Planning commission reports on 2018 actions, 2019 goals

Zoning review and transit-oriented development evaluation on list for 2019

NORTH WALES >> The North Wales Planning Commission has given a detailed rundown of everything they did, heard, and decided in 2018.

“They are required to submit a 2018 annual report of activities. It was voted on, four to zero, at the planning commission level,” said Borough Manager Christine Hart.

“We could have put it under ‘boards and committee reports and updates,’ but I thought since it was so complete, that we should draw attention to it,” she said.

The annual report details the discussions and actions taken during the five meetings the commission held in 2018, and notes that no agenda items were pressing and in need of attention for the other seven months. The report also notes that the planning commission voted to approve the borough’s 2040 comprehensive plan, and notes several projects that could come up again in 2019, including a possible expansion of parking near the North Wales Area Library.

Also cited in the planning commission report are several goals spelled out in the 2040 plan, including an audit of current borough zoning and land development ordinances to see where any updates may be necessary, an evaluation of the current transit orientated development overlay area, and the adoption of new local codes to regulate any new alternative or renewable energy systems in the borough.

Hart told council on Feb. 12 that no formal action was needed by council to adopt the planning commission report, but asked council and the public to review it, since recommendations form the planning commission may come before council over the course of 2019.

“It’s simply advisory, so we don’t need to take a vote or any action,” Hart said.

The planning commission’s 2018 annual report is included in council’s meeting materials packet for Feb. 12, which is available on the borough website www. NorthWalesBorough.org.

Council, public invited to open houses

Hart also announced two upcoming events, and encouraged council and the public to attend.

U.S. Representative Madeleine Dean, D-4th District, will host an open house for the public at her local district office at 101 E. Main Street in Norristown from 3 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 19, and a similar open house from 3 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 20 at her office at 115 E. Glenside Avenue in Glenside.

Council members were also invited to an open house hosted by the North Wales Water Authority at their new Bucks County division office, located at 1560 Easton Road, Unit B, in Warrington. That open house will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 28, and an RSVP to the water authority is required beforehand.

State Rep.’s visit postponed

Council’s Feb. 12 agenda originally included a presentation from newly elected State Representative Liz Hanbidge, but council President Jim Sando announced that visit was postponed due to Tuesday night’s winter weather.

“Given the circumstances with tonight, and the weather, we decided it was best to postpone that. So we will reschedule that at a future date,” Sando said.

North Wales Borough Council next meets at 7 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the borough municipal building, 300 School St.

The annual report details the discussions and actions taken during the five meetings the commission held in 2018.