Longswamp Planning Commission recommends Board reject Wenger–Zimmerman minor subdivision unless developer secures extension

At its Nov. 6, 2024 meeting in Mertztown, the Longswamp Township Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors reject the Wenger–Zimmerman minor subdivision unless the developer secures a time extension before the Board’s next regular meeting. The motion was made by Commissioner Chris Moore and seconded by Commissioner Kerry Meitzler; the minutes record the vote as "All in favor."

William Schwanke of Larson Design Group represented the applicant and reviewed Hanover Engineering Associates’ Nov. 5, 2024 review letter, which identified multiple outstanding SALDO (Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance) and technical items that must be addressed before Township approval. Key items noted by the engineer include the need to identify parcel addresses after subdivision (SALDO Item 10); signed statements from Messrs. Wenger and Zimmerman authorizing Larson Design Group to act for all parcels and acknowledging deed dedication and proposed easements (SALDO Item 14); and road/cartway concerns on State Street and Chestnut Street that may involve PennDOT recommendations tied to a Highway Occupancy Permit (SALDO Item 20).

The engineer’s review and the commission’s discussion also flagged additional requirements and clarifications: contour lines for the entire tract (not only the proposed Dollar General parcel); a PNDI and wetlands delineation for the full site by a qualified delineator; stormwater management for Lots 2 and 3; corrected depiction of Chestnut Street ownership/right‑of‑way (Chestnut is a Township road and must not be shown as a PennDOT right‑of‑way); and the need to supply hard copies of PennDOT ECMS submissions to the Township because the Township cannot access the ECMS electronic exhibits. The review letter also noted easement signatures related to increased drainage onto Lot 2 and placement of certain plan notes on the drawing. The engineer indicated waiver requests can be addressed with the next submission.

After the technical review was discussed, the commission moved to recommend the Board reject the minor subdivision unless the Board receives and accepts a time extension from the applicant. The minutes include a separate line reading "APPROVED 01/07/2025," recorded as part of the file, but the commission’s formal action on Nov. 6 was the recommendation to the Board. The Board of Supervisors will consider the application and any extension at its meeting(s).