The Lancaster County Planning Commission convened its meeting to address several agenda items, including citizen concerns, subdivision proposals, zoning amendments, and the restructuring of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Meeting Opening
- The meeting was called to order with all members present, ensuring a quorum.
- A roll call confirmed attendance, and the meeting agenda was approved unanimously.
- Alan Patterson led the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer emphasizing guidance in decision-making.
Public Comments and Citizen Engagement
- A large public turnout demonstrated active community interest.
- Residents from the Edgewater community expressed significant concerns about traffic congestion, inadequate emergency access, environmental management, and infrastructure issues related to ongoing and proposed developments.
- Many residents advocated for additional access roads to handle the increasing population and emergency scenarios. There was widespread frustration with the developer, True Homes, over perceived unfulfilled commitments.
Agenda Highlights
Subdivision Proposal: Eagles Landing at Edgewater
- The proposed subdivision encompassed 125 single-family homes over approximately 65 acres.
- Issues discussed included road widths, conflicting lot lines, emergency access, and environmental impacts.
- The Planning Commission deliberated on whether to approve the project conditionally. After extensive citizen feedback and discussion, the motion to approve was denied (4-2 vote).
Zoning Amendments
- Building Height for Hotels (Text Amendment 2024-2207)
- The applicant, OMM Hotels, proposed increasing the maximum allowable building height in General Business (GB) zones from 35 feet to 55 feet to accommodate a four-story hotel.
- After discussion, the commission recommended limiting the amendment to properties in the Highway Corridor Overlay (HCO) zone with a height cap of 55 feet, excluding the five-story provision.
- This amendment passed unanimously (6-0).
- Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Reconstitution (Text Amendment 2024-243)
- The proposal aimed to reduce the BZA members from seven to five and establish new qualifications, including representation from various development-related professions and geographic areas (Panhandle, Central Lancaster, and Southern Lancaster).
- The commission highlighted attendance issues and recommended staggering term lengths for continuity.
- The amendment passed unanimously (6-0).
Citizen and Commission Feedback
- Residents voiced frustration with traffic bottlenecks, emergency access risks, and insufficient infrastructure planning in rapidly growing communities like Edgewater.
- The commission acknowledged these concerns but cited limitations due to existing development agreements and zoning codes.
- Commissioners emphasized the need for proactive, high-quality development standards to address future challenges.
Other Discussions
- Updates were requested on the status of proposed road extensions for Edgewater, including erosion control plans.
- Commissioners expressed concerns about the volume of text amendments disrupting the ongoing Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) rewrite process but recognized the necessity for certain immediate adjustments.
Next Steps
- Recommendations for the text amendments will proceed to County Council for further readings and final approvals.
- Staff will provide updates on the Edgewater road extension and erosion control plans in upcoming meetings.
Meeting Adjournment
The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of community input and a commitment to addressing growth and infrastructure issues comprehensively. The commission adjourned with plans to reconvene for further discussions and decisions.
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