Commission backs advisory approval for Pleasant View Farms barn expansion, approves four waiver requests subject to Conservation District and township review

Steuart Consulting Group presented a land‑development plan for Pleasant View Farms on May 28, proposing a new 30,240‑square‑foot barn on a property of about 79.41 acres in North Woodberry Township. The plan calls for an infiltration basin sized to capture runoff up to the 100‑year storm, roughly 62,640 square feet of new impervious coverage, and an approximately 7‑acre disturbance area tied to construction and internal access roads.

The applicant requested four waivers: reducing the emergency basin freeboard from the standard two feet to one foot, waivers for curb and paved parking requirements, and relief from certain buffer requirements. Gizon said the proposed development is consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan, which prioritizes agricultural economic development, and recommended approval subject to review and approval by the Blair County Conservation District and North Woodberry Township.

Commissioners asked for clarification of erosion control, infiltration design, and waiver rationale; staff emphasized that the county’s review is advisory and that the township and Conservation District will conduct the technical permitting and enforcement reviews. The commission approved the advisory recommendation by voice vote; the record shows an opposition was recorded but no identifying name was provided in the transcript.

The approval advances the plan to required township and Conservation District review and does not itself waive local regulatory processes. Staff asked the applicant to supply final plan details and documentation to support the requested waiver justifications and erosion‑control measures.