Forks Township DPW Building Presentation Rd 1

Tonight, the architecture firm of Kimmel-Bogrette presented their approach to build the Forks Township Public Works garage.  The basic concept is to manage the risk, so the township can contain the construction costs, meet the construction timelines, and building design standards.  According to the web-site,  Jim Bogrette, Principal, KBA  states:  "Through an understanding of our clients' goals, coupled with the opportunities and constraints of their project and its site, we are able to create designs that further define their goals, but also exceed their expectations while maximizing every budgeted dollar. Every client that we are fortunate enough to serve has unique needs. Our goal is to provide innovative quality designs that meet given budgets and fulfill the client's mission with meaningful architectural solutions." 

Additionally, the public presentation showed examples of completed projects in various townships throughout the Commonwealth.  The examples include Hanover Township, Honey Brook Township, and West Brandywine Township, just to name a few completed projects.

The public presentation did not include costs of the initial Master Concept Plan nor was public comment solicited during the meeting.

 

Get Involved! Every Voice Counts!

A election just around the corner

On September 29th, 2009, a special election will be held to fill the vacancy left by the resign of Senator Bob Wonderling.

State Rep. Robert Mensch, of the 147th District and Anne Scheuring, of the Lansdale Borough Council will vie for the 24^th Senatorial District in Pennsylvania.

Stay tune for an interesting election. I do wonder of either candidate's will campaign in our township? We shall see!

 

Get Involved! Every Vote Counts!

Riverview Recreation Center Review - Update

The BoS reviewed a revised plan by Gary Strausser to convert a temporary road into a township maintained road that serves as the entrance to the Riverview recreation center and extend the sidewalks along the road.

Under questioning from the BoS, the representative from Strausser Enterprises informed the BoS they had transferred the deed to one of the lots in the plan to the Riverview Homeowners association. This means a portion of the land development plan submitted by Strausser Enterprises was not owned by Gary Strausser. Go Figure!

Based upon this revelation, the BoS agreed with a proposal to deny the land development application based upon two reasons. First, the agreed upon improvements to Phase 1 of Riverview estates were not completed.  Second, Gary Strausser submitted a land development for a property did he not own.  

I must admit to an active involvement in the debate between the BoS, the Strausser representative, and the public. I was appalled the Forks Planning Commission was not informed that Gary Strausser did not own all the land contained in the land development submission.  It seems weird this critical fact was missing from the developer presentation to the Planning Commission. How does that happen?

I am very supportive of the BoS decision to reject the land development plan. I welcome the opportunity for the Planning Commission to review a valid land development plan for the Riverview Estates Recreation Center.

Get Involved! Every Voice Counts!

Riverview Recreation Center Review

The BoS was scheduled to review a revised plan by Gary Strausser to convert a temporary road into a township maintained road that serves as the entrance to the Riverview recreation center and extend the sidewalks along the road.

It seems Gary Strausser decided his attendance at the meeting was not important, so he decided not to attend the meeting.  This caused the BoS to table the motion and re-schedule the plan review at a later date.

Personally, I think the lack of a Strausser representative at the board meeting was disrespectful  to our community and it shows disdain for the planning process.

 

Get Involved! Every Voice Counts!

Forks Township Odds and Ends

The Forks Township BoS meet on August 6, 2009 to conduct normal business.  The following is couple of  items of interest.

The Public Works department finished the installation of exercise stations along the multi-purpose trail in our community park. The BoS voted to send the draft Comprehensive Plan to the LVPC and the surrounding municipalities. Additionally, the board agreed to put the Comprehensive Plan on the township web site for public review. The public will be allowed to provide input to the plan later this year.  Last, but not least, the board approved funding to repair the tennis and basketball courts.

 

Get Involved! Every voice counts!

Forks Township is considering Alternate Energy Proposal

 

The Forks Township Planning Commission could be considering the final version of a Solar Ordnance at it's August 13, 2009 meeting.

The Solar Ordnance is designed to set guidelines on the construction of solar panels within the township. Forks Township will be updating Section 200 of our zoning laws and the SALDO (Subdivision and Land Development Ordnance) to reflect these changes. Basically, the ordnance allows for the installation of solar panels (roof installation and ground arrays) as a accessory use in any zoning district for both residential and non-residential uses.

This ordnance is consistent with Commonwealth's Alternate Energy Investment Act of 2008, that promotes renewable energy development and reduces energy consumption.

Get Involved! Every Voice Counts!