Cornwall Borough approves reviews of zoning ordinances, historic overlay idea

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Cornwall Borough Council unanimously agreed on Monday to direct the Planning and Zoning Committee to begin a review of the borough’s zoning ordinances.

P&Z chair Ray Frattini said it was a good idea, though it would likely be a time-intensive process.

Municipalities are recommended to review zoning ordinances semi-regularly to ensure modern definitions and uses are taken into consideration. Council took steps to revise the zoning ordinance in 2022 and 2023, but the effort did not come to fruition.

Read More: Cornwall Borough Council accepts $258,436 bid for paving projects

Bowman also proposed a review of the historic overlay district (an overlay denoting certain buildings as historic and prohibiting their demolition without borough approval), which she said has not been looked at since 2018.

Mayor Mark Thomas called the effort communism, citing it as a breach of the rights of property-owners.

Bowman said her motion encompassed a preliminary review, and that council would need to put in the final approval before adding properties to the list.

Frattini said that property owners under the historic overlay are primarily expected to keep the front facade of the home intact, or at least use materials that match the historic surroundings.

A resident floated that participation in the historic overlay district could be optional, with eligible property owners being given a choice. The motion, including that properties would be added only voluntarily, passed 5-2, with Walmer and Karinch opposed.

Bowman also made a motion to form a resident committee to inform the borough’s use of “connectivity” platforms, including potential broadcasting of meetings, website usage, and email.

Discussions of an A/V system have been underway since 2023, with funds budgeted for the addition of microphones and cameras. However, council members and residents have disagreed on the extent of upgrades needed, whether and how meetings should be broadcast, and more.

Bowman said a committee would allow the borough to formulate guidelines based on community feedback before making upgrades. The committee, she said, would also preside over topics such as whether council members should have dedicated email addresses and the borough’s use of its website and social media to communicate with residents.

Council unanimously agreed to begin the process of starting the committee, and directed interested residents to contact the borough manager.

Council also approved waivers and a preliminary/final land development plan for the Quinn Estates property, with Burton opposed for all associated motions.

The Landmark development, located in the low-density residential district, includes 24 single-family residential homes, each on a minimum 15,000-square-foot lot. Each home includes two parking spaces and a two-car-capacity garage.

A 102,391-square-foot lot has been set aside for dedication as open space.

Waivers, granted with recommendation by P&Z, include the submission of a preliminary plan, maximum lots per cul-de-sac, construction of sidewalks, and use of slant curbs. The development is planned to start this summer and conclude the summer of 2030.

Approvals are made contingent on the receipt of agreements by the developer.

In other news, council:

• Unanimously agreed to award the 2025 paving bid to the low bidder, Pennsy Supply, for $139,631.14.
• Agreed to ask PennDOT for approval to place a sign, paid for by Alden Place, with “Truckers: engine brake mufflers required” along State Route 322, with Burton opposed.
• Approved the vacating of part of Gold Road, with vacated land to be ceded to neighboring properties, with all in favor save for Burton. A resident noted that while the land has only now been formally vacated, neighbors have been using the land for three generations.
• Unanimously approved a tower lease agreement, with the borough to receive $12,000 per carrier (up to four carriers) in the first year, increasing each year with rates set for the next 25 years.
• Unanimously agreed to grant a stormwater waiver for the Snitz Creek Park Project, which includes the addition of four pickelball courts.
• Unanimously agreed to approve a letter to Cornwall-Lebanon School District on the selection of a local youth to serve as a Junior Council Member.
• Unanimously agreed to authorize the borough manager to attend the APMM and PSAB Conferences.
• Agreed to appoint Sheri Flowers and Josh Weaber as alternate zoning and code enforcement officers, as Jeff Steckbeck is considering retirement. Burton was opposed.
• Unanimously passed a resolution amending water/sewer rules and regulations to require developers place bands indicating pressure on new hydrants on their properties.
• Unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the borough manager to sign a reimbursement agreement.
• Unanimously approved a time extension for Alden West.
• Unanimously approved reports and minutes.

Cornwall Borough Council meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. These meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.