Richter asked if there were any use restrictions on the property and Mr. Kuhn said no.

Mr. Comitta’s presentation was met with applause from the audience. Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the Preliminary Master Plan for Swiss Pines, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Appointment to the Environmental Advisory Board as Alternate Member

Mr. Heleniak said Sarah Pickering is proposed as an alternate member of the Environmental Advisory Committee. Mr. Kuhn moved to appoint Sarah Pickering as an alternate member of the Environmental Advisory Committee for an unexpired term ending 12/31/2027, and Ms. Carlson seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Resignation/Appointment to the Valley Forge Sewer Authority Joint Board

Mr. Heleniak said the Board had received the resignation of 9-member joint board member Robert Kline, and he offered to fill his position until reorganization takes place in January.

Mr. Philips moved to accept the resignation of joint VFSA member Robert Kline and Mr. Rubinfield seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Philips moved to appoint Chris Heleniak to serve on the joint VFSA Board until the end of the year, and Mr. Rubinfield seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Brightside Farm Bird Box Camera Project

Mr. Heleniak said the Planning Commission and Birdtown Committee proposed live streaming the kestrel box, which can be done by running power and internet service to the pole closest to the community gardens. The camera would stream live to YouTube with a link from the website. He obtained quotes, with the lowest submitted by Lenni Electric, which proposed using CAT-6 cable that can provide both services. Security cameras would also be run from this cable. Their quote was $4,508.00. The cost for the security cameras and expanded use of the existing server was quoted at $9,497.00 for a total cost of $14,005.00. The cost would be funded by the Open Space Fund as an improvement to Brightside Farm Park.

Ms. Green asked if solar was considered, and Mr. Heleniak responded yes, but the cost was higher since electric is already available to serve the proposed location.

Mr. Rubinfield asked if there was a warranty on the equipment, and Mr. Heleniak said there was a manufacturer’s warranty. EAC member/Planning Commissioner Dan Walker asked if there is a subscription fee, and Mr. Heleniak said there is a yearly license fee.

Ms. Armstrong asked if a camera would be considered for viewing barn owls, and Mr. Heleniak said not at this time, but the program could be expanded in the future.

Mr. Willig moved to approve the quotes for electric work and cameras at Brightside Farm Park and Ms. Carlson seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Input on Chester County Transportation Inventory (TII)

Mr. Heleniak said the Chester County Planning Commission has requested feedback for its biennial update of the Chester County Transportation Improvements Inventory (TII). The TII includes proposed roadway, bridge, bicycle and pedestrian, and transit projects that have been recommended to the Chester County Planning Commission by municipalities and other stakeholders over time. This is an opportunity to add to the current list.

The Board addressed each of the existing inventory items separately and determined the project status and priorities for each as follows:

TII #	Project Name	Project Type	Project Status	Municipal Prioritization
BP 6	DEVAULT RAIL TRAIL: PA 29 TO FRENCH CREEK	RAIL TRAIL	Keep	High
INT 42	PIKELAND RD @ CHARLESTOWN RD	REALIGNMENT	Keep	Low
INT 56	PHOENIXVILLE PIKE @ YELLOW SPRINGS RD	TURN LANE	Active/Underway	High
INT 63	PA 401 @ VALLEY HILL RD	TURN LANE	Active/Underway	High
OP 7	CHARLESTOWN & COLDSTREAM RD SIGNAL	NEW TRAFFIC LIGHT	Keep	High
RW 38	CHARLESTOWN RD: PA 29 TO COLDSTREAM RD	SHOULDER WIDENING/SAFETY	Keep	Low
RW 47	COLDSTREAM RD: MARIAN TO MARYHILL	SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS/S-CURVE	Keep	Low
RW 73	PIKELAND RD NEAR CHURCH RD	REALIGNMENT/SHOULDERS	Keep	Medium
SB 8	PA 29 NARROW BRIDGE (MULTIMODAL STUDY)	WIDEN BRIDGE	Keep	High

SB 20	PICKERING DAM ROAD OVER BRANCH PICKERING CK	REPLACE OR REHAB	Active/Underway	High
SB 21	CHARLESTOWN RD OVER PICKERING CREEK	REPLACE OR REHAB	Keep	Remove
TPK 1	PA TURNPIKE: VALLEY FORGE TO PA 29	WIDEN TO SIX LANES	Active/Underway	Please Select One
TPK 2	PA TURNPIKE: PA 29 TO DOWNINGTOWN	WIDEN TO SIX LANES	Active/Underway	Please Select One

Discussion followed. Mr. Richter asked if signage could be added for oversized vehicles on Charlestown Road and Mr. Heleniak said this can be requested outside of the TII program.

Ms. Green asked about Cordelia Kane’s request for a PennDOT study to prohibit oversized trucks, and Mr. Heleniak said 45 foot length trucks are already prohibited, so this is more of an enforcement issue. He will confirm this is in the ordinance. Mr. Richter asked if there could be flashers added to the signs, and Mr. Heleniak said this is only permitted for new signs for a 30 day period.

Proposed road improvements for 2025

Mr. Patry circulated a draft of the annual Roadway Improvement Project Comparison document to the Board to consider, which includes the proposed 2025 road improvements. He said Mr. Wright and Roadmaster Jim Thompson identified Rees Road, Wyndham Road and a portion of Maryhill Road (from Ravenhill Road to Crestview Road) for these improvements.

He said the Roadway Improvement Project Comparison lists the road improvement Cost per SF based on the actual awarded bid for each year. This gives a basis for the order of magnitude cost estimate for the 2025 program, which in previous years would fall within the $250K to $350K range.

Mr. Kuhn made a motion to authorize Montrose Environmental to proceed with the engineering documentation for the three roads with possible adjustments to the scope and to authorize the advertisement for bids for opening on June 2^nd. Ms. Carlson seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Resolution in Opposition to Statewide Control of Local Zoning Decisions

Mr. Philips moved to adopt Resolution #1074-25 in opposition to statewide control of local zoning decisions, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Mr. Heleniak will send the resolution to the elected officials in Harrisburg and to PSATS.

Other Business

Brightside Farm Community Garden Expansion

Mr. Kuhn asked for an update on the Brightside Farm Park community garden expansion, and Mr. Heleniak said Mark Koenig has been trying to reach garden coordinator Charles Buck to work out the details.

There was some discussion about the planned expansion, their potential effect on the kestrels due to proximity, and possible relocations.

Adjournment

There being no additional business, Mr. Kuhn adjourned the meeting at 9:27 p.m. The next business meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2025, at 7 p.m., at 11 General Warren Blvd., Suite 1, Malvern, PA.