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Planning commission backs River Ridge community center but rejects 100‑foot flagpole
Summary
The commission recommended the Zoning Hearing Board grant a special exception and multiple variances for a private River Ridge community center at 435–439 Winding Way, approving setback and lot‑coverage relief but denying a 100‑foot flagpole height modification; motions were recorded with split votes on the flagpole.
The Lower Windsor Township Planning Commission on Oct. 22 recommended that the Zoning Hearing Board grant a special exception under §470‑09 for a proposed private community center for River Ridge Townhomes LLC at 435–439 Winding Way and supported two variances for front setback and lot coverage, while recommending denial of a requested height modification for a 100‑foot flagpole.
Penn Terra Engineering’s Mark Magrecki presented the proposal on behalf of the owner. The special exception would allow amenities—building, swimming pool, pavilion, a tot lot/playground and potentially a bocce court and fire pit—intended for private use by the development. Commissioners voted to recommend granting the special exception (§470‑09) and variances to permit a cantilevered portico to project to the right‑of‑way (a 0' overhang while the building face remains behind the approved 18' setback) and to relax lot‑coverage limits that the applicant estimated at 78.79% if the three lots are consolidated (the PRD maximum listed in the record is 60.5%). Votes on those three recommendations were 4‑0.
Commissioners expressed concern about the applicant’s separate request to modify §470‑34.A to permit a 100‑foot flagpole. Dr. Hollis Bedell objected to potential nighttime illumination and the pole’s visual impact relative to the township’s Comprehensive Plan for the rural area; Zoning Officer Monica Love noted the 100‑foot fall area would extend into Winding Way and raised the risk of falling ice. The commission voted 3‑1 to recommend denying the height modification (Becky Pfeiffer seconded the denial motion; Mrs. Skiptunas dissented). Members suggested lowering the pole or relocating it to the rear of the building nearer an open space parcel owned by GRH2 to reduce public‑facing impacts.
The commission’s recommendations are advisory to the Zoning Hearing Board; if the ZHB grants relief, the applicant still must consolidate the three lots and submit a land development plan to the Township.
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