Supervisors approve Misco preliminary plan and add truck-leasing use to Town Center Overlay

At its Dec. 7, 2021 meeting the Bern Township Board of Supervisors approved several planning actions, including multiple waivers and the Misco Preliminary Land Development Plan, and took related zoning actions for the Hartman Farm Town Center Overlay District.

Planning Commission recommended and the board approved waivers to 154-24.C(1) (cart way widening), increased right-of-way width at Stinson Drive, a traffic-impact study waiver (154-30.I(1)), and Leiscz's Bridge Road curbing and sidewalk waivers (154-32.C and 154-32.D) to accommodate the Misco land development plan. The approvals were conditional on addressing SSM's Nov. 5, 2021 review letter. The board then approved the Misco Preliminary Land Development Plan.

Separately, the board approved a SunCap Stormwater Agreement. The SunCap Municipal Improvements Agreement remains under review by counsel, the manager and the engineer pending final numbers from SunCap and was tabled for action at a future meeting.

Representatives for Lords and Ladies Hair Salon requested and received a letter of support to the Zoning Hearing Board for a variance to operate a hair salon at 2493 MacArthur Road, which is located in a Light Industrial zoning district; counsel indicated no legal barrier to sending such a letter and the board voted to provide support.

Representatives from Costco and Penske asked the board to add 'truck leasing facility' to the Town Center Overlay District for the Hartman Farm property. The board approved the change conditioned on Penske covering any costs associated with adding the use. Supervisor Daniel Tobias voted no and stated concerns for residents who live near the potential facility; the motion passed 4'1.

What happens next: The Misco approvals proceed subject to the consultant review items noted in the SSM letter. The SunCap municipal improvements agreement will return to the board after SunCap provides required numbers. The Town Center Overlay change will proceed with developer-paid administrative costs.