Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Norborn Glebe Phase 16 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves Norborn Glebe Phase 16 sketch plan after neighbors raise views, EMF, and construction concerns
Summary
The Charles Town Planning Commission approved the sketch plan for Norborn Glebe Phase 16 (56 single‑family lots on 19.5 acres) after hearing neighbor concerns about construction timing, temporary fill piles, trash, viewshed loss and proximity to power lines; the applicant committed to tree preservation and buffering.
The Charles Town Planning Commission voted to approve the sketch plan for Norborn Glebe Phase 16, a proposal for 56 single‑family detached lots on about 19.5 acres, after a public hearing in which nearby residents raised concerns about construction staging, fill piles and potential health effects from nearby power lines.
Planner James presented the sketch plan, saying the phase provides about 9.35 acres (48%) of open space and meets the zoning density limits. During public comment, Robin Thomas said she owns property adjacent to the subdivision and asked when construction would begin and where to find a schedule. Brady Burke, who lives at 943 Barksdale Drive, said the new houses appear closer to the power lines than he was originally told and described piles of fill and blown construction trash. "That 50 meters, that 165 feet, is pretty much as close as you want to be," Burke said, voicing concern about EMF exposure and viewshed impacts.
Michael Hummel, development consultant for Arcadia Land, told the commission land‑development work for Phase 16 is likely about a year to 18 months away, with housing another roughly six months after that — "approximately 2 years." He acknowledged contractor clearing errors, said the contractor has since engaged certified crews, and committed to preserving trees around the perimeter and adding buffer plantings where existing trees are absent. Hummel said the developer submitted the plan to the utility provider and received comments; he stated FirstEnergy issued no remaining objections on the submitted plan.
Commissioners asked about setbacks to the power lines, grading and the location of temporary material piles. Hummel said the piles are temporary and will ultimately be used as fill for Phase 16 and that erosion controls and fencing have been placed around active staging areas. After discussion, Commissioner (speaker 3) moved to approve the sketch plan as presented; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
The commission noted that additional details on stormwater, utilities, street landscaping, buffering and compact car parking will be required at the preliminary plan public hearing. Neighbors were invited to follow up with staff, and the applicant offered to meet with concerned residents after the hearing to discuss construction sequencing and tree preservation.
