2016 draft budget in final stages
By Kris Firey-Poling, Correspondent, The Times
Dennis Smith discusses Pennsbury Township Planning Commission issues at Wednesday’s board of supervisors meeting.
PENNSBURY — How much storage space does a 10-acre home with horses need? That was a question and discussion at Wednesday night’s township Board of Supervisors meeting.
New resident Frank Facciolo has requested a variance for the height and size of a shed for his 10 ½ -acre property on Fairville and Hillendale Roads. Facciolo wants to build a shed equivalent to a three-car garage, exceeding the 600 square feet limit.
“My property includes an equestrian facility with a horse ring. It requires additional storage space for maintenance equipment, including a tractor and plow. The design is complimentary to the existing barn. It will be built at the rear of the property.”
Supervisors Vice-Chair Aaron McIntyre questioned the need for such a large structure. After much debate, he asked a resident, one with horses, about the storage request. The resident said that Facciolo’s request was not excessive for a property with horses.
Planning Commission Chair Dennis Smith said that no one in his group objected to the structure, but they were split about issues that the topic generated.
McIntyre suggested that the township review current shed and barn regulations for residents with larger properties.
The board of supervisors agreed to remain neutral as Facciolo’s request is reviewed at the upcoming zoning hearing board meeting on Oct. 28.
In her manager’s report, Kathleen Howley announced that the 2016 Draft Budget is 75% done. The budget will be posted on the township’s website and advertised on Nov. 4, then adopted at the December board of supervisor’s meeting.
In discussing township roads, Supervisors Chair Scotty Scottoline stated that PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) is behind on pavement markings, creating potentially unsafe driving conditions. Also, PennDOT has been slow to change the speed limit signs on US-1 from 55 to 45 miles per hour. The board agreed to contact Pennsylvania State Representative Steve Barrar about the issues.
Also, a four-way stop sign ordinance was approved for the intersection of Fairville and Cossart Roads. Currently, there is a two-way stop.
According to Manager Howley, there are two reasons for the four-way stop – increased traffic and drivers not coming to a full stop. She believes the new signs will create a safer environment.
Lastly, the board of supervisors discussed Mendenhall Farm property maintenance issues. There have been recent reports of broken farmhouse windows, bonfires, and ATV (all-terrain vehicles) activity.
According to Solicitor Tom Oeste, the house has significantly deteriorated. Also, ATV use on the property is subject to a restriction. The board agreed to write two letters – one to the new property owner to prevent further deterioration. The second will be to neighboring residents, advising them about the vandalism and ATV concerns.
The next meeting of the Pennsbury Township Board of Supervisors will be held Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Township Building, located on 702 Baltimore Pike in Chadds Ford.
