Township of Lower Makefield

The committee meeting focused on project updates related to existing conditions inventory and analysis, with comments being incorporated. A key part of the discussion involved planning for future visualization concepts and the schedule for stakeholder interviews, which had recently begun. Initial stakeholder interviews included Duca Homes team and Shady Brook Farms, where participants expressed openness to the planning process. Attendees also discussed the formal recording of meetings and schedule adjustments for the upcoming two-day visioning and design workshop, likely shifting to April or early May. Specific feedback on the existing conditions inventory report included corrections regarding zoning districts, land use categorization for properties like Shadybrook Farm, and the omission of the mixed-use overlay zoning district layer. Furthermore, there were discussions regarding the accuracy of Annual Average Traffic Volumes for State Road 332 and connectivity levels of service at key intersections. The concept proposal for the Shady Brook Farm area was clarified as an unsubmitted concept, not an official proposal for township review, and the committee emphasized its role in steering the vision for the overall study area, which includes areas beyond the immediate proposed project site.

The meeting initiated the 2026 reorganization, including the election of a new Park Board Chair (Doug Krauss), Vice Chair (Michael Brody), and Secretary (Kim Rock). Key operational updates included receiving an extension request for Memorial Park Phase 3. The board discussed upcoming work on River Court repairs, which requires a quote to be brought back to the Board of Supervisors, and confirmed that Cardinal Court painting awaits appropriate temperatures. Staffing needs were highlighted due to two part-time park maintenance assistants resigning, necessitating new hiring. Updates on the pool discount sales showed an increase following the holidays, and league contracts for the past year were settled, with new contracts and special event/tournament processes being finalized in coordination with police and fire departments. Board members were also encouraged to attend the upcoming high school Career Day event.

The meeting, noted as the first for one commissioner, had a brief agenda primarily addressing follow-up items. Discussion centered on the status of a request concerning sidewalks and King's Road, which was ultimately determined not to be proceeding at the present time due to planned route considerations and potential neighborhood agreements. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the possibility of applying for a Pennsylvania state grant in the spring for bike paths within the township. Attendees discussed the need to consult the Township Manager, Dave Kretzner, to review existing master plans for proposed bike paths and determine the proper procedure for grant application submission. The commission also briefly discussed rescheduling future meetings due to upcoming Monday holidays (Martin Luther King Day and Presidents' Day) and concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Key discussion points included the introduction of the new supervisors' liaison, Colin Coyle, and the subsequent appointment of an alternate, Jeff Bedzer, as a voting member due to a vacancy. Officers were elected for 2026, installing a new chair, vice chair, and secretary. The commission also discussed expenditures from the Community Foundation account, specifically proposing $2,500 for the restoration of the 1858 Hughes map, which is not available elsewhere, and considering an estimated $8,300 expenditure for finishing a segregated side path project, which requires further estimates for comparison. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding updating a letter of 2025 accomplishments to the Board of Supervisors to include the significant tree removal at Slate Hill Cemetery.

The meeting initiated the first public session for the year and welcomed the new supervisor liaison. A key agenda item was the review and approval of the October 28th meeting minutes. The primary discussion involved a summary status update on the Patterson Farm Master Plan implementation, noting that the current year (2026) marks the third year of the three-year Phase One plan. The presentation reviewed the Master Plan's development process, highlighting extensive community input and detailing eight consensus principles, such as maintaining farming, preserving the vista, increasing public access, saving important buildings without overburdening taxpayers, expanding arts and culture uses, and ensuring nonprofit management. The committee also reviewed the four guiding principles for the plan, which emphasize continuous farming, preserving structures and the vista, ensuring active use of buildings to prevent decay, and fiscal responsibility. Recommended low-impact uses, including visual arts, nature trails, and a cultural heritage center, were discussed. Stage One priorities for 2024-2026 were summarized, focusing on establishing nonprofit property management, submitting the site for the National Register of Historical Places, necessary water abatement for building preservation, environmental cleanups (pesticides and lead paint), improving farmer access routes, and preparing for initial leasing opportunities. The structure for implementation, including the committee and four subcommittees (historical registry, structure/environment, nonprofit/funding, community communication), was detailed.