Applicant for 410 South High Street told to supply turning templates, renderings; Shade Tree Commission seeks soil volume and species diversity

The West Chester Planning Commission on May 11 reviewed outstanding materials for the 410 South High Street subdivision (three townhouses) and received a Shade Tree Commission update on the project's landscape plan.

Staff and commissioners said the applicant had not submitted all requested materials and that consultants (including Tom Kit) had issued review letters. The commission reiterated that turning templates, a height worksheet and architectural renderings are required for a complete submittal and said it expects applicant responses and consultant revisions at the next meeting.

Chip, representing the Shade Tree Commission, reported that the landscape architect, Patrick Stewart, attended the Shade Tree meeting and agreed to several recommendations in John Hospach’s review letter: increase species diversity (John had requested four species instead of two), include a perpetual maintenance and replacement note, and coordinate tree locations with underground utilities to ensure sufficient soil volume for canopy trees. Commissioners discussed alternatives to Silva cells — including structural/engineered soil — and asked that plans show options and quantities.

Commissioners also raised parking and permit questions for the development: whether visitor parking requirements were met and whether units that do not front on a public street would be eligible for on-street parking permits. Staff said permit rules and how the 90‑day completeness clock was applied need clarification; the commission asked staff to verify whether the application was formally accepted as complete and whether the review clock is running.

Next steps: the applicant was asked to supply the outstanding technical materials before the June agenda; staff will clarify acceptance/completeness timing and parking-permit interpretations prior to the next formal submission.