PPL COMMISSIONER COMMITTEE MEETINGUPPER DUBLIN TOWNSHIP PLANNING, PARKS & LIBRARY COMMITTEE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020 | 7:00 PMMain Meeting Room

The meeting location is accessible to person with disabilities. A request for specialaccommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 24 hours inadvance of the meeting by calling 215-643-1600 x3220.

The agenda may be amended during the meeting to add or delete items, change theorder of agenda items, or discuss any other business deemed necessary at the time ofthe meeting.

1 CALL TO ORDER

2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3 CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

4 PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION WITH TOWNSHIP TRAFFIC ENGINEER

4.a. Review of potential development and associated traffic impacts.

4.b. Review of current traffic and mobility improvements.

4.c. Other improvements by PennDOT, Turnpike Authority and Developers.

4.d. Introduction of Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association(GVFTMA) with questions and answers.

5 STANDARD BUSINESS

5.a. MOVE to accept the minutes from the October 22, 2019 meeting without reading.

6 REPORTS 1

6.a. Report of the Library Director.

6.b. Report of the Parks & Recreation Director.

6.c. Report of the Environmental Protection Advisory Board.

6.d. Report of the Planning Commission.

7 DISCUSSION ITEMS

8 NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020 AT 7:00 PM

9 ADJOURN

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Agenda Item No:4.d

Planning, Parks & Library Committee Agenda Item ReportMeeting Date: February 25, 2020Submitted by: Deb RitterSubmitting Department: Item Type: DiscussionAgenda Section:

Subject:Introduction of Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association (GVFTMA) with questions andanswers.

Suggested Action:

Attachments:

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Agenda Item No:5.a

Planning, Parks & Library Committee Agenda Item ReportMeeting Date: February 25, 2020Submitted by: Deb RitterSubmitting Department: Item Type: MinutesAgenda Section:

Subject:MOVE to accept the minutes from the October 22, 2019 meeting without reading.

Suggested Action:

Attachments:MinutesBOC-PPL-20191022.pdf

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A meeting of the Planning, Parks and Library Committee (PPL) of Upper Dublin Township (UDT) was held on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at 7:00 PM, in the Township Building, Chairperson Rebecca Gushue presiding. In attendance were Commissioners Rebecca Gushue, Meredith Ferleger, and Dr. Gary Scarpello. Also present were Jonathan Bleemer, Assistant Township Manager and Finance Director; Cherilyn Fiory, Director of the Upper Dublin Public Library (UDPL); Jim Ennis, Community Planner and Zoning Officer; Derek Dureka, Director of Parks and Recreation (UDPR); Cheryl Knight, Chairperson of the Environmental Protection Advisory Board (EPAB); and Gary Weaver, representing the Planning Commission (PC). PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Ms. Gushue asked all present to pledge allegiance to the flag. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None. STANDARD BUSINESS: Move to Accept the Minutes from June 25, 2019 Without Reading: Dr. Scarpello motioned, with Ms. Ferleger seconding, to accept the Minutes of the PPL meeting of June 25, 2019 without reading.

VOTE ON MOTION ALL YES MOTION CARRIED REPORTS: Report of the Upper Dublin Public Library (UDPL) Director: Ms. Fiory reported on activities at the UDPL as follows: Summer Quest: UDPL wrapped up another Summer Quest, the program attracted over 900 participants. The library hosted 176 programs in July and August on a variety of topics. September is Library Card Sign-Up Month: We host visits from the 1st grade classes from the four public elementary schools. Upcoming Programs: Girls Who Code, focus not just on coding, but creating one STEM-based community project each year. October 23, UDPL will host a production from Hedgerow Theater Company entitled “Tales from Poe.” On Thursday, October 24, we’ll host a 3D printing class for middle schoolers from 6-7 pm in the UDPL STEAM lab. On Saturday, October 26, we’re offering an AARP Smart Driver Refresher Course. There is a fee for this class.

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We are looking forward to hosting another year of the Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties. There are two sessions to choose from, 10:30 am on either Tuesday, Oct 29 or Wed, Oct 30. Visit www.udpl.org for more information. 520 Project Update: This continues to move rapidly. Construction is ongoing. We are still on target for a spring 2020 opening. Township staff launched a project website www.udt520.com, which will be updated regularly with the latest information and images to share. Residents are also able to register to receive updates straight to their inbox at www.upperdublin.net. Our capital campaign is beginning. Our goal is $1.7 million, representing approximately 10% of the total project cost. We are speaking with foundations and businesses as well as residents looking to leave a lasting mark or legacy in their Township. Friends Latest: Friends of the Library approved a $36,000 budget to enable the Library to continue its mission in 2020. Much thanks to the Friends Board and the hundreds of members of that organization who continue to support the community through the UDPL. Ms. Ferleger stated that a resident had asked if there were plans to increase the number of computers in the new library. Ms. Fiory stated that there were no plans to expand the computer lab at this time, but there has been discussion of the possibility of a lap top lending program. Report of Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation (UDPR) Director: Mr. Dureka reported on activities at UDPR as follows: Recreation: July and August closed out our summer camp programs, this was a top three year for revenue generation. Our Annual Spring Flea Market & Sports Equipment Swap was held on October 1. There are discount tickets available for a number of regional attractions. Upcoming Events: Two New York day trips November 6 and December 7 Brewery Tour December 7 Radio City Music Hall trip December 12 More information is on our website www.upperdublinrec.net. Parks Division: Parks division has been very busy with the Spotted Lantern Fly. We are partnering with the Penn State Extension and USDA experimenting with different injections to see how far into the season these will last. The USDA are treating some of our trees with insecticide. Please refer to the Penn

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State Extension and the PA Department of Agriculture resources in terms of proper ways of treating this. Some of our staff attended the NRPA, National Recreation and Park Association, Annual Conference in Baltimore. This was a very informative and educational event. Township Fundraising Events: The 2020 Monte Carlo Night will be held Saturday, March 21, 2020 at the Mercedes Benz of Fort Washington. The UD Triathlon will be held Sunday May 17, 2020. Registration opens November 1. Volunteers are needed for both events. Ms. Gushue asked if there would be an early bird special offered. Mr. Dureka stated that yes, people who have participated in the past will receive a special discount code. Upper Dublin Township’s 300th Anniversary of Incorporation: The Parade and AutoFest was held on September 15, there were approximately 4,000 in attendance. The Fall Fest will be Sunday November 3 from 2 – 6 pm. There will be a puppy bowl, escape rooms, axe throwing and will conclude with fireworks. Additional Items: Upper Dublin Cares continued their work removing invasive plans, cleaning up around cage trees, and planting new trees. The next event will be Sunday, November 17. Volunteers are needed. We are also looking at revising and amending our dog park rules. Possibly adding a medium sized dog section and not allowing children under age 14 in the dog park. Ms. Ferleger stated some residents may be upset with not allowing children in the dog park. Mr. Dureka responded that we will follow up with a BOC recommendation for additional community engagement. Report of the Environmental Protection Advisory Board (EPAB): Ms. Knight reported on the activities of the EPAB as follows: The EPAB welcomed its newest member Joe Thomas, who will fill the vacancy left by Carl Scatena. At our July meeting we heard about the proposed 1125 Virginia Drive project, which includes a 5 story 200-unit apartment complex and 32 townhomes. We had many questions about the stormwater management and concerns with how close the townhomes were to the wetlands. We urged the developer to install additional electric charging stations. In September we hosted a Spotted Lantern Fly educational seminar, with over 180 participating. In October the EPAB hosted representatives from the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association. They updated us on the clean water partnership and the emerging water quality improvement plan.

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The EPAB is moving forward with a rain garden in the catch basin in the township parking lot. This will be a 2020 Earth Day project next April and we will be looking for volunteers. Report of the Planning Commission (PC): Mr. Weaver reported on the activities of the PC as follows: On October 15, the Planning Commission did review the proposed changes to UDT Act 537 – Sewage Plan. The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority proposed three options to address future sewage increase to the Delaware Avenue treatment plant. 1) Upgrade plant for approximately $15 million. 2) Construct a pump station to pump to the Ambler plant. 3) Construct a pump station to pump into Ambler collection system. The Planning Commission asked for more information and details regarding these options. The Planning Commission reviewed and discussed the preliminary land development plan proposing to replace 123 N. Bethlehem Pike with a new two-story building. The applicant had gone before the Zoning Hearing Board and received some relief. They came to us for land development and we suggested they go back before Zoning for more relief. The impervious coverage is just on the limit of what is allowed. The Planning Commission did review a land development plan for 1125 Virginia Drive. This is the first submission for land development under the new Greater Fort Washington GFW zoning district. The proposal combines three tracts for the purpose of constructing a mixed-use development of 32 townhomes and 200 apartments. The Planning Commission expressed concern with the limited public access and public parks. We recommended more electric charging stations and made some landscaping suggestions. Ms. Ferleger: In regards to the sewer, for any of the three options the cost would be passed

on to the consumers?

Mr. Weaver: Yes, and they did not say what that increase would be.

Ms. Ferleger: Moving forward in the development of the office park, is there a way to establish a fee or fund to offset this increase in cost of the sewer?

Mr. Weaver: I believe that can be looked into.

Ms. Ferleger: As far as the charging stations, one compromise could be to have a requirement to put in place the underground conduits for future use.

Mr. Weaver: Yes, we have done that on other projects.

Ms. Gushue: With the 1125 Virginia Drive site, I know there is an underpass under the turnpike. That wouldn’t be on that property would it?

Mr. Weaver: I believe that is further up.

Ms. Gushue: I am still looking for connectivity in Ward 5.

Mr. Weaver: It would be nice to bring them to the Cross-County Trail. 8

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Mr. Dureka: The underpass area is behind Dublin Terrace. The issue is that would be a

million-dollar trail to get there. The Camp Hill connection would be the least cost approach. We are applying for additional grants to complete design.

PUBLIC COMMENT: None. REPORTS: Twining Valley Park – Preparing for Management Update: Mr. Dureka presented an update on the next steps of Twining Valley Park. The presentation is available on the website. This presentation is to give the commissioners and the community an update on us taking over management of the property on December 1, 2019.

Status of grants – awarded $320,000, two others still pending End of lease preparations – ends November 30, 2019, MEP building assessment, soil and

water testing Use of club house and garage – draft lease is completed, interested parties have begun

approaching the Township, repairs to garage are needed Programs and special events – first event Saturday, December 14, Twining Valley Cross

Classic Timeline – 12/1 UDT takes over, 12/2-12/6 Site inspection, install signage, decommission

golf course, 12/9 Resident access to property Proposed Phase 1 – Multi-purpose trail, biking/hiking trail, dog park

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, Dr. Scarpello motioned, with Ms. Ferleger seconding, to adjourn the meeting. VOTE ON MOTION ALL YES MOTION CARRIED Respectfully submitted, ______________________________ Jesse Conte, Recording Secretary Attest: _______________________________________ Rebecca Gushue, Chairperson

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Agenda Item No:6.d

Planning, Parks & Library Committee Agenda Item ReportMeeting Date: February 25, 2020Submitted by: Deb RitterSubmitting Department: Item Type: ReportsAgenda Section:

Subject:Report of the Planning Commission.

Suggested Action:

Attachments:PPLMemo_Feb25Meeting_Feb192020.pdf

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Upper Dublin Township Community Planning and Zoning To: Planning, Parks, & Library (PPL) Committee

From: Jim Ennis, Community Planner and Zoning Officer

Date: February 19, 2020

Subject: Planning Commission’s Activity from November 2019 to February 2020 Since the time of the October 22, 2019 PPL Committee meeting, the following items were schedulded before the Planning Commission:

1. Final Land Development Plans for the Ruddy Tract (Vacant Property along Dreshertown Road, north of Applewood Drive): This land development consists of 14 townshouse units on a 2.6-acre tract of land that abuts the Norfolk Southern railroad line in the Township’s MD Muli-Dwelling Zoning District. Variances were originally granted by the Zoning Hearing Board in connection with the development on July 1, 2016. The applicant (Prestige Property Partners) received preliminary plan approval on November 14, 2017. Due to the applicant not meeting the expiration conditions of the original Zoning Hearing Board approval, the applicant sought reinstatement of the previously granted variances. The reinstatement of the variances was granted by the Zoning Hearing Board on October 28, 2019. The Planning Commission gave a recommendation for Land Development approval on November 19, 2019. Since that time, the applicant is finalizing everything with the Township Engineer in order for the plans to seek final land development approval from the Board of Commissioners during the regularly stated March meeting.

2. Minor Land Development Plan for 465 Maryland Drive: The Planning Commission gave a recommendation for approval to this Minor Land Development Plan on December 17, 2019. Land Development approval was granted by the Board of Commissioners during the January 14, 2020 regularly stated meeting. The approval is for the expansion of an existing parking area at 465 Maryland Drive, a 2.1-acre property consisting of a single building used for the offices of a mechanical engineering company in the GFW – Greater Fort Washington zoning district.

3. 1125 Virginia Drive Sketch Plan Revisions: The site detailed on the submitted sketch plan encompasses a 3-lot consolidation that would result in a property area of 16.79 acres. The main property subject to the 3-lot consolidation is 1125 Virginia Drive, which is currently developed as offices for the ADP corporation. A stream intersects the site area’s frontage, with associated floodplain, and there are wetland areas at both ends of the site. The site is located within the GFW – Greater Fort Washington Zoning District.

During the October 2019 Planning Commission meeting, the applicant gave a presentation for this development, which at that time proposed a 200-unit apartment complex (multi-family residential use type) and 32 townhouse units. The applicant has made considerable revisions since then and presented changes to the sketch plan during the February 18, 2020 Planning Commission meeting. The most recent revisions still

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Jim Ennis PPL Meeting Memo – February 19, 2020 Page 2

propose the 200-unit apartment complex, but now adds two additional apartment buildings. Each of these newly proposed apartment buildings will contain 58 units.

The most recent revisions were generally well received by the Planning Commission and the applicant will move further forward with this project, which includes seeking variances from the Zoning Hearing Board, gaining conditional use approval from the Board of Commissioners, and undergoing the formal land development approval process.

4. Zoning Change Application for Senior Assisted Living Residence Use within the Fort Washington Village Overly Zoning District (FWVD): The applicant’s proposed zoning text changes would permit a Senior Assisted Living Residence as a conditional use within the FWVD - Fort Washington Village Overlay zoning district. The submitted application includes a concept plan detailing the senior assisted living facility that would result if the proposed zoning changes were formally approved and enacted. The concept plan depicts a 3 story/88-unit senior assisted living facility at a location comprising of 4 properties with a total area of 3.6 acres along Pennsylvania Avenue and Walnut Lane near Summit Avenue. The applicant presented the zoning change application to the Planning Commission during their January 2020 meeting. The applicant provided a status update presentation during the February 18, 2020 Planning Commission meeting for the purpose of covering the progress made since the January meeting. The status update presentation entailed not only addressing the comments and recommendations provided by the Planning Commission and Township Engineer during the January meeting, but also comments and suggestions provided by the public and everything covered within my January 21, 2020 review memo. Significant changes to the concept plan were also presented during the February meeting.

5. Zoning Amendments to the Greater Fort Washington GFW Zoning District: Pursuing amendments to the GFW – Greater Fort Washington Zoning District has been a discussion topic for the Planning Commission within the past few months. During the November 2019 Planning Commission meeting, my memo giving a preliminary analysis on how townhouse uses are currently addressed within the GFW zoning district, the entirety of the Township, and the zoning codes of neighboring communities was presented and discussed. Additionally, Montgomery County Planning Commission’s (MCPC’s) December 13, 2019 memo covering townhouse and commercial/retail uses was discussed during the December 2019 Planning Commission meeting. My February 14, 2019 memo was considered during the February Planning Commission meeting. The possible zoning changes include removing the townhouse use type as an allowable use within the GFW and specifically listing some retail and commercial use types permitted by conditional use, as well as prohibiting certain commercial and retail uses found to not meet the overall intent of the GFW. The Planning Commission will be further discussing this matter during their March 2020 meeting.

Please contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.

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