Longswamp Planning Commission signs Dollar General sewage module, backs East Penn variances

Preston Boyer, chair of the Longswamp Township Planning Commission, called the Sept. 3, 2024 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and the commission conducted votes on several land-development items and zoning referrals.

The most immediate action authorized the Chair to sign the Sewage Facilities Planning Module Component 4A for the proposed Dollar General in Mertztown after the commission reviewed Hanover Engineering Associates’ Aug. 19, 2024 review. William Schwanke of LD Plans, representing the applicant, was told that Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) rules require sufficient isolation between the site’s drainage swale and any on-lot sewer and emergency spillway; the commission moved to authorize the signature on a motion by Commissioner Greg Kupar, seconded by Commissioner Chris Moore, and the motion carried unanimously.

The commission also reviewed a set of new Dollar General land‑development plans submitted by LD Plans; those plans will return to the commission agenda in October for further engineering review and permit assembly.

On a separate item, the commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors accept a time extension for the Extra Storage LLC State Street land development until March 27, 2025 (motion by Kupar, seconded by Moore; all in favor). The commission’s recommendation preserves the applicant’s review timeline while staff and consultants continue technical review.

The commission reviewed a Zoning Hearing Board application for East Penn Manufacturing in the absence of any company representative. Commissioners discussed lighting, maximum impervious surface, parking surfacing and striping, landscaping in existing parking areas and parking‑space sizing. On a motion by Kupar, seconded by Moore, the commission recommended that the Zoning Hearing Board grant the variances sought, subject to the conditions contained in the Zoning Officer’s Aug. 28, 2024 review letter; the motion passed unanimously.

Members also considered a minor subdivision for Wenger & Zimmerman. Schwanke asked when the plan could move from preliminary to final. The commission and Hanover Engineering staff reiterated that the applicant must submit plans that are fully designed and buildable—addressing HEA’s review comments—before the commission can recommend Preliminary Plan Approval; the commission tabled further action pending those revisions and any required owner authorization paperwork.

Solicitor Beth Kohl distributed draft notes for a proposed Logistics Use Model zoning ordinance amendment dated Sept. 3, 2024. Commissioners discussed refining definitions, addressing ‘sensitive receptors’ and buffering language, and the number of required landscape trees in buffer areas; members will review the draft and forward questions to the solicitor. No formal vote was taken on the ordinance draft.

On administrative items, the township engineer explained that escrow accounts cover plan‑review costs and no final plan is released for recording until fees are paid. Commissioners asked residents to report dumping along Toad Creek and painting on township roads to the Township Office. The commission approved the minutes of its Aug. 6, 2024 meeting (motion by Kupar, seconded by Moore; all in favor). The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.; minutes were respectfully submitted by David River, recording secretary.

Votes at a glance: Approval of Aug. 6, 2024 minutes — motion Kupar/second Moore — unanimous; Authorize Chair to sign Sewage Facilities Planning Module (Dollar General) — motion Kupar/second Moore — unanimous; Recommend Board accept Extra Storage LLC time extension to March 27, 2025 — motion Kupar/second Moore — unanimous; Recommend Zoning Hearing Board approve East Penn Manufacturing variances subject to Zoning Officer conditions — motion Kupar/second Moore — unanimous; Adjournment — motion Moore/second Kupar — unanimous.