Caernarvon Township Engineer John Roche said he will work with applicants to implement storm water control.
In small projects a sketch plan would be needed. He needs to know what the applicant intends to do in conjunction with what the storm water ordinance permits. All municipalities in Pennsylvania are to have a viable storm water ordinance by the end of 2013.
A simple plan for storm water management would be needed for projects with impervious surfaces of 5,000 square feet or less.
‘This is the way we should go,’ Supervisor Terry Martin said. ‘There are mandates, but we should keep it as simple as possible.’
The traffic signal at the intersection of Routes 23 and Swamp Road does not allow traffic to make a left turn safely, said Roche. He is looking at statistics of traffic accidents and other data. Some adjustments may be needed.
Kate Gonick said the Lancaster County Conservancy has been able to acquire 906 acres on the Welsh Mountains for public use including hunting, nature walks and horseback riding. She thanked Caernarvon officials for their contributions.
The New Holland Water Authority oversaw the auctioning of five parcels of land totaling over 500 acres on Sept. 28 after turning down offers. Since the Conservancy was not able to come up with funding the parcels were bought by private individuals. The Conservancy had been looking for a means to purchase the 505 acres since 2011.
The Zoning Hearing Board will consider a request of Reuben and Mabel Brubacher of 592 Lambert Road to substitute a nonconforming use with another non-conforming use. The land is located in agricultural and open space conservation district. The business is now operating along Division Highway in East Earl. Offices and some truck repair would be moved to the site on Lambert Road. The existing buildings would be adapted for use.
Martin said he is concerned about the number of trucks at the location. Other concerns are traffic, noise and the effect on neighbors.
An application has been submitted by WoodArt, LLC, 2535 Valley View Road, Morgantown, to utilize an existing 40 foot by 120 foot building at 207 Maxwell Hill Road that was most recently used in conjunction with an on-farm occupational woodworking business.
The proposed use would not be an on-farm occupation. It would be owned by a corporation that is not the owner of the farm where the business is conducted. The property is owned by Samuel and Mary Fisher. It is located in the Agricultural District. The applicant provided a letter stating the use was discontinued in 2010. No nonconforming use may be reestablished after it has been discontinued for 12 months.
Bob Watts, general manager of the Lanchester Landfill said the open house on Oct. 5 was a great success. The Scenic Overlook and the walking trail will be open to the public on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. through October. During winter months, the location of the Scenic Overlook will be moved to the western area of the landfill.
The daily tonnage at the landfill has remained stable for 20 years. On only two occasions did the landfill accept increases in tonnage per day, said Watts. During a severe flood in the Downingtown area, the Lanchester Landfill took debris and asbestos laden debris was accepted from construction sites at West Chester University.
The landfill is permitted to accept 1,850 tons of refuse daily. Usually the tonnage is between 1,100 and 1,200.
There are many uses for recyclable materials. They are accepting computers and televisions, but the landfill has to pay the recycler to take them. Watts said he had been taking plastic shopping bags to a recycler in New Castle, Del., but they stopped taking them.
‘It is always an adventure,’ he said. ‘Sometimes it is difficult to find a buyer.’
Some recyclable materials had been sent to China where regulations are not too strict. Now regulations are restrictive and recycling is more difficult and expensive.
The Conestoga Ridge Scenic Byway along Route 23 and Weaverland Road through East Earl and Caernarvon Townships has been recognized by the state as one of Pennsylvania’s 21 scenic byways, said Chairman Gary Van Dyke. State Rep. Gordon Denlinger, State Sen. Mike Brubaker and Secretary of Transportation Barry Schoch will participate in the special program to dedicate the byway.
The initiative to create a scenic byway began in the 1960s after rumors surfaced that a bypass would be built around several villages along Route 23.
‘The valley didn’t need a turnpike road down the center,’ said Van Dyke. ‘It is a way of enhancing what we have in the valley. We have worked with East Earl. We are doing the right thing at the right time.’ A ceremony and reception is planned for Oct. 30 at Poole Forge mansion. There will be a press release from PennDOT.
The Run for the Cows on Oct. 5 was successful, said Van Dyke. The run is held to draw attention to the various demands facing agriculture.
Poole Forge Day on Sept. 21 was also a success, said administrator Robin Buckwalter. About 89 antique vehicles participated in the Cruise to the Forge on Sept. 28. The sponsors were terrific. Historic Poole Forge received an award for leadership from the Lancaster County Historical Society.