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Developers brief West Chester commission on 615–617 S. updates; stormwater and alley‑parking concerns highlighted
Summary
Applicant representatives for 615–617 South said they will pursue a zoning variance for two alley parking spaces, will comply with tree commission comments, and are addressing Pennoni stormwater reviewer feedback; commissioners and neighbors probed sight‑triangle, stop‑sign, EV‑charging wiring and trash staging issues.
At the June 8 Planning Commission meeting, representatives for the 615–617 South project (identified in the discussion as Ted and his partner Rich) presented a brief update and said they will pursue a zoning variance to allow two parking spaces in a front‑yard/alley configuration (Willow Alley). They reported having met with borough staff, the tree commission and Pennoni (stormwater reviewer) and said they would comply with comments and resubmit revised plans.
Technical discussion focused on sight‑distance and clear‑sight‑triangle requirements. Commissioners and commenters compared West Chester’s standards with other boroughs (Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Fountain Hill) and noted downtown exemptions or reduced triangles used elsewhere. Project representatives said they expect to respond to Pennoni’s comments and that their stormwater approach includes two interconnected systems intended to capture runoff from the back halves of some existing adjacent houses.
Other issues examined at the meeting:
- Parking depth and garage design: Commissioners recommended recessing garage doors (3–5 ft) to increase usable driveway depth and provide space to conceal trash storage and mailboxes. Applicants said they will update renderings to show recesses. - EV charging: The sustainability checklist flagged EV‑charging; the applicants said they will wire homes for charging outlets in garages though not necessarily install public chargers. - Stop signs at alleys: A public commenter cautioned against installing stop signs at selected alleys because inconsistent signage could confuse drivers; commissioners agreed additional study is needed.
Why it matters: The project involves both technical stormwater mitigation in a flood‑sensitive part of town and multiple small design details (parking geometry, trash staging and EV‑charging wiring) that affect neighborhood functionality and code compliance. Several issues—variance needs, sight‑triangle waivers and final stormwater responses—must be resolved before a recommendation.
Next steps: Applicants plan to resubmit revised plans incorporating consultant comments and revised graphics. Commissioners asked staff to circulate review letters and applicants to provide the required responses ahead of the next work session.
