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Developer previews daycare at Easton and Park Road; PennDOT turn lanes and tree removals flagged
Summary
A developer previewed a commercial daycare sketch plan at Easton Road and Park Road. PennDOT asked for right‑turn lanes that will widen the road, and commissioners said an arborist's general finding that two‑thirds of ~150 trees are declining must be supported by tree‑by‑tree justification before removals are approved.
The commission reviewed a sketch plan for a commercial daycare proposed on the southwest corner of Easton Road and Park Road. The applicant said buffer encroachments were removed, a traffic impact study is being revised following PennDOT comments, and a playground‑size variance will be sought for state alignment.
The applicant said PennDOT requested a right‑turn in and right‑turn out lane on Easton Road; constructing the lane will require widening, curbing and new stormwater inlets and may remove an existing roadside drainage channel. Applicant representatives said they will coordinate final lane design and stormwater balance with PennDOT and the township engineer.
Commissioners pressed the applicant on an arborist survey that reportedly found roughly two‑thirds of about 150 trees on the site were diseased or dying. Members said the report's aggregate characterization is not sufficient: if a tree is proposed for removal, the arborist should identify specific trees and justify each removal. The commission reminded the applicant that significant tree removal tied to development will trigger replacement requirements under township regulations or require a variance.
Members also asked the applicant to show the agreed access pattern on future plans — specifically a no‑left‑turn restriction exiting Park Road (right‑out only) and a right‑turn‑in for southbound Easton Road — and to consider physical measures, such as a channelizing island, rather than signage alone, to prevent prohibited turning movements. The applicant agreed to show building elevations and final site details with the formal application.
Next steps: the applicant will finalize the traffic study with PennDOT, correct plan tables (building height was corrected from two‑story to single‑story in discussion), and provide a more detailed arborist justification and formal application for commission review.
