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Salem Township Planning Commission recommends final approval for Scherf lot consolidation
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended final approval of a two-parcel consolidation for Hunter and Clarissa Scherf, conditioned on revised plan language, confirmation of water and sewage capacity, and other technical corrections. The meeting also addressed application procedure wording and approved prior minutes.
The Salem Township Planning Commission unanimously recommended final approval Aug. 6 for a lot consolidation that merges two Westmoreland County parcels owned by Hunter and Clarissa Scherf into a single lot intended for a single-family house.
The commission's recommendation, made by Vice-chair Paul Holleran and seconded by member John Durco, was conditioned on a package of technical revisions and verifications. Chair Connie Mattei asked that the plan's statement of purpose be amended to specify the consolidation is "for a single-family home." The motion passed with commissioners John Durco, Paul Holleran and Connie Mattei voting in favor.
Why it matters: The conditions preserve checks the township uses to verify utilities and regulatory compliance before recorded approval. The commission required written confirmation that a modification to the Township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) setback would be sought from the Board of Supervisors if the applicants pursue a front‑setback exemption; MAWC must verify water-tap availability; and the Municipal/FTMSA process must confirm sewage capacity.
Key technical requirements and clarifications included that the Statement of Purpose reflect the single-family intent, the recorded plan show a revision number and date, and the abutting owner name on the plan be corrected to "Roncace." Solicitor Gary Falatovich clarified that the Westmoreland County Municipal/FTMSA review certifies availability of sewer capacity rather than issuance of physical taps, and that a planning module may be required when a brand-new on‑lot sewage system and a new Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) are being created. As an example, Falatovich said a three-bedroom house is commonly estimated at 400 gallons per day and treated as 1 EDU for allocation purposes.
Votes at a glance: The commission approved three procedural motions during the meeting. It unanimously approved amended minutes from June 4, 2025 (motion by John Durco; second Paul Holleran); unanimously approved amended minutes from July 2, 2025 (motion by Paul Holleran; second John Durco); and unanimously recommended final approval of the Scherf lot consolidation subject to the conditions listed above (motion by Paul Holleran; second John Durco). The meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m. after a unanimous motion by Paul Holleran, seconded by John Durco.
Other business: The commission reviewed proposed changes to the township's Subdivision and Land Development application procedures. Chair Connie Mattei objected to replacing the phrase "administratively complete" with "complete" in the application language; Solicitor Falatovich agreed to retain "administratively complete" to match the recently amended ordinance text. The commission discussed adding a completeness checklist and requiring a deposit at application submission that would be returned when the recorded plan is received.
Public records request: Resident Eric Hageder asked for a copy of a July 16, 2025 transcription that discussed sewage issues on Athena Drive; Hageder also asked whether mobile homes are treated the same for EDU counts. Solicitor Falatovich responded that EDU calculations follow the township's allocation practice and that the planning module requirement hinges on whether a new on‑lot system and new EDU are created.
What comes next: The Planning Commission's recommendation will go to the Salem Township Board of Supervisors for any required modification approvals and final administrative steps, including the water and sewer verifications noted as conditions. The commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., if an agenda is posted.
