Commission recommends approval of Koenig subdivision to create 8.4801-acre Lot 4

The Salem Township Planning Commission on Nov. 6 recommended approval of a subdivision that would create one new buildable parcel (Lot 4) of 8.4801 acres from the lands of John Randall Koenig (Tax Map 57-09-00-0-110).

Owner John Randall Koenig, accompanied by surveyor Art Kromel, explained the property's history and use. Koenig said a pole barn originally intended as an indoor riding arena was later used by a drilling company, and that “a septic tank was put in with a leach field in approximately 2000-2001.” Solicitor Gary Falatovich responded that the Township sanitary enforcement officer (SEO) Dave Jobe had no record of installation and that the plan on file included a note limiting the parcel’s use to “storage” for enforcement of the sanitary sewage facility.

The commission required that the plan’s Statement of Purpose be amended to read: “The purpose of this Plan is to create one (1) new buildable Lot (Lot 4) containing 8.4801 acres from the lands of John Randall Koenig (Map No: 57-09-00-0-110) containing an existing building, septic system and cistern in the locations shown on the Plan,” and that a revision number and date be added to the plan. Commissioners noted that any change in use beyond storage would trigger a land-development application and soil testing.

Motion and outcome: Paul Holleran moved and Connie Mattei seconded a motion to recommend approval subject to the listed conditions; both voted in favor and the motion passed by majority vote.

What happens next: The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for final action and any future expansion of the parcel’s use would require a land-development submission with soil testing and sewer review.