MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE
APRIL 28, 2004

1. Meeting was called to order at 7:30. Present were: Jane Billings, Paul Bech, Peg Hebner and Joanna Jacobs.

2. The minutes from the March 2, 2004 and March 24, 2004 meetings were reviewed and adopted by unanimous vote.

3. The committee reviewed the proposed UCC. We decided that it would be proposed for public advertising at the next Council meeting.

4. There was a review and update on the Yale Avenue subdivision. Proponents were granted 2 variances under the floodplain ordinance: one for the actual subdivision from two parcels into three; and one to permit the sewer hook-up to unopened Harvard Avenue. These were granted by the Zoning Hearing Board at its Tuesday evening, April 27, 2004 meeting. The Planning Commission needed more time and had outstanding questions to be resolved before making a recommendation. They will review the subdivision proposal again at their next meeting, May 19, 2004.

5. There was an update on the Twersky litigation. All parties have reached a mutually satisfactory agreement dividing up their respective portions of the unopened street at issue. We will propose to the Council that Swarthmore’s interest in the unopened portion of Rutgers Avenue be vacated, and that such be advertised.

6. Joanna reported to the committee about a power point presentation from members of the preservation subcommittee, created to educate the public about the benefits of historic preservation. Paul and Joanna will attend the next Planning Commission meeting to discuss with them what steps can be taken to further promote historic preservation in Swarthmore.

7. The committee decided to request that the Planning Commission review and make appropriate recommendations about the Borough’s current ordinances regarding accessory use of secondary buildings as well as current set back requirements for such buildings.



The meeting adjourned around 9:30 p.m. The next meeting will be May 26, 2004 at 7:30 pm.