P&z meeting - Regular Meeting

I can't even think of a time have ice skated in the last Oh, no. Oh, I know. You can't go ice skate. 30 years. Although, a couple years ago, they did do some skating up at St. Andrews on Knox Town Pond. It's bro. Put Put him back here at the back table. Going back to the back table.

How are you, buddy? How are you? I'm good. How are you? Good. Um Gabby, you just informed me that the meeting is supposed to come to order already. Well, I have to let YouTube do it ahead of time before the meeting actually starts. Yes. So, we're doing YouTube now. No more Zoom. I I understand that. I don't see anybody on now. If we won't This is for Zoom. You won't see anybody for YouTube. We won't. But if there's somebody on, they're not. They have to be here. They have to be here to make comment. Otherwise, they just get to listen to us. Yes. Or watch. That's correct.

So that's almost as disappointing as what you have to put up with. Okay. Gotcha. Gotcha.

And is Barrett off tonight? I mean, Barrett supposed to be here. Okay. All right. I saw he sent the the uh resolution resolution.

6:30 commission to order. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you. Please be seated. The um Mr. Reid is not with us this evening. Um, so and as we just announced, if there's anybody listening to us on YouTube, um, you get to listen to us, but unfortunately, we don't have the ability to communicate back and forth any longer due to the fact that there were some individuals who were misusing um, Zoom. So that being said, is there anyone here that wishes to bring something before the planning and zoning commission that is not on the stated agenda?

I see no one. Nothing is to be deleted. I assume I would just uh want to introduce and allow our student member to introduce himself. Is he putting you on the spot? Okay. Um, you want to introduce her to start with? No, go ahead. Okay. Do a better job than I can. Hi, my name is Hadasa Piri. Um, I'm a senior over at Smyrna High School. Um, I'm part of the student government association there. I'm an executive officer. I'm also part of the marching band, um, the debate club there and other organizations. And Mr. Davis reached out to me with this opportunity. So,

look forward to having you on board. And like I said, first few ones will be, you know, a learning experience. But like I said, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to bring it up. And since you're a member of the regimen of red, what instrument you play? Trombos. There you go. Okay. And don't be don't be afraid to have a youth opinion. That's right. Please. But you got to remember what we're deciding is shortterm for me is long term for you. All right. With that said, um, approval of the planning and zoning minutes from August 27th. Is there a motion to approve? I will make a motion to approve the minutes from last week last meeting. Second.

Question on the motion. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. So, carry Gabby. Nice job with them, too. You made us look a lot better than we were. Okay. And I mean that. Yeah. Um, so we're now on to the public hearing to consider the following applications. And the first one is for 5280 Wheatley's Pond Road. You're up.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, this is an application for an annexation and reszoning um to um annex two parcels um approximately 0.11 acres and the second one acre in size. uh for a total of 1.11 acres and this is at 5280 Wheatley's Pond Road. Um this application was duly advertised at Der State News on September the 7th. It was advertised at Town Hall on September the 5th. It was posted on the property on September the 5th and it was mailed to the property owner of Budding Property owners on September the 5th. The applicants uh for some reason are not with us. I'm not sure. um and I had spoken to them about a week ago but not here but I can explain everything for you. It's relatively straightforward. So for annexation to be considered as a reminder there's a couple things that have to be in place for even annexation to be considered. And then secondly in terms of what uh zoning district um the the parcel can be annexed into. So these two parcels are at the intersection of North Carter Road and um Wheatley's Pond Road. Um these um were originally single family dwellings. So originally there there was from the aerial imagery going back to the 30s, there were actually two or three houses on this property and the most recent one burned down uh about 20 years ago or so. Um the chair might remember the exact date. I'm sure he was on fire call. The um these parcels are um the red line is shown as the municipal boundary. So, um, as a reminder, there's a couple considerations that have to be in place to be considered for annexation. You, uh, have to be specifically designated for annexation with on our future land use map of the adopted comprehensive plan. You have to be directly adjacent

to, um, an existing um, parcel or area within the town municipal boundaries of Smyrna and then it has to be annexed under the appropriate zoning district um, as outlined in the comprehensive plan. the the property is located directly across u from the Bay Health Emergency Center which is located within the town. So it is an eligible uh for it does meet the state standard for contiguity um as outlined in the comprehensive plan. So all the parcels that um were this came from upstairs. Can I help you? There is one here. This is for planning. Somebody walking upstairs. I don't want to.

No, I'm sorry.

That's okay. So, the um Spruent City, as everyone knows, is um you know, which was platted out in the late 19th century. It's not located within the town. Pieces of of Spruent City and some of the lots in Spruent City have been annexed, but only piece. As you some of you will may remember in 2019 or 2019 and 2020 when we were going through our um 2020 comprehensive plan um we actually received a request for this property to be designated um uh for commercial use. Um Dollar General was actually looking at locating on this particular corner and they had interest in developing a site currently zoned BG business general within the uh within Kent County. Um this board decided and recommended that given the residential nature of of these streets in Spruent City that this be designated for neighborhood residential. So it's shown on our future land use map um this orangish color which is for neighborhood residential. Um, okay. So, in terms of the area zoning, the zoning within Spruuent City along um North Carter Road, the few lots within Spruent City which have been annexed have been annexed under um either the R2A uh or R2 which is shown in the brown. So, R2A is shown in the is in the yellow. So the um under the neighborhood residential um uh future land use designation, the property can be annexed under four potential uh zoning districts. It can be uh annexed under R1, R1A, R2, and R2A. Uh the applicant has proposed um and requested to be annexed under R2A. And as a reminder, I put in the um this is on the left is the table of allowable

uses in each of those four zoning districts. And then on the right, you have the um this is the bulk standards, the minimum lot widths, minimum lot depths, and they do vary. So, uh single family dwellings are permitted in all four of these zoning districts. Um semi- detached uh or two families are permitted in the R2 and the R2A. And then um apartments and town homes um are permitted in the uh R2A building district. The applicant is proposing uh based upon these. You'll notice that the the min the maximum or excuse me the minimum lot widths um do get smaller. The minimum lot area gets smaller um as you go up in the zoning districts. But to go back to the aerial, what the applicant is proposing, you'll notice sort of um to the north uh east of these um of this area, 1.1 acres, you'll see a series of four lots. Those four lots are around, they vary between 45 and 50 foot in width. The applicant is proposing to subdivide um this 1.1 acre area into something similar to approximately 40 foot wide uh lots. Given the depth of these lots um the these lots are approximately 250 ft in depth which is very deep the applicant is proposing um or after annexation or if annexation occurs the applicant is proposing to do front back two family dwellings. So one behind the other similar to we've had a half a dozen of these built. We have one across from North Smyrna Elementary. We have one on North Main Street. We have one on Southeast Street and we have one on West Commerce Street. And essentially it's two dwellings, one behind the other on one parcel. So they're two family u and they're used as rentals. The applicant is proposing four of those. And then on the actual corner, the applicant is interested in putting in um a three a triplex or a quadplex, which

would require special exception approval from the board of adjustment. So um that is the long-term strategy. uh for for this property, but given the given the character of this neighborhood in terms of the existing lot widths uh in that along Culver Street, I think that's a reasonable request. So that um Mr. Chair, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have on this. Does any commissioner have a question? Staff, I'll ask the question. Is there any um requirements if they reszone to R2A and go forward with these developments to improve sidewalks along the frontage?

So that that's covered under the um under the site plan section. We have um we have um and under the um requirements for a subdivision. Anytime you construct a new house where sidewalks are not already in place, they they're required to do a sixoot sidewalk. So thank you. The applicant is here tonight. The applicant is not here. Not here. Okay,

the applicant's not here today. The um what the applicant is proposing to do. So, currently, uh sanitary sewer runs down North Carter Road. Um we currently, it's an 8 inch water line, right? That runs up Culbr Street. Culbr's that like rear access alley that you see there. Um there's already a water line that runs up the length of it, even though it's not in the town of Smyrna. Um we have a lot of that in Spruent City where a number of these lots are actually already connected to utilities. Uh this one was not but some of its neighbors are. So the applicant is proposing uh to run sanitary sewer up Culver Street and then everything will be served from the rear. His expense on the sewer.

His expense. Yeah. So they would be getting you know out of 1.1 acres they're going to be getting around 12 I mean what they're proposing is 11 to 12 dwelling units which is you know they deem as a you know long as they don't ask for a parking exception. Yeah. Well, the the lots are deep enough they they're not gonna have a problem in the north in the north of the lot. Mr. McGrath. Yeah. Yes, sir. Access off of Culver Street possible. All access will be on all Culver Street. Okay. Well, that's that's better. Yeah. Yeah. That's what we've been working with the applicant on. So, we've been working off and and improvements to that street.

Yes. So they've um what the applicant is requesting is actually that the town take um ownership of the Culver Street and that um the developer is proposing to do improvements to Culver Street to bring it up to town standard. They're going to have to run sanitary sewer through it. So those improvements are going to be required. That street's not in town, right? It is not in town. Yeah. Some of these streets in Screw City are kind of checkerboard in terms of make it a whole road or

Yeah, that's right. Any other questions of staff? Is there anyone here to speak in favor? Anyone in opposition? Anything else? Mr. Rothwell. No, this is for recommendation to the town council. Yeah. How is it? recommend the council for the uh vacant parcels to be annexed into the town of Smyrna as R2A. As far as the 2020 compens,

I will make a motion that with town of Smyrna an uh recommendation that we annex property as for mentioned to R2A resident. I'll second a motion. We have a motion to second. Question on the motion. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. So carried. Thank you very much. Ready. Next item on the agenda. Um reszone existing 5.78 ticket from IR highway commercial 370 North Main Street behind 370 North.

Thank you Mr. Chair. Um so this um this parcel has a long and illustrious history if you want to call it that. Um it's been a it's been a process for this. The um this is this parcel is immediately behind Colette which is at 370 um uh uh North Main Street. And this application again is for a reasonzoning from INR institutional recreational to HC highway commercial. Uh, this application was duly advertised on September the 7th at the Del State News on September the 5th at town hall on the subject property on September the 5th and mailed to the property owner in the budding property on September the 5th. So this um over a little over 5 acre parcel u it was once a 11 acre parcel. So the the area where Klets was originally where you see Kletes that their manufacturing facility this was one combined parcel when we went through the title search the um it was just an agricultural parcel uh in the early 1960s when they built Linton Industries they when they manufacture circuit boards is that correct Mr. Mhm.

And um so the back half was subdivided off. Nothing was overdone.

Um in the in the interim period in the 1970s the in the 1960s and 70s the town acquired what is today George Wright Municipal Park immediately adjacent shown there on the left. Um, and in get my grease straight here. In 19 up until 1988, this this back parcel was actually designated for manufacturing because the parcel right in front of it was Colette's manufacturing or what was previously Linton Industries had been a manufacturer um since the 1960s. Uh in 1992, the town purchased this property using OPT, which is outdoor recreational trails program. I believe that's the acronym. I believe that's what acronym stands for with Denre. Essentially, it's the state parkland acquisition program. It provides funds for local governments and the state to be able to purchase open space in parkland. So in 1992, this parcel since it was directly adjacent to um the then town park as it was referred to then um and over the next 30 some years this property was just never developed. Okay. Um right along the property line between um and you can kind of see the indentations that go down in between the property lines between Kletes and the adjacent George Wright Park. There is a fairly um deep swale and ditch that goes in between the two. There's also a lot of vegetation and trees between George Wright Park and this little over 5 acre parcel. So for that reason, this parcel was never developed for open space purposes because it was not easily accessible for the town. Now, fast forward until um so when we did our 2020 comprehensive plan, um because this is a town-owned property that was part of our park system, this

was designated for uh open space under our on the future land use map of the comprehensive plan um because it was town owned property. In um in 2023, in the fall, um the applicant uh Mr. George Kay's approached the town about um wanting to purchase the property. So if you right in the back of the Smyrna Mart shopping center behind Acme um you have Smyrna self storage which Mr. Kay's and his brother own. And um while the town does not have easy access to this particular parcel through George Wright Park um Mr. K's would have direct and easy access to this parcel and he approached the town about purchasing it to expand his self- storage facility. This was reviewed in um by the town council um um in various meetings and the um town council opted to accept an offer, a conditional offer um contingent upon the the town applying uh acquiring a comparable amount of parkland elsewhere. So, because the town utilized ORPT uh grant funding from the state, from Denrech, um the state has requirements under state code that if you sell parkland that was purchased with state funding that you have to purchase or acquire um a comparable or more acreage of parkland elsewhere in the town. Um, and from 2023 to 2025, the town has been negotiating with the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs to purchase or not, excuse me, not purchase, but acquire 19 acre property known as the Lyndons. It's an historical property just to the left of this image. Um, it's also immediately adjacent to George Wright Park. Um the town council

in um in July of this year actually voted to acquire the Lynons and also accept formally accept the offer for Mr. K's moving forward because we had to move forward together for for these to actually take place. Okay.

We could not sell this property if we could not acquire parkland elsewhere. So that was why we had that two-year gap between the two. Now, after the town conditionally accepted the offer, what we had to do for him for Mr. Case to potentially be able to develop the property is um in December of 2023, the planning commission actually reviewed um a comprehensive plan map amendment based upon the town council's directive. So on the left is the adopted 2020 future land use map and the parcel is shown um in green kind of in the center of the map if everybody can see it.

And then on the right in December of 2023 um we um the planning commission voted on a comprehensive plan map amendment uh to change that parcel from open space to commercial. Um before resoning can occur, you have to do a comprehensive plan map amendment. Um the zoning has to map up under under Delaware state law. Um the zoning of the property has to line up with the future land use map and the land use designation on that map. So um following the July um um recommendation from the um and acquisition by the Smyrna Town Council, um we went we moved ahead. We had to go what's called plus for those of you not realize the state agencies had to review this map amendment which had kind of been in limbo for a two-year period waiting for the other acquisition to occur. So uh plus reviewed this in uh the 1st of uh on September the four excuse me September the 3rd. Um the state agencies reviewed and approved the request um which allows this application this resoning application to move forward. So um so under the again for reszoning for the commercial land use designation there's only a couple of different um uh particular zoning districts. It can be zone HC highway commercial. It can be zoned SC shopping center. Uh and then we also have the LC which is the can remember if it's local commercial or limited commercial. I can never remember the two. We only have a few of those parcels. Um so the applicants proposed to be zoned um HC highway commercial so they could do their um self- storage units. So um that is the long Oh go back that's the next application. So that concludes me. If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer. It's a long timeline for this particular parcel. But

any any questions from commissioner to stay? I can I ask um why was it always kept as a contiguous huge parcel there? Why was it not ever subdivided to off wetlands that are undevelopable or anything like that? Just speak to that. Mr. Chair, may have been Were you on council at the time when when this was purchased or Uhhuh. but I can't answer that. I was not here. I was not here when that when that occurred, but um I don't know the reasoning behind the acquisition. I can't speak to that. We don't have a file on it. Um I mean it was the whole reason for it was it was going to be a park lamp. That that was the reason it you know there was no thought at that time.

Yeah. Or in recent time. Yeah. So it was for a park. It was going to be used for a park. Yeah. And you can't because you can't get Well, that's what that's what council has decided. So, you know, um I would So, that's the answer. I mean, that's the reason from that standpoint. Um and now they've gotten the Lynons. That's correct. No, I mean overpass. It's not an over. It's a difficult position for me because it was supposed to be parkland and now they bought the Lindons which is next door to a dump,

you know. So that's council's decision. Um my my question to you would be we are here because we are going to make a recommendation to council to go ahead and change the zoning. That's correct. The highway commercial. That's correct. Something that we've already basically put ourselves on record when we went before having the comprehensive plan updated. That is correct. Right. because I'd be hardressed to come up with a reason why I'm not going to go with what this planning commission decided to do in 2023. December 2023.

Yeah. So, okay. That it just the whole process at times I don't want to use the term amuses me but amuses me. This was this was a council decision. Um when when when Mr. case came to the town, you know, to ask for consideration. Staff did not provide a recommendation. I didn't think it was appropriate. This is a this is a legislative decision on the town on the on the part of the council and this the council was interested in entertaining the offer and felt that this was a appropriate and and and they did they made the decision without any recommendation. Okay. No.

With that said, is there someone here to speak in favor of it? Which one of which one of you wants to flip the law? You know, I Is there anything you wish Are you Mr. K? Okay. Is there anything you'd like to add to the testimony or the comments that Mr. Roth gave?

Um to my left is my brother John. My brother is my son Thomas and we're the owners of Smartol Storage. We've been here since uh 2000 when we first opened up shop so to speak and since then we have been at capacity or near capacity the entire amount of time where we typically have to turn people away. Um so there's a demand for the product that we have. If we go ahead with this as we as we hope to go ahead with this this will be beneficial to not just us but to our customers as well as well as a talented Hispanic town uh tax base as well. So uh it's a win-winwin situation for all of us I believe. Okay. Anybody have any questions of the applicant? Any commissioner?

Thank you. Didn't mean to put you too much on the spot, but I see I see you brought back up if you needed them. So, okay, I got you. And and as a reminder, the um the site plan, the actual commercial site plan for the self storage would come back before you as a category B site plan just like our next. Uh anyone here to speak in opposition to the request? Okay, commissioners, what you have before you is to recommend to council that this be reszoned as highway commercial.

Mr. Chairman, I move that we recommend to the council the reszoning of PM1-7-010130231 whatever to highway commercial. Do I have a second? I will second it since it's going to be water underwater in 20 to 50 years anyway. be butt launching but Delaware Street will then be beach. All those all those in favor say I. I post. So carried. Thank you. You may graciously stay and watch us or exit. Yeah, we're done. Don't pass up the opportunity to exit.

Thank you all there and thanks for all you do. Appreciate it. Canoe down. Okay. Absolutely. Preliminary category B site plan application for Centennial self storage which is on Corey Lane and that is vacant partial is zoned highway commercial.

Thank you Mr. Chair. This is an This is a category B slate plan application to um construct uh four self- storage buildings totaling 34,100 square ft on an existing vacant parcel. Uh this category B site plan was duly advertised in the Delaware State News on September the 7th at Town Hall on September the 5th on the it that was posted on the subject property on September the 5th and was bailed to the property owner and budding property owners on September the 5th. So this uh particular lot um was part of a subdiv a commercial subdivision referred to as the um Smyrna I think it's right here the Smyrna commercial center and this was subdivided more or less when they put in Delaware Route 1 in the late 90s they subdivided this area uh into a series of blocks since it was essentially cut up the old farms the um this 25 acre area or so um was subdivided in in 2000. This particular parcel which was shown as what I recall is lot two. Um this particular parcel has remained vacant. Um, so most of the other parcels in this area have been developed and you have Smyrna Diner, you have Firestone Tire, you have Waffle House, you have Popeye's, you have um it's is it Sentinel or how how do we It's technically Sentinel um um self storage is on two parcels over in between the existing self- storage area is a uh stormwater management facility which was put in for this entire commercial subdivision back in 2000. um what the applicant is proposing. So, this is a existing vacant lot. One thing that is in there, and this is they've had to do it was an interesting title search to have to go through. We've had quite a few different easements put on this property. You'll see uh we have electric pole lines for the town. This actually connects

essentially north south the entirety of the east side of US um 13. Um this particular there's an electrical easement that runs along the property line with Del Route 1 and the property line between Planet Fitness and this vacant parcel. You have you have large electric easement. Um so the applicant is proposing four buildings. So three of the buildings are going to be your standard self- storage unit. So one story used for if you want to call them household goods. So in speaking with the applicant, the applicant is proposing both interior and exterior um uh access. So there will be some sort of central corridor of something of that nature that goes through the center of these buildings um that will allow access from an interior hallway and then exterior overhead doors which you know that are going to be available in between the travel lang. the uh as you can see on over here, you'll notice that there is an existing um curb cut and the applicant was essentially proposing to use an existing curb cut. We'll talk about that because that was something that we wanted to requested a change for. Uh but this is a relatively low impact, relatively self-explanatory project. The only thing I will say, and this is, you know, the fire company, you know, had some recommendations on this, the uh the building up to the top right hand corner, this 5,000 foot pole building, this is this is, you know, during COVID, people started buying all sorts of luxury items and they weren't just buying things for their house. They were also buying RVs and campers and everything like that to be able to do in the outdoors. So in the self- storage world, this is a upand cominging thing is to also not just have household items, but have buildings dedicated for um vehicles uh typically for your recreational vehicles, whether it be

campers or full-blown RVs. Um the applicant's essentially shown a fire lane going around the entire perimeter of the site. Um as um the applicant is proposing in compliance with um our town code, they are proposing 6 foot wide sidewalks along South Corey Lane. Um under normal circumstances, we would ask for uh street trees to be put in. Um they are not required in this particular zoning district, but we we typically do we typically ask for them. Uh unfortunately because there's an electrical easement and we have overhead power lines running along this side of South Corey Lane um we're not going to be able to do street trees we have asked for some lowlying vegetation to be able to provide a little bit of beautifification to the site as as you go down South Corey Lane. um when we uh updated the um well just one more thing the applicant has not proposed if you'll notice at the throat of the um entrance the applicant has not proposed crosswalks we we are requesting um crosswalks at that particular location we think that's just safe um the um given the access um of this point there's a lot of different curb cuts on South Corey Lane because you have when you when you go in South Corey from US 13. It's the only entrance into this commercial subdivision. Uh and then you make the right. You'll go straight if you want to go to Planet Fitness. You'll make a right. You go all the way down to Smyrna Diner. But as you go down South Cory Lane, you have Firestone Tire. You have curb cuts for Firestone Tire. Then you have um uh you have uh Popeye's and then you have Waffle House. So all of these curb cuts are serving those three commercial businesses. Um, for safety reasons, um, working with our town engineer, we we all agreed with the fire company and with station 64, we need to move this proposed access point so that it lines

up, um, with the access uh, and entrance for Firestone Tire, which is across the street. So, essentially moving the entrance slightly to the right so that they um, it lines up for parking on this site. um self storage requires um one space for 5,000 square ft. So this comes out to six vehicular parking space which includes um one ADA. The applicant has proposed three parking spaces including 18A. So the applicant will need to provide to comply with our code we'll need to provide three. So that that'll be one of the code requirements that is required for this. Uh the applicant is also technically required um although it is also technically required to provide um a bicycle a bicycle rack for said parking lot and for this facility even though staff recognizes that this isn't a isn't something that's going to generate a lot of bicycle traffic but it is technically required for all commercial site plans. The um the applicant has proposed one one loading space in the very back if you'll notice on the top of the page uh and in the back of that first building. So essentially just an area I I don't think I can't imagine a tractor trailer really having to use really uh something like that. Um but you will likely have moving trucks and everything like that and they'll be using the flashlight most likely for the larger moving trucks. But for other tra uh traffic and circulation, you have minimum 24 foot wide travel lanes in between the buildings. And then the the fire lane shown on the right is just over um is a 42 foot wide travel lane. So that allows the reason that one is 42 ft in width and I can allow the applicant to confirm this is because when you have the RVs coming out of this storage building, they're going to need a little bit greater turning radius to be able to, you know, navigate this area since some

of these campers are just as big as fire trucks. I mean, it's serious. So,

um, so in terms of staff recommendations, the, um, um, the outside of what we just talked about, so the what's shown in black is sort of reconfiguring this, um, access, this, uh, proposed access and entrance uh, to line up with the entrance for Firestone Tire right across the street. And, um, Citizens Hose Company um, recommended two uh, fire hydrant locations on site. one right near the entrance on the left uh shown there in red and then a second one in the rear of the building uh or the rear of the site, excuse me, by the 5,000t building. Um um they thought that was especially warranted given that RVs are going to have a lot of flammables in them. You're going to have propane tanks, you're going to have fuel tank, you're going to have batteries and that sort of thing. So it's not just household items. So that was just one point of concern that you know they they had when they met discussed the project with us. Um but other than that um the applicant has not proposed a dumpster area but we did include in the staff recommended conditions that if a dumpster is provided that it be you have a masonry enclosure and that would be in line with the the rest of the recommendations that you have been asking for. But other than that, um, I'm just going over our making sure I got all of the conditions. Um, for for tree planting, the applicant did not provide a landscape plan. Um, there are a number of trees kind of in the back of this site. Um, so I'm sure that there are going to be based upon the size of this parcel, uh, the applicant's required to verify or plant 32, uh, trees. I don't think that's going to be very difficult for the applicant to be able to do. Um, but that's going to be another code

requirement that I did not speak of, but everything else I think has been talked about. So, be happy to answer any questions and turn it over to the applicant. Any questions by Commissioner EA? Yeah, Mr. chairman. Yes, Mr. McGra. Um, so how does this how's the drainage from this site communicate? Am I right that the that big drainage what do we call these things? Storm water management solment ponds, whatever they're calling them. Um, next door, right? Yes. So, if you look on the right, it's going to communicate with that or or are they going to have one on site here? I I'm I'm not reading this. I'll defer to the applicant on that. If you're not reading this drawing quite right.

Yes, that's exactly right. So, the drainage on here and when this when the subdivision was originally built, this was designed and that pond was sized for this parcel to have 70% impervious coverage. Yeah. Um so, that is what we're doing. We're staying under that 70% impervious um capturing all the storm water. It'll run through, collect, and then discharge to an existing head wall that already goes into that pond. Yeah. Um Yeah. That was designed to fix. So, it will actually have some water in it now. Exactly. Yes. at that time. It hasn't had since they dug it, but Thank you. That's That's all I was wondering about. Any other questions? You want me to ask one? Where where the crosswalk's going to go?

See, I knew you wouldn't disappoint me. I feel like it's figured out. I just didn't know. Okay. Just between the two sidewalks at the end. So, the the moved entrance on Cory Lane where you've drawn in. Yep. Okay. So, there's already a sidewalk, which we required Planet Fitness. When Planet Fitness was put on, we required Planet Fitness, even though it was technically just off of their parcel, we required them to put in curb ramps and start the sidewalk. Right. And essentially, they have to extend that sidewalk, connect, extend that sidewalk. And where they do this new entrance, they will, you know, they will have to have a cross.

Yeah. And and earlier, I think before you were on the commission, my I thought that the sidewalks needed to go at least to the Waffle House so people could exercise after eating at the Waffle House. Vice versa. Yeah. Well, now they can go down to the diner, so we're good. Well, we're going to get an application for that one a little later. Absolutely. Okay, we got that covered. Want to speak in favor? we're here, but I don't have anything additional to say. I thought he put it well. We already have one storage facility just across the storm water pond, right? So, we're just trying to expand and um as the job is over there, there's definitely a need for this.

So, um well well ba based on that on the recommendations that staff had, are you putting in three more parking places? Uh we'll do whatever we need to do regarding parking direct. Okay. All right. Um I'm not even going to discuss the bike rack, but put it in there and go with it. All right. Um I I don't want to see them carrying their many way. It wouldn't require like for dumpster. Okay. The the trees I think and Jeremy correct me if I'm wrong. I I think the trees will be covered. I mean that's I feel covered with that. Um

I don't believe the plan that we received show the entrance lining up with Firestone, but you're in agreement with doing that moving that down. I mean, I don't know how far that is, but on on this, I guess we're all looking at the same thing. It looks like that's where it would be somewhere in that area. 20 feet. 20 feet. Okay. Um crosswalks we talked about. And Jeremy, where are they going to go? Essentially the so the the sidewalk will go along the entirety of of South Cory Lane, right? And essentially at the entrance at that throat, um they you will do a a marked crosswalk at that entrance. Okay.

Good. Okay. Um, the shrubbery, I don't think that'll be an issue in regards to that. Um, and what about the fire hydrant? The red, right? Yes. Any issue with trying to get them there? All right.

Is there anyone here wishes to speak in opposition to the site plan? All right, Jeremy, anything you'd like to add? All right, commissioners, before you that we go ahead and um approve the site plan for this proposal. Is there a motion without effect as outlined in C? Yes, subject to the conditions and recommendations list. Thank you. I see I gave you your opening and you did good. Thank you. Pass it. Is there a motion to approve as as stated?

I will make a motion to approve the site plan with the recommendations. Okay. Second. Okay. We're putting you on the spot. I know. Sorry. Question on the motion. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. So carried. Thank you very much. Thank everybody very much. Thank you for coming. Thank you. And and we'll have a lot more for you to be a part of as we move forward as we do those types of things. Mr. Rockwell, do you have anything you'd like to add?

So, I do not have any applications at this point for um for October. Um just south of this site um across South Cory Lane, the vacant between uh Wild House and um Smart Diner. Um, I'm expecting Applebees application. We've already had a pre-application meeting with them. They have a contract on the property. So, I am expecting Applebees to come forward um hopefully by no for the November meeting, but I'm not I don't have anything for unless I can tell you tomorrow. Abby, don't open the mail. Yes. Can I add one more thing for new business?

Um, so I don't know if you guys are aware, I'm a member of the Delaware chapter of the American Planning Association. Um and this is a nonprofit organization has a local Delaware chapter that promotes the you know education and best practices of planning across the state. They are doing a membership push um to get you know the best practices out there better in the state and they are offering a discount for participating for any elected officials in any municipality. Uh, so because they heard I'm on the planning commission now, they're getting me to um do their bidding and bring it before you all. Um, secretary. Are you the secretary? I'm the treasurer. The treasurer of the chapter. So, yeah. Not just a member. I'm a treasurer. Yes.

Hey. Yeah. Okay.

Yeah. So, I I told Jeremy about this earlier, but um there is a discount. If you would like to be a member, you can take advantage of any of their events that they do in the state as well as any of the resources that they put on their websites. we can send out the links to peruse at your leisure. Um, but it is a discount to the town if anybody wants to join that. It can be planning commission members, um, our town council members, anything like that. Um, I have my note on here. It's, uh, you can pay $121 and sign up an unlimited number of folks um, for $68 each, which covers the $63 for the national APA dues and $5 for the Delaware chapter dues. And the town would pay that. And the town would pay that.

Do you have that information? I do. And if any of you are interested, I'd be happy to sign you up. I have a, you know, we have like a we have a budget for memberships and everything like that. Mine's really expensive for AICP. Yeah. So, it's it's nonprofessional members that don't have the little AICP. I'm already a member, so you don't have to worry. So, you're you're in. Yeah. Scott, that leaves you and me, bud. Yeah. All right. So, yes, I'm interested. one thing that they do. Yeah, I think so. I would ask I would ask that all members of the planning commission should be a part of that and you know that that that's a recommendation that we send to staff that we all get put on.

Well, at least we have access to questions, documents, that kind of thing. We will well the uh you would um although I could probably find them for you. The big thing is that they do do a um the chapter typically does a one-day conference. Um, where is it? Is it going to be in It's going to be at the Valley's Conference Center this year. So, do they're going big every December. You know, the the nice thing, what I always think is the best part is Max Walton, who is our all-star land use attorney, always gives

like a one to two hour update in terms of all of the land, you know, he, you know, he nerds out on the best land use cases from across the country. Uh, which is helpful, you know, for for you all. So, you know, things like solar or things like accessory dwelling units or Yep. you know, signage, all the up and coming hot topics that come out topics. And then um they also do monthly lunch and learns that are like noon to one. And then occasionally they're trying to do um walk and talk things. So, you could always, you know, host one here if there's any topics to talk about.

I'm really pleased that Mr. Rothwell has somehow agreed to this Scott because now we're going to know as much as he does. I know that could end up dangerous. Okay. Well, thank you for bringing that up. No, no, I appreciate that. Yeah, absolutely. Anything else you That was it. Anything else? Thanks for remembering. Oh, yeah. No problem. I'm sorry. Barrett, anything you'd like to bring forth? I'm good. Thanks. All right. Let us hope that October is quiet and let us hope that what we are just heard comes to being done in November. Yep. For battle beast. All right. With that said, Gabby, how we doing tonight?

Scary, isn't it? to keep our