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Linglestown Gazette
Lower Paxton Twp. Planning Commission meeting, 06.10.09 By SWAN Robert R. & Bette J. Keneda -- Preliminary/Final Subdivision Plan #09-11 The subdivision request is for the property at 2292 Forest Lane which fronts to the west on Forest Lane and to the east on Colonial Road. The existing residence is on the southern portion of the property and the request is to create a smaller separate lot at the northern end of the property for a new single-family residence for the couple's daughter. The commissioners recommended approval of this request. Miscellaneous items * The commissioners discussed two letters they had received from SWAN Chairman Eric Epstein. One focused on a previous presentation made by attorney Robert Dobson concerning a ruling by the Commonwealth Court on the definitions of "lot" and "unit" in regard to condominium units. This ruling could seriously affect construction of new condominium units in Lower Paxton and across the state. The letter was a request that no consideration be given to a change in the ordinance until the Pennsylvania Supreme Court further reviews the case. The commissioners stated that township solicitor Steve Stine was reviewing the matter and would report back to the township officials. It was noted that it would probably be a long time before a judicial ruling is received on this matter. The commissioners agreed to recommend to the supervisors that they take no action on any change proposed by the township before the planning commission reviews it. The other letter from Mr. Epstein was in regard to the township's noise ordinance. Several township households in particular have had ongoing, extreme problems with noise from neighbors and have had little help from officials. The letter requested that the township consider strengthening the noise ordinance and he submitted for consideration a copy of the Susquehanna Township ordinance as a possible guide. The commissioners reported that the township staff is in the process of getting copies of the noise ordinances from several townships and they will review them to help determine what changes it might be desirable to make. * The commissioners at their recent workshop meeting developed a list of business owners they intend to invite to an informational meeting regarding the Business Improvement District they hope to create along Route 22 in the township. They now have a rough draft of the letter of invitation they plan to send to those owners, and it soon will be finalized and mailed. * Lastly, the likely need
for the development of an ordinance covering the placement of wind
turbines in the township was discussed. Several commissioners
attended a meeting about this and it was pointed out that without an
ordinance small wind mills could be placed almost anywhere, including
on roofs, within required setbacks, etc., resulting in unsafe and unsightly
situations and even noise. Township staff indicated that it was unlikely
that there is anything in the existing regulations applicable to this
matter. With electric rates ready to go up there would seem to be a
probability of these being marketed even for residential use. A model
ordinance has been developed and it will be discussed during the next
commission meeting.
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