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The New Castle City’s Planning Commission Meeting took place on April 28, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s Town Hall. Members Present: Dr. Jack Norsworthy, Chair Jim Steele, Co-Chair Joe DiAngelo David Bird Bill Simpson Dorsey Fiske Christine Masiello Members Absent: Elliott Tatum George Freebery Staff Present: Marian Hull, URS, City Planner City Personnel: Mayor John Klingmeyer City Administrator Cathie Thomas Building Inspector Jeff Bergstrom Dr. Norsworthy called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Roll call was taken. Approval of Minutes – It was moved and seconded that the minutes of the 3/24/08 meeting be approved. The motion was adopted. Budget Review – There are no changes to report. Minor Sub-Division & Site Plan Review – JH Fisher Apex Sub-Division – Eric Mayer, owner of JH Fisher, explained his application. Mr. Mayer and his engineer fielded questions from Commission members. They have received comments from URS that are mainly housekeeping items. They include entrances to both lots, both lots meet minimum requirements for width and building configuration setbacks, and some of the buildings are pre-existing and sit on property lines. The owner is considering selling the larger lot. Ms. Hull indicated that URS does not have any concerns with this application. Nothing in this proposal conflicts with the updating of our comprehensive plan. A motion was made and seconded to recommend to City Council approval of the sub-division as submitted with URS recommendations of housekeeping addressed. A roll call vote was ordered and the vote was as follows: Mr. DiAngelo-yes; Mr. Steele-yes; Ms. Fiske-yes; Mr. Bird-yes; Mr. Simpson-yes; Ms. Masiello-yes; Dr. Norsworthy-yes The motion was adopted by unanimous vote. Proposed Rezoning of the Hermitage at 901 Delaware Street – William J. Rhodunda, Jr., Counsel, and Jeff Williams of Kaercher Engineering reviewed the plan with the Commission on behalf of the equitable owner of the property. The home is in great disrepair due to fire damage. It is over 200 years old. It is currently owned by the Deemer family. Mrs. Deemer forwarded a letter to the Council and this Commission stating her request to change the zoning from OS&R to R3. R3 zoning permits a denser project; we are proposing town homes. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Page 2 Mr. Williams provided an overview of the project. Most of the development will take place within the open area between the marsh and wooded area and the school. He confirmed that the Hermitage will be raised as part of this project. Ms. Hull has not had time to prepare a report to date. Concern was expressed about the wildlife in the area; they will have less living area if this project goes forward. There is a portion behind this parcel that is administered by the Trustees. The applicant is in contact with Tim Skully, a realtor, who has been in contact with the Trustees’ attorney. Mr. Bergstrom indicated there is an active arson investigation taking place at present. Mr. Simpson asked if there has been any consideration by the developer to repair the Hermitage and integrate it into the new development. The applicant wants to incorporate some historical aspect of the property. Mr. Simpson cited the church as a similar situation and it was rebuilt. Traffic issues were also raised. Surrounding zoning is open space and R1 and the closest R3 zoning is across the street (Rt. 273). (Additional discussion about the project followed.) A question was raised about flood plain issues. Mr. Williams said their preliminary map shows none on this property but there are some along the railroad track and on Trustees land. They would not affect the applicant’s property. A motion was made and seconded to table this matter until more information is received. The motion was approved by unanimous vote. Mike Alfree of the Trustees clarified that the Trust has received two letters inquiring about an easement or right-of-way on Ninth Street. Leon DiAscanis offered concern about how the Hermitage is going to be developed. His family business, DiAscanis Construction, has been involved with negotiations with Mrs. Deemer for 8 to 9 months. They want to retain the Hermitage. They feel the entire building can be reconstructed then build no more than six (6) row homes on the lot without crowding the Hermitage. Construction of these row homes is to help offset the cost of reconstructing the Hermitage. He wanted to present their proposal to this Commission. They feel it has the best interests of the community and its residents. (Discussion followed.) At this time it is this Commission’s role to look at a zoning change from OS&R to R3 and possibly R1 because of the density for this property. We cannot force or influence the owner as to who she sells the property to. Comprehensive Plan Update – Marian Hull distributed a packet of information to Commission members and reviewed same. This information reflects what was submitted to the State previously and much of this information comes from the most recent Annual Report to the State. She is continuing to work with City staff, DelDOT, WILMAPCO, and others who have knowledge about this information to continue updating. (Discussion followed about how to determine the status of items in the packet.) Ms. Thomas has reviewed the information and provided her feedback to Ryan Mawhinney of URS. Mr. Bergstrom is still formulating his response. The Mayor has serious concerns about the lack of human concerns in this information. He also serves on WILMAPCO, which is a resource. Ms. Hull said that one of the areas not included in the plan concerns recreation. She did not have enough direction to include that item in the information distributed
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes |
