It became clear at the Nov. 1 Tinicum supervisors’ meeting that the land development of the Tretton Farmstead barn as a renovated wedding venue continues to struggle.
Following a presentation to the Tinicum Planning Commission, the Tretton team has requested a waiver of the clock from the supervisors, as the petitioners will not be ready to come before them until sometime in January.
At the arduous October 25 Tinicum Twp. Planning Commission meeting, where, at the end of the review of the township engineer’s response to the Tretton design, there were clearly many unresolved issues remaining. In addition, the planning commission saw a list of waivers presented to the township on the Tuesday before the meeting. The planning commission was unwilling to discuss the new waivers without having sufficient time to review them.
In the end, the applicants were given the option of granting an extension or facing a likely denial. The Tretton team opted to grant the extension to the township and return to the planning commission to offer a response to their questions and concerns. Currently that meeting is scheduled for Dec. 13.
Discussion continued around the definition of a residence district and whether Sherman Road should be categorized as such. Generally, a residence district defines a non-business district, fronting on a street or highway, including the street or highway, where, for a distance of 300 feet or more, the frontage is improved with residences or residences and buildings in use for business.
Vice Chair James Helms felt the township definition as it currently stands is “worded oddly,” seemingly making the whole road residential. Before making a motion in this regard, another option was debated – that the municipality, not PennDOT, owns what the proper speed limit should be. “Every road in Tinicum is technically a 25-mph road. So is every local road outside of state ownership residential?” Helms stated. “We have the option of distinguishing this 25-mph limit based upon each road.”
Solicitor Harris felt there would need to be an ordinance, whether specifically around the Sherman Road issue or Tinicum roadways in general. “The board of supervisors will need to act each time to define placement of stop signs,” he said.
Claiming he has done considerable roadway research, resident Luke Sorenson stated, “Springfield Township has defined their residential districts through a select menu of their roads.” To gain the residential distinction, a road must first be placed on this list and then the supervisors must make the decision to post them as residential district.
Chair Richard Rosamilia queried why Sherman Road is different from any other Tinicum road. Sorenson referred to studies he has conducted defining specific sightline issues, such as one third of a road having blind spots. “This is basically a gut level decision based on basic topography. These issues do not occur in every case, so we should apply this logic on a case-by-case basis.”
Supervisor Eleanor Breslin asked how many roads might qualify as resident districts, naming Boulder Road and Lodi Hill Road in Upper Black Eddy as two examples of roads that may not have enough traffic to make a residential request. Resident Michael Bernstein put forth that Lodi Hill Road east of Upper Tinicum Church Road is “very steep, and currently posted as 55 mph. No one could drive that.”
Helms ultimately proposed the board pass an ordinance specifically for Sherman Road at this meeting, establishing that any road designated as a residence district will be a 25 mph road. The board will continue to actively explore what makes sense for other Tinicum roads in question. The motion passed.
During the now-regularly scheduled Headquarters Bridge Road update, it was stated the feasibility study for building a temporary bridge is continuing. Groundwork is also underway in preparation of applications for potential grants from the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and a PennDOT state grant.
During public comments, Tim Cashman, newly appointed by the board to the planning commission, took issue with township resident comments stated in several board meetings and published in the Herald’s coverage.
Cashman stressed he has a clear interest and vision for the township. “Safety, ethics and environment, that’s where I stand,” he said, thanking the board for their support.
Planning Commission member John Cole commented, “Mr. Cashman was appointed by the board, and he will be warmly welcomed on the planning commission and brought up to speed as quickly as possible so that like the rest of us he can become a valuable contributing member. I am certain this will occur.”
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