CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 11 General Warren Blvd, Suite 1 Malvern, PA 19355 Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Present

Call to Order:

Announcements

Approval of Minutes

Mr. Richter moved to approve the June 11, 2024 meeting minutes and Mr. Walker seconded. Mr. Rogers called for discussion and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.

Plan Reviews

Jablonski Conditional Use Application

Nick Vastardis, P.E. and Kurt Jablonski were present to discuss the conditional use application for 47 Holly Hill Lane. The applicant seeks approval to construct an accessory structure that exceeds 50% of the ground floor area of the principal structure. Mr. Vastardis stated that the property is 14 acres and borders the PA Turnpike and 4 residential properties. The smallest of the bordering residential properties is 8 acres. The applicant is proposing to build a 3,500 square foot pole barn to store his car collection on his property. The building will be 169 feet from the closest residence. They have already submitted a grading plan with stormwater management included.

Mr. Rogers referred to Mr. Comitta’s review regarding tree replacement and questioned whether they plan to prepare a tree replacement plan. Mr. Vastardis indicated that they can do that.

Mr. Jablonski stated he will have between 12 and 20 vintage cars on the property and in the pole barn.

Mr. Churchill moved to recommend approval of the Kurt Jablonski conditional use application, and Mr. Richter seconded. Mr. Rogers called for discussion and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.

Vickers waiver request – 1 Benburb Rd

Mr. Wright explained to the Commission that the property owner at 1 Benburb Rd. has a temporary above ground pool in their front yard. In accordance with the Zoning Ordinance, the property owner has requested a waiver for an accessory structure in the front yard. He explained that the Township had received a couple of complaints from people regarding the pool. The concern is the way the pool looks in front of the house.

Mr. Rogers questioned why it wasn’t in the back of the house and Mr. Wright stated there are trees.

There was a conversation regarding whether the owner would have to reapply for permission every year to put the pool up.

Mr. Richter moved to recommend the BOS deny the waiver request of Vickers, and Mr. Westhafer

Bodine Development LLC Planning Module

Mr. Wright gave an overview of the Planning Module required for the proposed subdivision on Bodine Road. He informed the PC that they are moving forward and are seeking a variance from the ZHB for the driveway. They are required to submit a Planning Module for the septic and the plan is consistent with the Township’s plans.

Other Planning Items

Mr. Rogers gave the PC an update on the working group’s work on ordinances for Accessory Dwelling Units, Grid-Scale Solar and Agritainment. The proposed ordinances should be before the PC in the near future.

Administrative Note

Any documents referred to in the minutes are available to the public upon request at the Township office.

Adjournment

There being no further business, Mr. Rogers adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m. The next meeting will be held on September 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Building, 11 General Warren Blvd, Malvern, PA.