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Commission denies sidewalk alternative, conditionally approves fencing waiver and tables Mattern Woods plan
Summary
Blair Township planners reviewed the Mattern Woods Subdivision to split property into 13 single-family lots; the commission denied a developer-proposed alternative sidewalk alignment, conditionally recommended a fencing-waiver pending an indemnification agreement, and tabled the plan pending additional stormwater and plan revisions.
The Blair Township Planning Commission on May 4 considered the Mattern Woods Subdivision and Land Development plan, a proposal to subdivide property along Newry Lane into thirteen single-family lots served by public water and sewer.
Eric Banks of Stiffler McGraw summarized the proposal and noted the developer requested waivers to the township sidewalk requirement (Ordinance Section 350-32) and to the Stormwater Ordinance Section 338-25.F(9) for fencing. Banks said Stiffler McGraw submitted a review letter on March 30, 2026 and that outstanding engineering comments remain; he also said he walked the property to assess sidewalk feasibility and found a sidewalk along Newry Lane to be feasible.
Developer John Sepp of PennTerra Engineering proposed an alternative: a sidewalk easement placed behind the proposed homes, parallel to the stream along planned sewage easements, with maintenance to be the responsibility of property owners. After discussion the commission voted to deny that alternative. Theresa Gillie moved to recommend denial of the alternative sidewalk plan; Chris Kreidler seconded and the motion carried.
On fencing, Banks said Township Solicitor Patrick Fanelli had no exception to the developer providing an indemnification and hold-harmless agreement in lieu of the ordinance fencing requirement. Theresa Gillie moved to recommend conditional approval of the waiver to Section 338-25.F(9) (Fencing), pending receipt of the indemnification and hold-harmless agreement; Chris Kreidler seconded and the motion carried.
Banks reported the developer resubmitted a revised plan but that outstanding review comments and a revised Stormwater Report remain outstanding; he recommended tabling the plan. The commission voted to table the Mattern Woods Subdivision and Land Development plan. The tabling preserves outstanding review items for future consideration and no further action was taken at the May 4 meeting.
