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Planning commission tables Grace Manor Homes subdivision after open-space, utilities and fire-marshal items remain unresolved
Summary
The commission held a first review of the Grace Manor Homes 21-lot infill subdivision and heard public support. Staff recommended tabling the application so the applicant can submit formal waiver requests, coordinate with Delcora on sewer issues, respond to the Shade Tree Commission and provide fire-marshal and county comments.
At its Oct. 8 meeting the Chester Planning Commission conducted a first review of Grace Manor Homes, a proposed resubdivision of former Pulaski School property into a 21-lot residential subdivision with nine semi-detached "twin" homes and three detached single-family homes.
Planning staff told the commission that the proposal generally meets zoning bulk and parking requirements but noted outstanding items that need formal documentation before the commission can act: an open-space waiver request (the applicant proposes to rely on the adjacent community access center for common open space), formal waiver letters, completed coordination with Delcora (Delaware County Regional Water Quality Authority) about sanitary/sewer connections, fire-marshal responses, and forthcoming Shade Tree Commission comments. Staff recommended tabling the application until those items are provided.
Annette Pyatt (identified earlier on the record) stated a conflict of interest and recused herself from commenting on the project because she is both executive director and a developer for the access-center component related to the project.
Michael Lonta, who identified himself as owner and design engineer for MG Engineering Associates LLC, presented the plan and said the design relocates alleyways to rear yards to reduce curb cuts, proposes new sanitary and storm lines and a looped water service to meet Chester Water Authority requirements, and intends to comply with review-letter items. Lonta said the project is proposed as all-electric housing and that adding gas later would require installing a new main.
A resident asked whether homes would be limited to first-time buyers; planning staff and project representatives said the homes will adhere to HUD income-qualification limits (at or below 80% of median income) and the program targets first-time homebuyers.
The fire marshal's memo requested no-parking signage at specific intersections and alleys to accommodate fire-truck turning, naming unnamed alleys to aid emergency response, and evaluation of three locations for improved hydrant coverage. Collier Engineering and the city engineer raised stormwater and MPDES/infiltration concerns in light of impervious surfaces.
After discussion, planning staff recommended tabling the application to allow the applicant to submit the required waiver requests in writing and to resolve Delcora coordination and Shade Tree Commission comments. A commissioner moved to table the application; the motion was seconded, members voted in favor with at least one abstention, and the motion carried. The applicant's team said they will return at the November meeting after addressing comments.
The commission did not deny the application; it tabled the matter to give applicants time to provide the requested documentation and to coordinate outstanding technical reviews.
