The second hearing of the Lynn Township Zoning Hearing Board concerning the development of a manufactured home community was held at the New Tripoli Fire Company.

Board members Donald Christ, Dale Wessner and Robert Bartholomew, along with Solicitor John Ashcraft and Engineer Chris Noll were there to hear the appeal of Robert Ciccone for a special exception use to develop the property.

Approximately 50 residents were also in attendance to listen to the testimony.

The 16-plus acre property is located on the east side of Schochary Road, south of New Tripoli in the Village Center District.

Attorney Erich J. Schock, representing Ciccone, interviewed the applicant’s experts about the project.

Christopher Zajacek was the first to testify.

He noted the township planning commission had looked at the plan and recommended some changes, to which the applicant agreed.

Bartholomew questioned the parking, saying there should be more overflow parking.

Zajacek said the plan met requirements of the ordinance.

Ashcraft told board members they could offer suggestions to the plan but the hearing was on the use and not about the plan itself.

Christ mentioned fire hydrants.

The developer will install three in the project.

They should be noted on the plan.

Christ also requested the size of the housing should be noted on the plan.

Wessner asked if there was sufficient area set aside for snow removal.

He was assured there would be enough area for snow storage.

Bartholomew was also interested in the amount of impervious cover.

He asked if there would be enough room for sheds.

He was told the developer would keep track of the impervious cover and that could cause the loss of some lots.

The number of available equivalent dwelling units for sewerage was discussed.

So far, the developer has purchase 24 EDUs. This would not be enough for the entire project.

Attorney Allen Shollenberger, representing neighboring property owner Ivy Knight, asked questions of Sue Kandil, project manager for the applicant.

She noted, after much questioning, the plan shown was just a concept plan.

The development would be connected to an existing community water system.

She also noted the amount of open space met the ordinance requirements and because of this requirement they could not place the maximum number of homes allowed.

After the testimony, the meeting was opened to the audience.

Several people had signed in to question the group.

Patrick Buddell was first with his concerns.

He was concerned about the effect this development would have on property value and that it would be a detriment to the community.

Some of the studies accompanying the request were done several years ago and Buddell thought that these studies would be outdated.

He was told that the old style mobile home park would be a detriment to the community, but this one would enhance the area since the cost of the mobile homes would range from $50,000 to $150,000.

The studies done years ago would be applicable since not much has changed.

Buddell stated that there was a difference between investing in the community versus using the community as an investment.

He thought that the board should look at other mobile home parks before deciding.

Richard Snyder, a New Tripoli resident who lives down slope from the lot, was concerned about the storm water running across his lot.

He noted that he had spent quite a bit of money trying to control this water and was worried that this would add to the problem.

Kandil replied that there would be 50 percent less water emanating from the property.

Shollenberger urged the board to require the developer to do the studies required by ordinance

The developer agreed to that point.

Schock described the requirements of a special exception use for the board.

He would have the developer investigate the impervious cover situation and submit enough plans to address the items necessary.

Shollenberger agreed with many of Schock’s points, but noted that the project does not comply with the sewer requirements.

The developer has 24 EDUs but there are 66 lots.

The plan is close, but not ready, he noted.

The board, after hearing all the testimony, went into an executive session with the engineer and solicitor.

When they reconvened, they rendered their decision.

The vote was unanimous in favor of granting the special exception.

Conditions were attached - Provide three fire hydrants that can do 500 gallons per minute for 2 hours, which would be tested yearly with the results sent to the township; all units must be double wide or wider; the owner is responsible for all snow removal on roads and sidewalks; more parking should be required and the impact studies for fire, traffic and lighting should be performed.