Commission reviews Luzerne Place sketch plan for eight townhouses on Luzerne Street

The Planning Commission reviewed a sketch plan for Luzerne Place on April 22, a proposal to build eight attached single‑family townhouses on five consolidated parcels at 1414–1422 Luzerne Street.

Jerome Skrinkowski summarized the sketch application and flagged technical requirements: a planning module and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection approvals for sanitary sewer connections, a stormwater management plan, an erosion and sedimentation control plan, municipal improvements agreements and a required fire hydrant on Zern Street following the fire and rescue department’s initial review.

Applicant Joel Avada said the units would be sold as individual homes (not apartments). “Yeah, so they're gonna be, individual homes,” Avada told the commission, adding that parking would be in the rear off a 15‑foot alley and that the team would investigate whether the city has a right‑of‑way or whether PennDOT review will be required for any connection to Luzerne. Commissioners pressed on alley improvement responsibilities, the need to ensure a 20‑foot parking depth to avoid vehicle overhang into the alley and sidewalk/ramp repairs along the frontage. Staff and the applicants agreed to address those details in the preliminary plan submittal and to coordinate with Public Works, Rawa/RAVA and PennDOT as needed.

The commission did not take formal action on the sketch plan; staff advised applicants to return with a preliminary plan that addresses access, drainage, utilities and required municipal agreements.