Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Floodplain topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Reading Area Community College Student Union expansion prompts floodplain dispute with city staff
Summary
RACC's plan to expand its student union at 25 South Front Street prompted extended debate over federal and local floodplain rules; RACC says a redesign and wet floodproofing will protect the campus, while Public Works and the planning commission requested more detailed certifications and a technical meeting to verify compliance.
Reading Area Community College (RACC) representatives and city staff debated whether RACC's Student Union expansion meets local and federal floodplain standards during the June 24 Planning Commission meeting.
RACC presented a redesign that moves mechanical and electrical systems to an upper floor and uses wet-floodproof construction methods for some first-floor areas. Architect Bob Reed told commissioners the team had designed the building so "water can flow in and out of the building" and that finishes and systems would be selected to survive inundation. RACC President (identified in the meeting) emphasized the project's student-support goals and the college's investment in students.
Public Works Floodplain Administrator Tim pressed for specifics on the wet-floodproofing approach and noted the ordinance and NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) requirements that often compel dry floodproofing or additional certifications when occupied space is proposed below base flood elevation. "If you're proposing wet floodproofing of a developed space," Tim said, "he's basically telling me that that would not be allowed [without further certification]."
Commissioners agreed to schedule a technical meeting to resolve whether the zoning hearing board decision and the revised design together satisfy section 618.23(b) of the zoning ordinance and federal inspections. Staff requested further architectural and certification documents that show how occupied rooms below base flood elevation will be protected in a way acceptable to the ordinance and to state/federal reviewers.
Commission action: the Planning Commission granted RACC a stormwater rate-control modification (section 505.142) but tabled broader approvals pending technical follow-up and receipt of the Berks County Planning Commission letter. The commission asked RACC to provide detailed floodproofing descriptions, certifications and floodplain-permit materials before final approvals.
Next steps: a technical meeting with Public Works and planning staff is to be scheduled; RACC will submit more detailed floodproofing documentation and any remaining planning-module materials for review.
