Springfield zoners OK master plan for new high school
SPRINGFIELD » Zoning Hearing Board members voted unanimously to approve the application of Springfield School District for the High School Master Plan. The district requested a range of relief for the new high school campus on the same 25-acre parcel now occupied by the high school, athletic fields, parking and bus lot.
The district concluded its case with this third session. Project attorney Don Petrosa said four slight amendments were made since the September meeting, preceded by the opening in July; zoners did not meet in August. Petrosa said the changes resulted from comments submitted by the township zoning officer and engineer. In short, they included a variance to allow for a curb cut (access point) at 110 feet, where 150 feet is required; relocation of athletic field lights which will reduce any light spillage on private property; and rulings on setback due to the widening of South Rolling Road for parking and drop-off areas (as requested by the township.)
The fourth variance pertains to the total number of curb cuts on South Rolling Road. The plans show four access points. A reading of the ordinance allows for one on frontage of 100-feet and two for frontage exceeding that number. But since the ordinance was written with residential lots in mind, it was silent on such frontage as the district’s 1,200 feet on South Rolling Road. As traffic engineer Eric Ostimchuk noted, the access/ egress points were more than 200 apart.
Presentation by the district’s professional team concluded in about 30 minutes. Zoning Chairman Craig Gardner invited comment from the public. For another half-hour, six of about two dozen residents present took to the podium with a variety of questions/ comments, although all pertained to parking, interior bus and car circulation, and traffic on surrounding streets.
Saxer Avenue resident David Curtis, who has been among the most consistent monitors of the entire planning process, spoke about traffic plus other concerns. Curtis said building height was still very much an issue for him. The district is requesting relief from the 35 foot maximum by about 10 feet. The tallest section of the new structure is eight feet higher than the existing school’s gym, and three feet higher than St. Francis Church.
Responding to several of the public comments, Petrosa said it would not be possible to meet parking, height and impervious coverage and build a school and campus. He also noted the district will comply with a township request to conduct a post-construction traffic study.
With the end of the presentation, public comment and no other questions by the board, Gardner turned to George Troilo, the zoning board member from the Third Ward.
“I want to acknowledge the professionalism of all parties and counsel. There has been a lot of cooperation from all sides. And also acknowledge the effort the school district has made in considering what people have to say,” said Troilo. “We are going to make a decision which won’t make everyone happy,” he added with further acknowledgment of the project history.
The motion for approval of the application was seconded, followed by a roll call vote which unanimously passed. That brought to a close a specific and vitally necessary part of the process with the full findings of fact and conclusions of law to be submitted when ready.
Third Ward Commissioner Paul Wechsler, the zoners liaison, said, “The township and district have the best interest of residents and students in mind, and have been working to that end.”
The district appeared in September before the planning commission with a markedly small audience. The parties will meet again Nov. 2 and continue on specific details on the master plan with no change from the earlier $130 milion price tag. The public will again have the opportunity to see plans and make comment.