Township of Easttown

This Comprehensive Plan sets forth municipal goals, objectives, and policies to guide future growth and development for Easttown Township. It focuses on maintaining community character, preserving environmental, cultural, and historical resources, and ensuring a high-quality, safe, and efficient transportation network. Key areas of focus also include guiding land use decisions, encouraging a range of housing opportunities, increasing and diversifying economic activities, and providing sufficient community facilities and services. The plan aims to promote responsible land use and environmental stewardship, enhance the quality of life for residents, and ensure consistency with the Chester County Comprehensive Plan.

The agenda for the Easttown Citizen's Advisory Committee meeting included the Township Space Project -- Phase C1 discussion, a Fees Project progress report, and public comment. The committee previously reviewed Phase C-1 findings, which focused on achieving project goals within site limitations, respecting site architecture, and considering sustainability. Key discussion points for the Fees Project involved comparing current permit fee structures (2% with a $9400 cap) against neighboring townships, and determining the necessity and feasibility of the existing cap. The committee also discussed exploring grant opportunities related to building phasing.

The meeting focused on reviewing a revised Preliminary/Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan (SD 517) for Berwyn Village II, proposing 18 new single-family detached dwellings. The Commission unanimously recommended approval subject to compliance with outstanding conditions detailed in consultant review letters from the Township Engineer, Transportation Engineer, and Landscape Architect. The Commission also reaffirmed several waivers previously recommended for this project related to SALDO sections and the Natural Resource Protection Ordinance. Application SD 519 was withdrawn. For Sketch Plan review of 422 Waterloo Road, concerns were raised regarding driveway access easements and stormwater management for a proposal to subdivide one residential lot with a historic resource into three lots. For the Sketch Plan proposal for 354 Sugartown Road, the Commission expressed concerns over potential spot zoning and the simplicity of the proposals, which included options for by-right development, zoning map changes, and utilizing Lot Averaging. In updates regarding the implementation of the New Comprehensive Plan, the Commission recommended seeking Board of Supervisor approval to commission a sidewalk cost study.

Key discussions centered on the PD Space Project, where cost evaluations for three scenarios (Existing Footprint, Addition to Carriage House, New Construction) were presented, ranging from $4m to $6.9m. The finding of Phase A was that police and admin functions can fit within current structures with some required alterations. The Reimbursable/Pass-Thru Accounting Process review led to suggestions to implement actions for bills over 30 days overdue, such as emailing overdue notices, canceling property inspection upon non-payment, and withholding the Certificate of Occupancy. The committee also planned future discussions on a Police Department benchmark comparison, A/V needs for virtual meetings, developing a financial dashboard, decorum at public meetings, and reviewing budget processes. The committee decided not to meet in July and August.

The Special Meeting was held to review the Devon Center District Amending Ordinance. The Commission announced that a vote would not occur during this session and a future meeting would be scheduled. Key discussion centered on proposed textual changes to the draft amending ordinance, including clarifying setback measurements, defining 'mixed use,' revising architectural expression requirements, and adjusting density specifications. Public comment included presentations on build-out opinions and discussions regarding zoning limitations, public consensus, environmental and economic impact studies, stormwater management, density importance, and historical preservation.