The Huntingdon County Planning Commission found no major areas of concerns with a number of proposed subdivision and land development projects discussed during Wednesday evening’s monthly commission session.
Commission members were updated on two major subdivisions and land development proposals by county planning director Richard Stahl, who pointed out that it is the mission of the planning commission to carefully review and offer staff comments on proposals brought to the board as opposed to approving or disapproving projects.
The first project involves the relocation of the Shaner Energy office and maintenance building from its current location in Smithfield Township to a location at the intersection of Fairgrounds Road (Route 3035) and Station Road (Route 3037) in Walker Township.
Ralph DeFazio, president of DeFazio Engineering, Alexandria, R.R. 1, explained that the fuel oil distributing firm wants to construct an office and maintenance building at the new site that will be utilized by between 12-14 employees. It was explained that the proposed 12,500-square-foot building would be erected on 7.08 acres of land.
Stahl noted that the proposed commercial development project meets Walker Township’s comprehensive land use plan, adding that the commission’s only concerns centered on the availability of adequate parking. However, because the company will only need the parking for its employees and customers, it appears that there will be adequate space.
The planning commission also reviewed the Bruce E. Cox residential subdivision proposal calling for the development of 16 new lots on 35.44 acres of land in Warriors Mark Township. The site is located at the intersection of T-541.
The planning staff and board concluded that the proposed subdivision (which Stahl cited as a “phase development”) was consistent with both the county and township comprehensive plan.
The planning board also conducted an intergovernmental review of the Bob and Eilene Sill Business Incubator project proposed by Juniata College for the former Alfarata Elementary School in Huntingdon.
Stahl cited the proposed project as an excellent opportunity for not only enhancing the college’s business and student entrepreneur curriculum, but an excellent tie with Huntingdon County’s ongoing economic development efforts.
Still in its very preliminary stages, the proposed incubator project was outlined in some detail for review by the planning commission Wednesday evening. After careful review the planning board determined that the project complies with both the county’s comprehensive plan and economic development initiatives.
The board also determined that a proposal by the Wood-Broad Top-Wells Joint Municipality Authority to amend its water treatment plant operation plan was also consistent with the county plan.
The authority, which provides both sewer and water treatment service for the communities of Robertsdale and Wood, wants to change the type of chemicals it now uses in its water treatment operation, explained Stahl.
Stahl provided the commission members with a brief power point presentation that looked at ways the planning commission/county can work closely with municipalities in dealing with a number of expected “changes and challenges” for the future, outlined in the updated Huntingdon County Comprehensive Plan.
Citing the plan as “A Vision for the 21st Century,” the planning director pointed to the importance for municipalities to focus on areas such as population changes, housing concerns, changing land use issues, the need for the incorporation of new technology, strong local leadership, community involvement and economic development initiatives.
Stahl encouraged municipal, community, county and regional leaders to work together as partners in planning for a productive future that will meet the needs of all the citizens.
The planning director extended an invitation for municipal leaders to attend a free seminar at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, in the Career and Technical Center at Mill Creek during which helpful information will be provided about municipal planning and management and uniform building code issues.
