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Planning commission forwards waivers, tables Ahmadiyya Cemetery plan pending historic and stormwater clarifications
Summary
The Planning Commission heard a presentation on the Ahmadiyya Cemetery in Mechanicsburg, forwarded several SLDO and stormwater waivers to the Board of Supervisors with recommendations, and then voted to table the plan so historical significance, burial methods and remaining stormwater issues can be clarified.
On Nov. 6, 2025, the Silver Spring Township Planning Commission reviewed a land development plan for an Ahmadiyya cemetery in Mechanicsburg and sent multiple waiver requests to the Board of Supervisors while tabling the plan for further review.
Mr. Dave Weihbrecht, representing Melham and Associates, said the parcel previously received conditional‑use approval in 2009 and a later conditional use in 2022, but the project is delayed by a limited budget and an outstanding NPDES permit. Commissioners noted the plan shows a walking "vegetated path" that is not for vehicles, and they questioned an access drive shown at about 15 feet, which would not meet typical driveway-width standards.
Township Engineer Jonathan Robinson highlighted existing nonconformities that may affect stormwater and grading, and commissioners pressed for clearer information on burial methods and the proposed future burial‑preparation building. Mr. Randy Duncan said Cliff Jarret, chair of the Township's Conservation & Preservation Committee, asked that historical significance be reviewed before final action; Mr. Robinson said the most recent comprehensive plan did not list the property as historic but agreed the Committee’s review is appropriate.
The Commission forwarded the following waiver requests to the Board of Supervisors with recommendations for approval (motions recorded in the minutes): SLDO 303 (Preliminary Plan), SLDO 402.03 (Existing Resources & Site Analysis), SLDO 402.05 (Reports) conditioned on engineering approval, and SWMO 304.1 (Stormwater Facility Dewater Time). Each motion was moved and seconded on the record and "the motion carried." After considering engineering concerns and the request for a historical review, the Commission voted to table the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for further clarification.
Next steps: the applicant must provide additional documentation on the NPDES permit, clarify burial protocols and building plans, and the Conservation & Preservation Committee or staff will confirm whether the site has historical significance. The waivers forwarded to the Board mean the Supervisors will consider relief from several SLDO and stormwater standards before any final land‑development approval.
