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Engineer presents nine-lot 'Falls at Pruss Hill Road' sketch plan; commission raises road, access and dam-ownership concerns
Summary
At a July 15 Lower Pottsgrove Planning Commission meeting, Bursich Associates presented a sketch plan for nine two-acre lots at Falls at Pruss Hill Road; staff and the Fire Marshal pressed the applicant on septic testing, emergency access and road width while the township declined dam ownership. No formal action was taken.
Dane Moyer of Bursich Associates introduced a sketch plan (Plan #2024-02) for the Falls at Pruss Hill Road development at the July 15 Lower Pottsgrove Township Planning Commission meeting. The current proposal would create nine two-acre lots served by on‑site sewer and wells in the township's R‑1 Residential District; Moyer said the layout aims to preserve a "rural look and feel" and that the applicant will seek waivers from curbs and sidewalks.
Commissioners and staff pressed the applicant on technical and safety issues. The commission record notes there has been no septic testing to date and that the applicant must address emergency access and truck‑turning radii. Fire Marshal Lew Babel recommended reconfiguring the driveway approach across the creek/bridge to a diagonal alignment rather than a ninety‑degree entry to improve access. Township Engineer Jim McCarthy and Babel both raised concerns about pavement width: Moyer said the developer prefers a 30‑foot road but suggested 24 feet could reduce cost and stormwater impacts; McCarthy warned a 24‑foot width could encourage parking that would obstruct travel, and Babel asked that the road be no less than 28 feet to allow emergency vehicles to maneuver.
The commission also discussed ownership of common open space and an on‑site dam. Township Manager Edward Wagner stated that the township does not want to take ownership of the dam, leaving ownership and maintenance to be resolved between the applicant and any private owners or associations.
The minutes record that the Falls at Pruss Hill Road proposal was introduced and discussed but that the applicant was not present in person (Moyer appeared on the applicant's behalf) and no formal action or vote on the sketch plan was taken at the meeting. The packet materials listed a plan prepared by Bursich Associates (dated Dec. 8, 2023; revised June 19, 2024) and referenced review letters from the township engineer and the fire marshal. Other outstanding items noted on the record included septic testing and final decisions on whether the internal road would be dedicated to the township or remain private.
The meeting concluded with routine business: the commission approved the June 25, 2024 minutes (motion by Anita Meehan, second by Scott Fulmer; vote 3‑0 with Chair Frank Cebular abstaining) and received an announcement that Sanatoga Land Holding plans had not yet been submitted. The commission set its next regularly scheduled meeting for Aug. 19, 2024, if materials arrive for that agenda.
