Boating concerns aired at meeting in Harveys Lake

HARVEYS LAKE – Saying they wanted to be “good neighbors” and addressing concerns about a boat launch, representatives for the Villas at Waterwood development who are seeking 15 waivers for the project addressed the borough planning commission on Wednesday night.

Ken Williams, Matt DiPrimo and attorney Angelo Terrana came to review 15 variance waivers with the commission and its engineer Darrell Pawlush of Michael J Pasonick Jr. and Associates, of Wilkes-Barre.

The point of the meeting was not to approve any waivers but to add recommendations. The developer will heed the suggestions, make amendments and come before the borough council for approval at a separate meeting at a date to be determined.

The first three waivers seeking variance approval pertain to setbacks from other buildings and the road. Eight townhouse units do not meet the 30-foot space between buildings, 15 units do not meet the required 50-foot space between buildings on neighboring properties and two units encroach on the 100-foot setback for the open area around the lake.

Planning commission member John Kopicki asked if the fire department reviewed this issue. If so, he said, the chief’s comments should be included.

Pawlush told Terrana to include maps showing specifically which buildings are encroaching and how close they come to the other buildings.

Terrana said there are no plans to turn over the roads in the development to the borough. They will be maintained by the development. So a waiver against having the roads 50 feet wide verses the planned 40 feet is requested.

Assistant Fire Chief Michael Avery said the typical fire truck is about 8 feet, 6 inches wide. “They are about 40 feet long,” he said. “Think of a tractor-trailer.”

The developers are also seeking waivers regarding the 35-foot space requirement between intersections and the exit route of a parking lot. They are also seeking a waiver of the 75-foot requirement for the setback for intersections and driveways. The use of concrete curbs instead of granite, sidewalks on one side of the street and planting strips on Lakeside Drive preventing visibility were waiver issues discussed one by one.

Pawlush told Terrana to write out explanations on why these items create “undo hardships” for the developers and submit all information for the borough council to review.

Terrana also addressed concerns on the boat launch off Noxen Road. A proposed Community Center for the Villas at Waterwood residents is proposed for that site.

DP News

Place Quick Ads