Upper Prov braves storm, takes care of business

UPPER PROVIDENCE >> On a dark and very stormy Thursday night, council met to handle timely township business.

The zoning, subdivision and land development section focused on three items. The board approved the preliminary/final plan for the NUVO Self Storage project on the property generally known as the Rose Tree Corporate Center. A fourstory structure will be built on an undeveloped portion of the overall parcel, essentially between the two existing buildings.

According to the overall land development plans approved decades ago, the new building must conform to the same general appearance. There will be no commercial signage. The project will meet other site development requirements, such as storm water management, according to plans presented by Pennoni Engineering. The firm’s conceptual images illustrated the building from various angles, but it is largely buffered by mature trees and landscaping.

A three-lot subdivision at 923-925 N. Orange St. for Darhun Construction received preliminary approval. The property is slightly beyond the border with Media and has been vacant for years, although derelict buildings remained on the site. Prior attempts to develop by other firms had as many as seven townhouse or five lots. The Darhum plan is in compliance with codes and will proceed to the planning commission for final approval and then again to council, likely in August.

Council approved the reverse subdivision/parcel consolidation for 695 W. Baltimore Ave. The owner requested the merging of his two parcels – one with a residence and the other undeveloped – for better use of his properties.

Among new business items was approval of accepting a grant from the PCCD – Pennsylvania Commissioner on Crime and Delinquency. Just less than $10,000, the grant will fully fund the police department’s acquisition, training and all equipment for Tasers. Cpl. Larry Baker completed the research and submission for the successful grant. No additional funding from the township is required. To this point, the department did not have the electronic devices, but it was mentioned that Walt Omlor, the township’s constable, does carry one.