Planning Commission recommends approval of Schaefer lot consolidation at 716–720 Gypsy Lane, with minor engineering corrections

The Mount Lebanon Planning Commission voted June 16 to recommend approval of a preliminary and final subdivision consolidation plan submitted by Daniel and Elizabeth Schaefer for properties at 716 and 720 Gypsy Lane.

The Schaefer application proposes to consolidate the two lots into a single lot (the transcript records the size as a "276 acre lot"). The municipal engineer told the commission he had submitted a May 15 review letter that identified a handful of minor, fixable items: provide evidence of ownership, correct a tabulation entry (the plan's table lists the wrong lot number), dimensionally tie accessory structures to the primary structure, and show setback lines on the plan. "It's pretty simple in terms of what it's proposing to do. Take two lots, make them into one," the engineer said.

A commissioner moved to recommend approval of the consolidation plan; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The engineer and staff noted the listed corrections will need to be addressed before the plan goes to the municipal governing body for final approval.

Why it matters: lot consolidations change parcel boundaries and can affect property taxes, development potential and neighborhood composition. The planning commission's recommendation advances the plan to the municipal governing body, which will consider final approval and any conditions.

Next steps: the applicant is expected to provide revised plans addressing the engineer's comments; the municipal governing body will consider final approval at a future meeting.