North Middleton planning commission recommends approval for 1958 Spring Road conditional use

The North Middleton Township Planning Commission on July 7 voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve a conditional use to allow a small event venue in the former bank at 1958 Spring Road (application #2026-01CU).

Commissioners discussed a proposed maximum occupancy of 75 and sought confirmation that parking would be adequate. Zoning Officer Paul Wilson confirmed that "there are a minimum of 30 parking spaces, which exceeds the use requirements of similar uses." Ms. Campbell answered commissioners’ operational questions and said, "All guest events would be held inside," while also noting some events could include limited outdoor components such as back-to-school drives. The commission asked Ms. Campbell to confirm lighting arrangements with the landlord for events that extend past sundown and confirmed that trash service would be provided via a dumpster or receptacles as needed.

The commission also recommended strengthening the conditional-use language to make explicit that alcohol consumption is not permitted on the premises. After the discussion, Commissioner Mehdi Atar made a motion to recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors; Rick Hoover seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The commission’s recommendation and the supporting clarifications (parking count, indoor events statement, trash plan, lighting follow-up, and suggested alcohol-prohibition language) will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for final action under Section 204-6 ("Uses not provided for").

Next steps: the Board of Supervisors will consider the commission’s recommendation; the transcript and meeting minutes record the commission’s unanimous vote to recommend approval.