Chester planners table Roe Fabricators expansion, ask for PennDOT sign-off

The Chester City Planning Commission on Feb. 5 voted to table review of a preliminary and final subdivision and land development plan for 3308 West Second Street, where Roe Fabricators (Roe Properties LLC) is seeking to consolidate three lots, partially demolish existing structures and construct a 7,550-square-foot building addition.

The commission said it needed confirmation from PennDOT about continued use and reconstruction of two existing driveways on West Second (also referred to as Route 291) before granting further approvals. That condition followed a recommendation from Colliers Engineering Design and questions from planning and engineering staff about rights-of-way, utilities and fire apparatus access.

The project team described the proposal as an upward expansion that will allow the existing sign- and graphics-manufacturing business to reorganize internal workflow without ceasing operations. “We’ve been in this building since 1999. I employ 50 people in the city,” owner Brett Roe said while explaining the business’s need for more fabrication space. Engineer Mike Galante said the plan adds green space along West Second Street, reconstructs driveways and will reconfigure parking to add an ADA stall and improve circulation.

Planning staff’s review letter noted several zoning and site-plan items, including dimensional questions tied to the property’s corner-lot status, the absence of street trees along West Second Street because of underground utilities, and a required 8-foot planting strip between a driveway and the parking area that the plan did not show. The planning letter also encouraged consideration of sustainable roof treatments—white roof, green roof or rooftop solar—because of the project’s large roof area.

The city engineer and the applicant also discussed emergency access and fire apparatus turning. Captain Michael Burnath of the Chester Fire Department said he did not expect the driveways or on-site parking configuration to prevent firefighting operations, noting hydrant locations and that apparatus could use 291 and Clayton Street for access. The applicant said it will provide fire-truck turning templates and comply with any fire commissioner requirements and building-code egress requirements during permitting.

Ron Madison of Colliers Engineering Design advised the commission that PennDOT signoff on the Highway Occupancy Permit for the existing driveways should be obtained before the city approves the plan. Madison recommended tabling the plan so the applicant could meet with PennDOT and secure any necessary HOP outcomes. The commission motioned to table the item until PennDOT-related information was provided; the motion carried.

The applicant told the commission that the proposed construction method—building new structural supports and shell around the existing structure, then demolishing interior elements—was chosen to minimize noise, dust and operational disruptions for neighboring residents.

Votes at a glance: the commission moved and seconded to table the 3308 West Second Street application pending PennDOT information; commissioners voted in favor (recorded by voice: “Aye”).

Next steps: the commission confirmed the plan will return for review after the applicant provides PennDOT/HOP confirmations and addresses outstanding zoning and engineering comments; zoning-board action may be required if the planning department determines variances are necessary.