Development News for McCandless, Pennsylvania

Planning Commission Debates Harmony Manor Residential Development, Approves Some Modifications

The Planning Commission considered a preliminary subdivision and land development application for Pole Construction's 12-lot single-family residential development. The project includes a public road, sidewalks, open space, and stormwater management. Several modifications and waivers were requested, including for lot depth-to-width ratio, sidewalk installation, and grading slopes. The commission voted on these modifications, with some passing and others failing. Ultimately, a motion to recommend town council approval of the Harmony Manor plan with the approved modifications was made.

Hyundai Dealership Project Faces Scrutiny Over Buffer Variances, Parking, and Site Layout

The Planning Commission heard a preliminary and final land development application for a Hyundai dealership. The applicant, Harshman C Group, presented the site layout, including the dealership building, parking, vehicle storage, retaining walls, and stormwater management improvements. Modifications were requested for buffer yard widths (8 ft and 7 ft instead of 15 ft) due to site constraints, and a variance for 2:1 fill slopes was requested. Discussions included parking capacity, vehicle delivery access, sidewalk construction, and sight distance. The commission tabled the motion for this project to allow for further review and information gathering.

Lar Ro University Expansion Plan Approved by Planning Commission with Easement Conditions

The Planning Commission reviewed a minor subdivision application for Lar Ro University, where the Sisters of Divine Providence are donating 14.5 acres to the university for program expansion. A zoning variance was granted the previous week. The applicant has addressed all comments from the second review letter and is preparing a draft submission. A question arose regarding the timing of recording reciprocal easements for access and utilities, with the applicant suggesting recording the declaration of easements before or on the same day as the subdivision plan. The commission recommended town council approval with this caveat.

Planning Commission Approves Burke Consolidation Plan for Future Development

The Planning Commission reviewed and approved a minor subdivision application for the Burke consolidation plan. The applicant, Smith Burke, requested to eliminate the property line between two parcels they own to consolidate them into one, anticipating future renovations and additions. The commission received a second review letter with two minor, textual-based comments that were addressed by the applicant. No public comment was received for this item. A motion to approve the plan was seconded and passed unanimously.