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Westtown board reapproves two-lot subdivision; easement for future sidewalk removed from approval
Summary
The board reapproved a revised preliminary/final subdivision for 101 South Walnut Street, subject to consultant comments, but excluded the planning commission's recommended 8-foot sidewalk easement after debate about ADA compliance, impervious-coverage impacts, and a nearby school bus stop.
The Board of Supervisors reapproved a revised preliminary/final subdivision application for 101 South Walnut Street on a motion that removed the planning commission's suggested 8-foot pedestrian easement requirement.
Applicant Colin Chavas, who identified himself at the meeting, said the water-main extension paid for and installed by Aqua is complete and asked the board to reduce or remove the proposed sidewalk easement to minimize impervious coverage impacts on the newly created lots. "My name is Colin Chavas and we request the reapproval of the subdivision with the newly submitted plans now that the water main has been fully paid for and installed," Chavas said.
Engineer Alex Barlo described the revised plan as showing a smaller easement and a hypothetical future sidewalk placement that would push most sidewalk into right-of-way to limit impact to the applicant's lots. "Instead of an 8ft easement, it's 4 foot," Barlo said when asked.
Neighbors and several board members raised safety and walkability concerns: a nearby bus stop serves elementary and high-school students, and one neighbor said sidewalks are encouraged in this dense neighborhood. Township consultants noted the right-of-way and drainage swales present technical challenges and that a continuous 4-foot easement may not meet ADA requirements without passing areas.
After discussion about impervious-coverage constraints on small lots and the low likelihood the township would construct sidewalks in the immediate future, the motion was restated and carried to reapprove the subdivision "subject to addressing all review comments by the township consultants except for the 8-foot proposed easement." The recorded motion excluded the 8-foot easement requirement; board members indicated they were comfortable either removing the easement entirely or not requiring it now.
The approval preserves the applicant's plan while leaving open the possibility of a larger sidewalk project if the township later undertakes a broader sidewalk program. The decision also reflected competing priorities: neighborhood walkability and the practical limits of adding impervious surface on small residential lots.
