BRANCH SCHLJYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIAelibrary.pacounties.org/Documents/Schuylkill_County/2025;...

BRANCH TOWNSHIP SCHLJYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

COMPREHENSNE PLAN

Funding for this Plan was financed in part through a SPAG fivm !he Department of Community Maim under the provisions of Act 6A approved June 16,1994, BS a d m h i s t d by the Bureau of Community Planning, Pennsylvania Dmartment of CommunitvMaim.

Consultant: Mullin & Lonergan Associates, Inc Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA

I I I 1 I I I 1 I 1 I 1 I I 1 I I I 1

I BRANCH TOWNSHIP I Township Supervisors

Robert Keifer Jerry Rizzardi Joseph Wank

Township Secretary

Joann Shultz

Township Planning Commission

David Bell Norman Bontasavage Richard Yost John Kunigonis

Harold Bushar

Township Solicitor: Jacqueline Russell Township Engineer: Alfred Benesch Company

I I

BRANCH TOrulvsaP COMPREHENSIWPLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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VI

Introduction

A . What is a Comprehensive Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B . C . How is the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan Implemented

Elements of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan . . . . . . .

Demographic Analysis

A . Branch Township General Population Trends . . . . B . Branch Township SocioeconOmic Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Inventoly of Existing Conditions

A . Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B . Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C . Transportati Circulation ..................... D . Environmental Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E . Community Services and . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Planning Policy Elements

A . B . Land Use Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C . D . Transportation Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E .

Statement of Relationship to Other Communities and Plans .

Statement of Goals and Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Housing Plan Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Community Services and Infrastmchm Element

Implementation Strategies ............................

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Appendix A Implementation Chart

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TABLE OF MAF’S

Following Page

Existing Land Use . . . . . . . . . . .

Roadway Classification . . . . . . .

Slopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Soil Limitation to Development .

Floodplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Community Facilities . . . . . . . . .

Problems and Opportunities . . . .

Proposed Land Use . . . . . . . . . . .

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I

I. INTRODUCTION

Branch Township Comprehensive Plan

I 1 I I I 1 I 1 I I I I I I 1 I I I I

A. WHAT IS A COMPREHENSNE PLAN

The following document is the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. The document bas been prepared in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 170 of 1988). The adopted Branch Township Comprehensive Plan is the official statement prepared by the Planning Commission setting forth the Township's policies concerning desirable physical development and redevelopment of the community. The Branch Township Comprehensive Plan is not intended to be a detailed blueprint for community building. Rather the document will serve as a general guide for desirable land use that is to be used by the Township to encourage municipal action to guide the appropriate use or development of all land in a manner which will promote the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare.

The fundamental purposes which the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan is interested to achieve are as follows:

1. To improve the physical environment of the Township as a setting for human activities - to make it more functional, beautiful, decent, healthful, interesting, and efficient. This purpose is in accord with the broad mandate of the Township's Planning Commission in agreement with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

To promote the public interest, the interest of the community at large, rather than the interests of individuals or special groups within the Township. The. comprehensive nature of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan contributes to this purpose, for it facilitates consideration of the relationship of any question to the overall physical development of the entire community. Ehause the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan is based on facts and studies that attempt to be thorough and impartial, it helps to prevent arbitrary, capricious, and biased actions.

To facilitate the democratic determination and implementation of community policies on physical development. The Branch Township Comprehensive Plan is primarily a policy inshum% As such it constitutes a declaration of long-range goals and provides the basis for a program to accomplish the goals. By placing the responsibility for determining the planning policies on the Planning Commission with approval and adoption by the Township Board of Supervisors and providing an opportunity for citizen participation, the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan facilitates the democratic process.

To effect political and technical 'on in wmmunity development. Political coordination that a large majonty within the Township is working toward the same ends. Technical

coordination means a logical relationship among the physical elements dealt with and the efficient means to avoid contlict, duplication and waste in implementation. Effective coordination requires a unified, integrated plan, avoiding conflict and to allow political forces to deal with controversial issues in a constructive manner.

To inject long-range mideratiom into the determination of short-range actions. In effect, this purpose is intended to achieve coordination through time, to attempt to make sure that today's decision will lead to tomorrow's goal.

2.

3.

4.

5 .

Branch Township Comprehensive Plan 1

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6. To provide professional and technical knowledge in the making of decisions concerning the physical development of the Township. Through the use of the Township’s planning consultant working with the Planning Commission and Township Board of Supervisors in providing research and technical assistance in formulating strategies, this p q o s e is intended to promote wiser decision-making to achieve informed, conshuctive government.

B. PREVIOUS BRANCH TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLANS

As a community experiences change and the assumptions which shape a comprehensive plan change, the communitfs planning goals and objectives become out of date. To ensure that the policies formulated by the comprehensive plan are relevant to existing conditions, planning must be considered as an on-going process requiring periodic reevaluation of conditions and policies, updating where necessary to respond to changing conditions.

Branch Townshrp last prepared a comprehensive plan in 1963. The Township’s 1963 Comprehensive Plan was completed to address the transition and adjustment brought about by major economic changes in SchuyW County resulting from the decline of the coal industry and their impact on Branch Township. A major asslrmption of the. 1963 Comprehensive Plan was that over the next 20 to 30 years the. manufactwing sector of the economy would eventually replace the loses of mining jobs, stabilizing the population and even resulting in increased migration to the County. The Township’s 1963 Comprehensive Plan indicated that Branch‘s localion with respect to the large population concentrations in the County and its good highway access would allow the community to participate in any new d c growth which the County would experience because of its good location relative to the large metropolitan areas of the east coast.

In addition to the 1963 Comprehensive Plan, the Township has completed its Act 537 Sewage Plan. Branch’s Act 537 Sewage Plan, was prepared to bring the Township into compliance with the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act 537. Prepared in October 1994, the Act 537 Sewage Plan identifies existing sewage facilities in Branch Township and presents alternatives to meet the sewage needs of the Township. The primary goal of the Act 537 Sewage Plan is to recommend the most cost effective alternative and outline a schedule for implementation

The Branch Townshrp Sewer Authority adopted one p r e f d altwative from the Act 537 Sewage Plan and is preparing to implement the Option The option chosen is to provide public sanitary sewer service with a conventional gravity sewer system supplemented by a pump system to areas of the Township where gravity flow cannot be acbievd Areas to be served by the public sanitary sewer system are New Minersville, Phoenix Park, Llewellyn, West West Terrace, Dowdentown, and the remainder of the Township east of Llewellyn. Sewage will be discharged into the Minersville system at King’s Plaza. The Stein’s Mill area of the Township will be served by a separate package plant. Some areas of the Township could not feasibly be connected to the public sanitary sewer system. The Act 537 Sewage Plan recommends improved maintenance and management of the on-lot systems for areas of the Township that will not be served by the public sanitary sewer system.

while the 1963 Comprehensive Plan identified some of the similar conditions and problems that the Township still faces, there are many conditions existing in Branch that were not anticipated by the previous plan, Changing household types require consideration of a housing stock available to address their needs in addition to those anticipated to reside in the community. Additionally, housing policies

Branch Township Comprehensive Plan I L

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in the. Township must consider the concerns raised by the Fair Housing Act of 1988 with the Township ensuring its housing policies do not result in impediments to fair housing by the protected classes.

The 1963 Comprehensive Plan noted the continuing change in the Township's and the County's econ~my. The change noted by previous comprehensive plans was a greater percentage of its total work force employed in the manufacturing sector with a corresponding decrease in the mining sector Since 1963, the good producing manufacturing sector in Schuylkill County has also experienced a decline in employment with an increase in service sector jobs. Many of the service producing industries that now dominate the local m o m y have sipficantly fewer employees than the good producing industries and pay lower wages. The remaining good producing industries have also experienced a reduction of their work force tbat does not necessarily correspond to reduced prodwhon In addition to fewer employees, the area's employas rely on a more non-traditional work force. The non-traditional work force consists of part-time employees who may be job sharing and employees working from their home, which may possibly be located outside of the community. Many of the new service producing industries located in the community in addition to the good producing industries require different space and location requirements then previous jobs. All of the listed factors potentially impact land use patterns and the physical enviroment of the Township requiring reevaluation as part of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan.

Since. completion of the 1963 Comprehensive Plan, mandates and local government responsibilities have increased. In addition to implementation of the Fair Housing Act, the Township must cope with mandates and their impact to the Township's land use pattern and policies resulting from changes in environmental programs and policies. As mandates impacting the local government have increased, resources to implement the mandates in addition to managing the day-to-day responsibilities of the local govmmmt, have dmeased. Residents of the Township are sensitive to the siting of land uses required to fulfiu the mandates in addition to new and altered land uses that have developed as a result of the changing household and economic characteristics of the Township.

The result is the need to ensure that the changes in the demographic, and economic character of the Township and region in addition to the changes required as a result of the various mandates, can be accommodated in agreement with the existing land use policies of the Township and with the least amm of intaference with comprehensive planning goals and objectives. Alternately there is the need to formulate goals and objectives and implement policies to address the changing conditions. Because of scarce resources, there will be the need to identify the most efficient solutions considerate of the Township's land use goals and objectives.

Since completion of the Township's 1963 Comprehensive Plan land use in Branch has continued to consist primarily of low density residential land use. No major changes have occurred in the land use pattern

Sections I1 and III of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan serve as a data base for the development of the policies to be formulated by Section lV. In addition to identifying existing conditions, the data base will provide, where possible, a review of conditions noted by the 1963 Comprehensive Plan and serve to update the. status of policies and proposals recommended by the 1963 Comprehensive Plan.


I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

C. How IS THE BMCH TOWSHIP COMPREHENSIYEPLANIMPLEMENTED?

There is no single agency in the Township that has the ability to execute the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. The Branch Township Comprehensive Plan requires community-wide support to ensure implementation The major tedmique, however, available to the Township for implementation of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan is through the Znnmg Ordinance and the Township's other land development regulations prepared by the Planning Commission and approved and adopted by the Township Board of Supervisors.

The Branch Township Comprehensive Plan provides a kamework for the development of the community. The Zoning Ordinance serving to regulate the use of lands within the community, is conceived to implement the policies ofthe adopted Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. The Zoning Ordinance gives consideration to its goals and objectives, the character of the Township, the needs of the citizens, and the suitability and special nature of particular parts of the Township as based upon the find& and policies developed by the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. In updating its Zoning ordinrmce, the Plarming Commission will look to the assumptions, objectives and policies of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan and seek substantial consistency between the comprehensive plan and the zoning which implements the policies of the comprehensive plan.

The Townshrp's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is also used in implementing the adopted Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. The CIP schedules the future provision of capital improvements based on the need for various projects, and on the Township's financial ability to pay for the improvements. Formulation of a CIP is based on the Township's overall goals and objectives for developing capital proj-, some of which are articulated in the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. There is a high degree of interaction between the CIP and the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. The type, location, capacity, and ultimately the cost, of future capital improvements are determined by the development allowed under the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan.

Finally the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan will be implemented by the Township's Board of Supervisors, as they make decisions regarding use of scare funds. For example, as a decision making tool the Township Board of Supervisors will seek to ensure that its resources are distributed consistent with the. assumptions, objdves, and policies ofthe Branch Township Comprehensive Plan and further will help to realize its polices which were developed through the public process.


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II. DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS


I I I I I I

Branch Tomuhip 1,749

Pennsylvania

11,319,366

I I I

1,798 1,906 2,051 17.3

11,793,909 11,863,895 11,881,643 5.0

In this section of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan, demographic and socio-economic chrnacteaistics ofthe Township are described to identify past conditions and trends in Branch Township. Demographic information is important in making planning decisions involving the physical, economic and social development of Branch Most importantly, the demographic data will serve as a basis for determining needs and identifymg opportunities and constraints.

The statistical information in this section of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan, unless noted, was derived h census reports published by the U.S. Bureau of the Census. Because statistics in the census data products are based on the collection, tabulation, editing, and handling of questionnaires, m in the data an possible. Therefore it is important to take care when reviewing the census derived statistics in this section

In addition to errors owwring dunng the collection of the census data, it is noted that much of the census data presented in this d o n is based on sample data rather than 100 percent reporting and is therefore subject to sampling error. One hundred percent data, where used, is subject to non-sampling error. Because of sampling and non-sampling errors, there may be discrepancies in the reporting of similar types of data, however, the disnepancies will not negate the usefulness of the census data to conduct the analysis.

The following presents Township-wide population charactakics and trends.

BRANCH TOWNSHIP GENERAL POPULATION TRENDS A.


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~1

ape

An indication of the population increase in Branch occurring as a result of suburbanization is the larger size of the households residing in the Township than County-wide. The continuously smaller County- wide household size is a result of the general aging of the population compounded by out-migration of the younger population because of worker dislocation, and a decrease in the birth rate of the total population. The larger household size found in Branch Township than County-wide, is indicative of younger family households who have moved to the Township to take advantage of its suburban setting and larger and newer single-family housing stock.

1990 Populstim Number Pment

Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census

45.54 years 55-59 y e m 6044 y- 65-14 yea~l 75-84 YCM

Similar to other communities with an increasing population, the population in Branch is younger than the County-wide population County-wide, the median age of the population is 38.5 years. In Branch Townshtp, the median age of the population is 38 years. Additionally, 20 percent of Schuykll County’s population is age 65 and over. In Branch Township the population of persons age 65 and over is 16 percent, similar to the State-wide figme of 15.5 percent.

213 10.4 110 5.4 125 6.2 218 10.6 91 4.1

0-5 years 132 6.4 5-Ilyears 341 16.9

95 4.6 18-10 yean 11 3.5

2,051 100.0

Source: US. Bureau ofthe Census

Population by Age 1

Because of the availability of land in the Township and its accessible location, it is expected that the population will ccmtinueto expzience a steady, but slow population increase. The Township’s October 1994 Act 537Sewage Plan provides population projections prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources. The projections indicate that Branch’s population will increase by six percgd from 1990 to 2000 to 2,172 persons. The projections indicate that the Township’s population will increase by three percent from 2000 to 2010 to 2,23 1 persons. The population residing in the Township will continue to be younger and consist of larger households than those found County-wide.



Year Civilian Labm TotalEmplopad Total FO@X U"empl0pad

1984 69,700 61,400 8,300 1989 73,200 68,500 4,700 1994 69,800 63,600 6,300

B. BRANCH TOWNSHIP SOCIOECONOMIC DATA

Unentplopad Rate(%)

11.9 6.4 9.0



Branoh To+. Occvpation

ManagEtid & Rofcssid Spccisnies

Farming Foredry, Firhing

o p a a t o n , F a b r i c a t r m , ~

Total

Technical, Salm and Adm S u m Savi=

Rcsinion Roductiop C& and Repair

GOOD PRODUCING

AgrioliiRreandMii

M a r m f e Coastruction

SERVICE PRODUCING

TraapportatiO" Communication Trade, Whole, Retail Finnnc+JnSWUW*RealEstats Smiccs Publio Admbkkd on

I(

1990 Total I990 (%)

180 19.3 269 29.2 LOO 10.8

5 0.5 134 14.J 23s 2S.J

923 100.0 I1

daw Empl

LMA 1980

JI.O%

2,999 3,222 23,4J7

49.0%

2,334 1,268

10,267 1,858 12,029 2,852

62,286

ment

LMA 1990

44.0%

2,362 4,543 21,514

56.0%

2,382 1,416 12.312 2,443

1J,256 2,334

64,J62 Total


T0Umship 1990

39.2%

31 IO1 230

60.8%

31 18 I63 49

ZJ8 42

923


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below poverty. Poverty is also higher among persons age 65 and over with the 1990 U.S. Census reporting that 14.4 percent of the persons in the Township age 65 and over are below poverty.

Income Data- 1990

Median Household


Medianhouseho1dmcomeinBranchTownshipasreportedbytheU.S. Census was $27,571. Generally household incomes in the Township are moderate with 39 percent of the households in the Township reporting incomes between $25,000 and $50,000, Further, only six percent of the total households in the Townshtp have inunnes between $50,000 and $74,999, and just two percent of the households earn $75,000 or more. Branch's 1990 median income was approximately 120 percent of the County-wide median income and 95 percent of the State-wide median income.

Household Income E Las than $5,000 $5,000 to $9.999 $10.00010 $14.999

Source: U S

Houscholdp

8.2 90 11.8

163 I 21.4 I I9 15.6 177 90 I2 + 100.0

lureau of the Census



111. INVENTORY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS


I

A. LANO USE

In formulating comprehensive planning strategies for the community, it is important to develop a clear understanding of land use trends. The extent and variety of land uses are among the strongest determinants of a community’s character and often serve as the basis for comprehensive planning and zoning decisions. As part of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan, a generalized land use inventory was completed in the spring of 1995. The land use inventory is supplemented by the fmdings hm the Schuylkill County Comprehensive Plan. The generalized results of the inventory are depicted on the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan Land Use map.

As noted by the 1963 Comprehensive Plan Branch Township’s physical and geological characteristics have g m d y mffuenced the land use patterns within its borders and have to a large extent determined the pattem of development Most notable of the characteristics are the mining practices along the northem portion of the Township and along the north slope of Sharp Mountain which preclude any foreseeable future development in the areas. The 1963 Comprehensive Plan identified Branch Township as lying to the east of the Cily of Ponsville and as having a mix of rural and suburban development and industrial and cormnernal . activities. Further, the 1963 Comprehensive Plan indicated that the largest community is Llewellyn, which is almost centrally located within the Township and that new development was talang place in the eastem poltion of the Township in West West Terrace and New Minersville. Finally the 1963 Comprehensive Plan identified the predominant land use within Branch as woodlands, inclutlmg the undeveloped Indian Run Reservoir watershed, which is located in the southern portion of Branch Township.

The land use pattem noted by the 1963 Comprehensive Plan still exists in Branch Township. The land use inventory depicted on the Existing Land Use map indicates that the Township is still a largely undeveloped wmmunity containing large areas of vacant woodlands. An additional major land use in the Township is still mining with large areas in the central and northern portions of the Township used for surface coal mines.

Branch Township contains several villages including Llewellyn, Phoenix Park, New Minersville, Dowdentown, Stein’s Miu, and West West Terrace. Similar as to the land use pattern noted by the 1963 Comprehensive Plan, most of the land use other than the coal mines is concentrated in the villages. The viUages are laid out in a linear pattem along Route 209 through the north portion of the Township. The land in the villages consists pimanly of resihtial use. A problem of concem in the residential villages is the outdm storage of debris and vehicles without current registration. The outdoor storage of debris and junk vehicles detraas limn the character of the primarily residential villages and may pose a hazard to the health and safety of residents of the community.

Shnilarlytothelandusepattemnotedbythe 1963 Comprehensive Plan as ShownontheEXisting Land Use map, the Township contains only limited areas of commercial land use. Commercial land use in Branch is generalhl low intensity neighborhood convenience uses supporting the basic service needs of the residents in the villages. Commercial uses along Route 209 are highway oriented businesses including several restaurants and a musical instnrmentS retailer. Also situated along Route 209 is the Diraua Coal Company and Branch Concrete. These uses along with Pritz’s Dodge on the Minersville Llewellyn Highway, are the major industries in the Township. Along a disputed border line between Branch Township and Norwegian Township is Kane Steel at the inmection of Route 209 and 901.


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Also at the Plaza.

The surface coal mines m the Township are subject to the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (the Act). The Act r e w e s that before proceeding with the mining of minerals by the surfacing mining method, operators shall receive a permit from the Department of Environmental Resources PER). As part of the application for a DER surface mining permit, applicants are required to provide a complete and detailed reclamation plan of the affected land. The reclamation plan provides a detailed description of the mining operation The reclamation plan also provides information regarding plans to mitigate advase impacts such as soil erosion, water accumulation in the pit, acid mine drainage, and siltation of surface waters, associated with the surface mining operation. Additionally, the reclamation plan must provide a statement of the land use proposed for the affected area after mining and reclamation

Prior to commencing surfacing mining, the Act requires that the operator file with the DER a bond for the affected land. The amount ofthe bond is based upon the permittee’s statement of the estimated cost of fulfilling the reclamation plan Liability under the bond is for the duration of the surfacing mining Operation and for a period of five full years after the last year of augmented seeding and f d i g and any other work to complete reclamation to meet the quirmmts of the law and protect the environment. The Act has been enforced by the State since 1972. Operators of pre-Act mines are. not subject to the regulations unless they make the surface mine deeper. There are no surface mines in the Township undergoing reclamation in agreement with the Act. Significant reclamation is expected to occur on the Direnzo mining tract on Route 209 east of Llewellyn and adjacent to the Village of Phoenix Park

Withlimaedroads and m addition to large areas constmined from development by natural features, it is dcipated that the land use pattern in the Township will not change. There are no known plans for major development or redevelopment in Branch Township. Accordingly it is anticipated that the rural and suburban character of Branch identified by the 1963 Comprehensive Plan will continue. Residential land use will continue to infill in the existing villages or be developed in a suburban style adjacent to the villages.

Branch Townsip’s Zonmg ordinance and other land use regulations were formulated upon completion of the 1963 Comprehensive Plan. Based upon changing conditions and assumptions many of the land use regulations are out of date. In 1988 the Pennsylvania Mmicipalities Planning Code (MPC) undawent a substantial amendment enabling communities to use new and innovative solutions to local land use. and plarming problems. Addi t idy , the 1988 amendment to the MPC provided for expanded definitions. None of the regulations established by the 1988 amendment to the MF’C have been mcorporated m Branch Townshtp’s zoning and land use regulations. Of particular concern has been the lack of standards for home occupations, lack of comprehensive standards and areas for commercial and industrial development, inflexible bulk regulations creating the need for variance relief, especially impacting the West West Terrace neighborhood, and lack of inclusiveness of the Zoning Ordinance omitting new types of land use.

While Branch Township’s land use pattern is not anticipated to change, it does not mean that development or redevelopment will not OCCUT. The Townshtp‘s outdated zoning and land use regulations will serve as an impdim& negatively impacting opportunities for development and redevelopment and the Wty of the project.

are some commercial uses including Turkey Hill, Exxon, Pizza Hut, and King’s



YCar TotalUnhs OENpied Owns- M& OENpid Value

B. HOUSING

M& Gms Rad

1980 684 64s 91.3 $32,100 $138


1990 812 774 90.1 SS2,800 S2S8


198010 1990 'mi 197010 1960 10 1979 I969

1950 to I959 17.4 I94010 I949 5.3 Rior10 I940 271 33.4

A co~lcem with regard to housing is costs in excess of acceptable limits. Generally, when a household spends more than 30 percent of its gross income on housing it is considered excessive by housing economists and lending institutionS and the household is classified as cost burdened. When households pay hi- proportions of their incomes for housing, they are forced to sacrifice other basic necessities such as food and clothing. The 1990 U.S. Census reported that 15 percent of the owner-occupied households in Branch paid 30 percent or more of their monthly household income toward housing costs. Among renta-occupied households, the 1990 U.S. Census reported that ten percent were cost burdened.

Jnits Per Structure 1990

Units 1990 P a m d of

27 3.3 s-9 units 2 0.2 IO+& 6 0.8 Mobile H a 35 4.3



potentially take place. The age threshold commonly used to signal a potential deficiency is represented by the year built with units built prior to 1940 used as the threshold.

An & o d variable use to identify housing condition is crowding which is directly related to the wear and tear sustained by the structure. As the rule of thumb, the value of more than one person per rwm (1 .O 1) is used as the threshold for defining living conditions as substandard. Finally, exclusive use of plmbing is identified as a variable with the sharing of facilities between households used as an index of deficient housing conditions. As reported by the 1990 U.S. Census, 23 1 housing units representing 33.4 percent of the Township’s housing stock were completed prior to 1940. Crowding, represented by housing units with more than one person per room, represent only a small percentage of the Township’s housing stock The 1990 US. Census reportedthat sixunits, 0.7 percent of the housing stock, contained more than one person per room. Similarly, housing units in Branch Township lacking complete plumbing represent only a small percentage of the County’s housing stock. The 1990 U.S. Census indicated that 17 units or two pBcent of the housing stock, lacked complete plumbing. The Township’s 1963 Comprehensive Plan idenhfied 98 units in Branch lacking complete plumbing.

As part of the land use m e y completed for the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan in the spring of 1995, a g e n e d i d windshield survey of the exterior condition of the Township’s housing stock was completed A quickjudganent was made as to the exterior condition of units, on a neighborhood basis. Housing units which appeared to be in good condition, requiring no repairs of any type were judged to be in s o d condition Housing units which appeared to need new siding, or a new coat of pain, or new shutters, or new gutters, or new porch railings, or new windows, were judged to need minor repairs. Housing units which appeared to need a combination of minor repairs or a new roof or a new porch were judged to need major repairs. The judgements regarding overall housing stock in the neighborhoods were not for the purposes of real estate appraisal or tax assessment. They were quick, visual observations assigned to a simple code of conditions categories, and were utilized only for purposes of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan.

Llewellyn, located along State Route 209, is the most densely populated area of Branch Llewellyn mists of three north - south simts and three east - west streets plus alleys. The village includes a fire station, a post office, and several commercial establishments. There are 129 dwellings in Llewellyn.

The houses in the southan part of Llewellyn are mostly small duplexes. There are also several newer single-family detached shuctum and mobile homes. The houses in the northan half of Llewellyn along Route 209, are hger single-family detached units and apartment houses. Off Route 209, nearer to the school, are several detached single-family houses.

Many of the housing units in Llewellyn require major rehabilitation and most require at least minor rehabilitation There are several dilapidated structures in Llewellyn that are economically unfeasible to be rehabilitated and should be demolished.

Phoenix Park is located one mile north of Llewellyn and is accessed by Phoenix Park Road. Land use in the village is entirely residential except for one church and a fire station. There are 62 housing units located in Ph- Park There are three roads in the village including Main Street and the low and high roads, Housing highex up the road is larger and in sound conditiom Housing on the low road is in need of minor and major rehabilitation. The housing on Main Street consists of neat bungalows and row houses, several of which need minor rehabilitation.



New M i n d l e is immediately adjacent to the southwest m e r of the Borough of Minersville. The housing in New Minersville is similar to that of the Borough consisting of row houses and duplexes. There are 8 1 housing units in the village. Most of the housing units in New Minersville are in need of minor rehabilitation. A few newer housing units have been built in the village.

Dowdentown is located at the intasection of Routes 209 and 901 along Dowdentown and Church Roads. The village contains 18 housing units. The housing units in Dowdentown consist of single-family detachd dwellings on large lots. The housing units are old with many in need of major rehabilitation.

Stein’s Mill is located at the western end of Route 209. The village consists of a small cluster of 19 housing units. Many of the housing units in Stein’s Mill are in need of minor or major rehabilitation.

West West Terrace is located along Route. 209 east of Llewellyn West West Terrace is the newest subdivision in Branch Township. The village includes 263 housing units and contains land suitable for continued development. The housing units in West West Terrace are sound or only in need of minor rehabilitation.

Additionally, there are housing units scattered along the major roadways in the Township, but not considered part of one of the older iddfied villages. Such areas include 24 housing units located along thepottSville-- ’ e Highway (Route 209 east of Llewellyn). There are. 3 1 housing units along the Minersville-Llewellyn Highway and the streets adjoining the Highway, and 96 housing units along the Old Llewellyn Road. Additionally, there are 49 housing units along Llewellyn (the Branchdale Highway). In all of the areas, the housing units consist generally of suburban style single-family detached dwellings built since 1950. The newer scattered housing units are well maintained and classified as sound or needing only minor rehabfitation.

Projections provided in Branch Township’s Act 537 Sewage Plan indicate continued increase of the Township’s population. The projections identify slow g o d of the Township’s population. It is anticipated that the population to reside in the Township wil l to be similar to the. existing population. Accordinghl it is mpested that the types and densities of housing p&tted in the Township will address the needs of those anticipated to reside in Branch Township.

C. TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION

In order to help realize Branch Township Comprehensive Plan goals and objectives, and to aid the inplanentation of the Land Use Plan, consideration must be given to the movement of people and goods through and around the Township. Transportation is important to the everyday needs of residents, and it is also important to the movement of goods and services which help to sustain the local economy.

A long established network of roadways provides the primary method of transportation in Branch Township. Streets are classified into a hierarchy taking into account both the function and service level of the road as well as basic road design standards. The classification system used is based on a hierarchy, taking into m u n t the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) classification system. The streets, as classified using the FHA system and consideration of the classification provided by the Tomhip’s 1963 Comprehensive Plan are identified on the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan Transportation map. The FHA classification system is as follows:


1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Freeway

A &way has limited or no access to abutting land uses. Access to freeways is generally limited only i h n major shets at intachanges. The desirable right-of-way width of freeways is greater than 300 feet.

NcminTow&ip. -81 fiurctiomarfrrnuay -1 Arterial

An arterial is often an inter-regional road in the street hierarchy conveying traffic between centers. Arterial roads are further classified as major arterial roads and minor arterial roads.

MujorArterial - are roadways saving as major feeders to and from the freeway system and carry traffic between the principal haEc gaemtom in the region Major arterial roads usually intersect at grade and utilize timed traffic signals and lane markings to facilitate traffic flow. Major arterial roads may also include the separation of opposing traffic lanes and full access control and grade separation at intersections which are gemdywidely spaces. The mmmended right-of-way width of major arterial roads varies from 80 feet to in excess of 120 feet.

Aaaial - Major

R o w 901 and 209

Minor Arterial - are roadways serving to gather traffic from more than one local, minor or major collector street and leads it to a system of other minor arterial roads or major arterial roads. Minor arterial roads are characterized by direct land access and often have only one lane of traffic in each direction Where possible, the desirable right-of-way width of a minor arterial road is 80 feet wide with a cartway width of 40 feet.

Aaaial- Minor

UmeUyn Road, T-577, Uain S M

Collectors

Collectors are thw roadways that conduct and distribute traffic between lower-order residential streets and arterial and freeways. It is desirable that collector roads promote free traffic flow with parking restricted and direct access to residential land us avoided. The right-of-way width of collector roads varies from 50 feet to 80 feet.

willing strict, Pinc sllcct, o* stnq wcd wcd



rn Local Streets

Local streets have the function of providing access to abutting properties, primarily residential uses. Local streets usually have less than 25 residences. Local streets also serve as easements for the various public utilities and provide light and air to adjacent buildings. The desirable right-of-way width of local streets is 50 feet with appropriate easements for sidewalks, shade trees and utilities. Local streets generally have a cartway width of 30 to 36 feet.

Locals-

omerally remainder of

The FHA standards are intended as a guide and not as mandates. There are. many factors which serve to make up a traffic system and that system's ability to move pedestrians and traffic efficiently and safely.

A siguilicant source of revenue for the Township each year is received from the Commonwealth as part of the distribution of Liquid Fuels tax revenues. Distribution is based on a formula including the number of miles of roadways maintained by the municipality. Such roads must meet PennDot's standards for a minimum cartway width of 33 feet, a useable shod&, and a turnaround at the end of a deadend street. Streets do not necessady have to be paved. Funds may be used for any aspect of roadway maintenance including salaries, mataials, equipmmt, snow removal, and maintenance of roads and signs. Before the Township accepts responsibility for new streets, the developers or adjacent property owners must ensure that the street meets the PennDot standards.

rn Public Transportation

The SchuyW TrrmspOttation System (STS) provides bus service to portions of the County. In Branch Tow~dup, the STS bus nms through Lleweyll to Poasville on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:25 a.m. and returns from Poasville to Llewellyn at 8: 15 a.m and 2:45 p.m. On Tuesday and Thursday the STS bus service is available upon request. The STS also provides van service to the elderly in the Township. The STS van sWrice is a door to door service available by appointment. Private taxi service is also available throughout the County.

rn

Recent improvements to the Township's roadway network include the replacement of the Route 209 bridge west of Uewellp and also upgrading of the intersection of Routes 901 and 209. Transportation planning for the Township is primarily conducted by PennDOT and Schuylkill County. In addition to the tr;msportation improvements planned in Branch by PennDOT or the County as described in Section

of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan, problems of local concern have been identified. The problems of local concern were identified as part of the Spring 1995 reconnaissance m e y of the Township conducted for completion of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. The local problems represent on-going concerns that create traffic safety problems to residents of the community and passers-through. The following local problems have been identified

Identified Problems in the Township 's Transportation Network



a. Generally, the conditions of the major roads through the Township are good. Surfaces of the roads are maintained. Many of the local roads through the Township are not adequately maintained with many in need of repaving and repair of pot holes including Shober, Railroad, and parts of New Minemille The 1963 Comprehensive Plan identified problems with drainage and erosion resulting from steep slopes in the New Minersville area. The review of street conditions indicates that the problem still exists.

Due to topographic conditions, many of the roads through the Township are narrow, sometimes creatmg problem with *way traffic, pahdarly wider truck tr&c. The physical conditiom of the Township have also created intersections that do not form at 90 degree angles limiting sight distances.

A rise in the road exists at the intersection of Route 209 and Taylor. The rise creates a hill that limits sight distances impeding clear views for traffic traveling through the intersection. The rise also poses a hazard for school children that use the intersection for crossing Route 209 from the Llewellyn School and school bus stop.

Deadend streets in some of the newer residential developments in Branch have been built to end in stubs without bulbs. Bulbs at the end of the streets creating cul-de-sacs are necessaty to provide turning room for vehicles without going onto private properties. The bulbs will also allow Sumcient room larger vehicles particularly emergency vehicles that may be servicing a use. The Township has enlarged several bulbs in West West Terrace to provide the necessary turning radii.

The 1963 Comprehensive Plan recommended that the Township vacate some of the paper streets in Branch A recent proposal to vacate streets was turned denied by the Township Planning Commission The concern was that it would create lots without access.

Previously, the Township maintained trails for walking and riding. The trails have not been maintained for many years. The maintenance of trails for walking and riding may provide an a l W v e circulabon systan for mwement of people throughout Branch Township and expand the communities open space system

b.

C.

d.

e.

f.

D. ENVIRONMENTAL ANAL.YSIS

An- ' of the natural p h y s d environment is important in devising planning policies for the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. The following provides a review of the environmentd features identified Branch Township and wil l provide a basis in formulating planning policy for the Townshp by distinguishing those areas where development is least likely to degrade the environment. The information regarding natural features, when coupled with other social and economic data, provide a sound basis for land use decisions in Branch Township.

Topographic Slope

Branch Township is located in the physiographic Appalachian Mountain Ridge and Valley Province. This geographic section is characterized by parallel mountain ridges and valleys oriented in a northeast to southwest direction. The drainage pattem is sub-angular to modified dendritic. The Township lies



between two steep and relatively high mountain ridges of the Province. These ridges are the Sharp Mountain on the south and the Broad Mountain to the north of the Township.

Topographic maps are used to show the height of land surfaces above sea level with contour lines plotted to join all places of equal elevation Elevations in the Township range between 650 feet along the Schuylkill River to 1,400 feet in the southwestem comer of the Township at Sharp Mountain.

Slope gradients in the. Townshtp have been calculated and are presented on the Topographic Slope map. Slope is defined as the radical change in elevation over a horizontal distance, and is usually expressed as a percentage. It is an important determinant for land use. For example, slopes less than ten percent are. suitable for most uses, though dramage problems may exist where the slope is less than two percent. Slope values between ten and fifteen percent i m p p some Lmutatons on development. Sites may require grading or special design of septic system, and agriculture is not always feasible. Where slopes exceed 15 percent, significant constraints on development exist. Extensive grading and filling is required for most residential and indushial development occuning on steep-sloped land. Clearing of steep sites can cause erosion and sedimentation problems if nmoff is not strictly controlled. Use of septic systems is difficult, though steep slopes can accommcdate large lot single-family development if construction is sensitively planned.

Steep slopes are found through large areas of the Township particularly in the southern portion of Branch. The steep slopes in the south portion of the Township are associated with Sharp Mountain. Other areas of steep slopes in Branch are often associated with the surface coal mines scattered throughout the Township.

rn Soils

Soils are another environmental feature to be considered. One of the most important planning tools is an accurate map of soil types. The structure and composition of each particular soil determines its fertility and suitabiity for various kinds of land developmat. Soil lies in a very thin layer above bedrock and extends approximately to the depth of plant roots. It is composed of both inorganic and organic materials. The primary inorganic constituent is extensively weathered parent rock, or bedrock. Soils which overlie the same types of bedrock have similar characteristics because of their common origin. The organic componwt of mil is derived 6um decayed plant and antmal material. One important feature of soil is its texture, determinwl by the relative proportions of sand, silt, and gravel. The permeability of soil is directly related to its texture. Soils also vary in their stnchue, as the individual grains can cohere to form blocky, granular or flaky pieces of soil. Soil structure also affects percolation, ease of cultivation, and susceptibility to erosion

Soil typs idedfied in the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan were identified !?om the Soil Survey of Schuylkill County. The Soil Survey identified four different soil associations in Branch Township. A soil association is a group of two or more soils within a given area that can be distinguished among themselves, but can be grouped together based on their common characteristics because their area distribution is very complex.

The soil associations in Branch Township identilied by the Soil Survey include the Leck Kill- MeckesvilleCahin association which are gently sloping to moderately steep, deep and moderately deep, well drained soils on uplands; Dekalb-Buchanan-Hazleton association which are gently sloping to very



steep, deep and moderately deep, well drained to somewhat poorly drained soils on uplands; Udorthents- Dekalb-Hatleton association which are gently sloping to very steep, deep and moderately deep, well drained soils onuplands; and Haleton-Udorthents-Udults association which are gently sloping to very steep, deep, well drained to somewhat poorly drained soils on uplands.

The following ma!xices provide a description of the soils in the Township and their suitability for development. The most suitable soils are those which involve minimal risk to the environment if developed. Unsuitable soils exhibit one or more characteristics which severely limit their use. The matrices should be examined to determine which characteristics are limiting factor for each soil.

All soils typs ocnming in the Townshq, were evaluated for the following seven environmental factors:

. slope

drainage .: . depth to bedrock depth to seasonally hi& water table . nmoff potential (hydrologic group suitability for septic drainage field

. erosion hazard .

.

. The first matrix lists all soils and their respective values for each of these factors. Using the table “Acceptable Values for Land Development,” each soil was given a rating of A, B, or C for every environmental factor. The second ma& presents the ratings assigned to each soil. Where an “A” appears in the. second matrix, development of the soil is not limited by that factor. Assignment of a “C” represaas a potentially severe environmental hazard attibutable to that factor. A “C” rating does not mean that the soil cannot be developed, but that elevated costs will be necessary to protect the ~ v i r O ~ . Z I l ~



~ ~

Acceptable Values for Land Development

Moderately suitable Least suitable

Erosion Hazard Most suitable Moderately suitable Least Suitable

Drainage Class Most suitable Moderately suitable Least Suitable

Depth to Bedrock Most suitable Moderately suitable

Depth to Seasonally High Water Table Most suitable Moderately suitable Least Suitable

Runoff Potential (Hydrologic Soil Groups) Most suitable Moderately suitable Least Suitable

Suitability for Septic Drainage Field Most suitable Moderately suitable

< 10% 10-15% slope > 15% slope

0-5 KR9 ( L S ) 6-19 KR ( L S ) > 20 KR ( L S )

Well drained soils Moderateiy drained soils Poorly drained soils

> 9 feet < 9 feet

Deep or moderately deep Shallow to moderately deep very shallow

A or B hydrologic group C hydrologic group D hydrologic group

Slight limitation Moderate l i t a t i o n

A B C

A B C

A B C

A B

A B C

A B C

A B

I Least Suitable Severe limitation C

Because the Township is not yet served by sanitary sewers, the suitability of the soil for installation of septic systans is a prhnrrry determinaot of the o v d suitability of an area for development. The ratings for each development factor were combined in the following manner to yield three mapping categories of composite suitability for development:



Factor Combination for Composite Suitability

1. Composite Most Suitable Soil Groups. Soil group must have an A rating under Suitability for Septic Drainage Field. The soil group may have an A or B in remaining six environmental factors.

Composite Moderately Suitable Soils Groups. Soil group has a B rating under Suitability for Septic Drainage Field and an A or B rating in remaining six environmental factors.

Composite Least Suitable Soil Group. Soil group has a C Rating in any of the seven environmental factor categories.

2.

3.

Some areas which are classified as most suitable for development by this matrix may also be mapped as environmentally sensitive lauds. Linking this information will provide an indication of areas of Branch Township where development is least likely to cause environmental degradation. The synthesis can be used as a foundation for local land use planning and eventual zoning. Developers will also find the i n f d o n helpful because they can i d e n e the location of soils which are least costly to develop. The soils, however, were evaluated for their general suitability for housing and urban development. Other types of development may or may not be limited to the same extent by these factors.

The, Soil Limitations to Development map shows the results from the soils analysis. As shown on the map, large areas of Branch Township are severely consl~ained from intense development due to soil limitations. Most of the areas are limited from intense land use by poor suitability for septic drainage fields.


h c*

A A A

A B B A C C C A C C

A C B C B A B A

varies A A C

A A A A A A A A B B A A A B C A A A B A A A A C A A B

C C C C A B B B B B A A A A

A A A A A A A C A A A A

A A A A A A A A A A A A A A

A A A A A A A A A A A A

C C C C A A B C C C A A A A

A A A A B B B C

"uica B A

B B C C B B B B B B B B B B

A A A A B B B C

B C

C C C C C C C C C C C C C C

B B B C C C C C

C C

C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C B C B C C C C C C A C C


Floodplain

Floodplains are another environmental feature considered. Floodplains are usually flat areas of land bordering streams, which are periodically inundated by flood waters. Generally, only rare rain storms of severe intensity cause the entire floodplain to flood The 100-year flood boundary has been delineated on the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan Floodplain map. The boundary was developed from a map prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of the National Flood Insurance Program for the Township.

The narrow floodway is a zone of bigh flood intensity, where the water flows fastest and deepest. The flood hazard mea, wbich is subject to slower flows and shallow inundation, delineates the extent of flood waters that could be expected to occur once every 100 years. FEMA uses the theoretical extent of a flood occming once every 100 years to determine eligibility for Federal Flood Insurance. The probability of a flood inundating the flood hazard area once every 100 years is based on a statistical evaluation of rainfall and streams flow records. The Occurrence of a 100-year flood does not preclude another flood of similar magnitude occurring again the next year, or even the same year.

Only over a lengthy period would one expect that a 100-year flood would, on the average, occur once every 100 years. Also, the 100-year flood hazard area delineation may expand in the future due to increased nmoff caused by imperious surfaces such as streets and parking lots associated with future development.

Floodplains are areas of substantial ecological value. The sediments deposited in the floodplain by slow- moving flood waters increase the fertility of the land. Where floodplains are undeveloped, the natural vegetation provides excellent habitat for wildlife. Proximity to water heightens the flooplain's value to wildlife, and overhanging vegetation offers shade and refuge for stream organisms and helps maintain natural stream temperatures. Vegetated floodplains can act to filter out non-point source pollutants before they enter streams, thus providing a natural mechanism for water quality benefits. Floodplains are excellent locations for water-related recreation sites, was well as nature study. Since standing flood waters are steddy absorbed by floodplain soils, groundwater supplies and maintained, and flood peaks downstream are reduced.

Although floodplains are attractive sites for development due to their flat terrain and proximity to water, building in floodplains will inwitably result in significant flood-related damages and even danger to life. Any structures or paved surfaces in the floodplain prevent absorption and obstruct flood flow, thereby eliminating valuable groundwater recharge sites and increasing flood peaks.

Proper floodplain planning reduces damages associated with their development and ensures the perpehdon of the important ecological fimctions of floodplains. Uses that are not sigdcantly harmed by periodic flooding, such as agriculture, recreation, and nature study, should be encouraged.

Flooding has been identified as a problem in a portion of Branch Township. The creek flowing from Cass Township through Phoenix Park and then through Llewellp overflows its banks during heavy rains resulting in flooded cellars. This channel has become shallow due to the deposit of silt kom the coal mines upstream. The Township has requested that the Army Corp of Engineers explore a means to deepen the channel and prevent flooding.



E. COMMUNlTY SERVICES ANTJ hFRASlRU(3TURE

The following serves to provide a review of community services and hfiastructure. An understanding of the various services available in the community is important in devising planning policies for the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. The information regarding the availability and condition of Township services, when coupled with other social and economic data, provide a sound basis for land use decisions in Branch Township to ensure a more athactive place to live. Information discussed in this section of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan are identilied on the Branch Township Community Services and Infrasimctm map.

Municipal Offices

The Township has no Municipal Building. The Township has, however, acquired the former Amvets building on Old Phoenix Park Road (Railroad Street) for use as a Municipal Building. The Township is acquiring the building through a lease purchase agreement. The Township will apply to the Departmeat of Commmity Affairs for funds to complete the purchase. As part of the purchase cost, the Township will need to budget funds to m a t e the building interior and make improvements to provide handicap access. The total cost for purchase and renovation is $75,000. Completion of the project will assist with the efficient operation of the amniniStraton of Branch Township. A Branch Township Municipal Building will also help to identify the community.

The use of the Amvets bddmg for municipal offices will provide the Township with a location to store vehicles, supplies, and equipment The garage at the Llewellyn School has been used for several years, but the School District has asked the Township to vacate the premises since fumes ftom the garage are entering the school. A vehicle storage shed, and salt and cinder sheds will be constructed at the Municipal Building.

The Township owns four dump trucks for use as public works vehicles. A two man staff is employed by the Township for all public WoIlCs projects. Formerly, the public works staff picked up trash two days a week as well as recyclables and ash. The public works staff as well as the Road Master, on the Township Supervisors, spend most of their time cuthng weeds or plowing snow. The public works staff is also responsible for maintaining the Llewellyn playground and other Township property.

Police Protection

The Townshrp’s Police Department consistS of a police chief. The. police chief works 30 per week The Branch Townshrp Police Department is located in Llewellyn on Taylor Stre.%. Upon completion of the Amvets building, the police department will relocate to the new Municipal Building.

Fire Protection

Fixe -on m Branch Township is provided by the Good Intent Hose Company # 1 and the Phoenix Park Fire Company. Each 6re company responds to calls at locab‘ons closest to it. The Good Intent Hose Company is located on Shober Street in the Llewellyn section of the Township. The Phoenix Park Fire Company is located on Main Street in Phoenix Park. Each year, both fire companies receive funds from the State Fireman’s Relief Fund and from the Township for equipment purchases. A local fneman’s relief fund also supports the purchase of equipment for each fire company.



StatSng ofthe Good Intat Hose Company is provided by 30 active volunteers. The Fire Chief indicates that the number of volunteers is not sufficient to adequately staff the fue company. As is common in communities relymg on VOW fire s M i , the. numbez of volunteers has decreased in recent years. The Fire Chief anticipates that the number of volunteers will continue to decrease. With the fire company answering 60 calls for service in 1994, the Fire Chief identified that the number of responses has increased in recent years. Less than one percent of the responses were for false alarms. The increased demand for services M e r intensifies the concern with decreasing volunteers.

Major equipment available to the Good Intent Hose Company in Branch includes a 1970 Ford Ward C&ance 1,000 gallon per minute pumper with a 750 gallon water tank and a 1971 International 350 gallon per minute water tank truck with a 3,600 gallon water tank The Good Intent Hose Company is tryingtopwchasea 1995 centralstates 1,500gallonperminutepumpawitha 1,OOOgallonwatertank. The fire company indicates that the engine of the International water tank truck needs to be replaced. Additionally, the fire company indicates the need for a personal carrier and a mini-pumper for woodland fires. The availability of a mini-pump would e l i t e the need to use the larger equipment for fires in thewoodsandalongthellndmLd ' miningroads that wind through much of the Township. Finally, the fire company indicates the need for a fire siren with a public address system. The public address system would be useful in case of an evacuation because of hazardous material or a snow emergency.

The Phoenix Park Fire Company is staffed by 18 active members. Because the Fire Company needs eight men for a crew, the is a shortage of members, particularly during the day. The Fire Company is starting a teen training program as a way to increase membership. Major equipment available to the Phoenix Park Fire Company includes a 1977 Pan's 1,000 gallon tank pumper truck, which the Fire Company~&purchased, and a 1,500 gallon 1962 GMC tank truck The Phoenix Park Fire Company indicates the need to enlarge its building, adding a bay to store the second truck.

The water to the fire companies for much of the east side of Branch is available through hydrants. The west side of the Township has no lire hydrants with water available only from the tank trucks.

rn Schools

The schools within the Township are undex the administration of the Minersville Area School District. The Minersville Area School District serves Branch, Cas, Foster, and Reilly Townships, and the Borough of Minersville. The h4inersville High School s&g the Township is located in the south central portion of Cass Township.

w Recreation

There are several sites owned and maintained by the Township as municipal parks. The largest municipal park is Llewellyn Park, located on T557, the Llewellyn Road across the street from the Llewellyn School. The land for Llewellyn was purchased by the Township using Land and Water Conservation funds. Branch Townshq, recently received a Keystone Grant for development of the park. Development plans for the park include addmg a play structure and handicap accessible play equipment. Additionally the plans including making the playground safe by installing mulch beds in the fall zones around the equipment, removing equipment that is dangerous, and relocating pieces of equipment to a central area. Relocation of the equipment will enable teachers to supervise the students &om the LleweUyn School that use the park during recess. Volunteers from the Home School Association have



repaired and repainted some of the equipment. Recently, volunteers cleaned up and rebuilt the ballfields adjacent to LIeweUyn School for municipal and league use. The rebuilt fields enhance the community’s reputation for excellence in baseball.

The Phoenbc Park Fire Company maintains a small playground near its building off of Main Street and Low Road. Finally there is a small municipal playground in the West West Terrace portion of the Township.

Private reereation sites in Branch include the Fireman’s Grove near Llewellyn. The Fireman’s Grove Contains apicnic area and ballfield. The Scout Building on the west side of Willing Street in Llewellyn provides d o n programs for Township youth The Wcrest Hall is located in the New Minersville Section ofthe Township. Hillcrest Hall provides a location for social functions such as the Minersville prom

There is problem noted wifi regard to recreation sites in the Township. Households on the south side of Route 209 would like a playground on their side of the road. Their concern is that the children living on the south side of Route 209 cannot cross the roadway to use the Llewellyn Park

rn Sanitary Sewer

Gemally tbe entire Township is served by individual on-lot sewage disposal systems or wildcat sewer dischargesintonearbyBeeks. TheMinersvlll . e Area Sewer Authority (h4ASA) reports that 27 residents of the New Minersville portion of Branch Township are comected to the Minersville sewage collection sy-

The dense development pattern in several of Branch Township’s villages in combination with soils in much of the Township that impose severe limitation for septic drainage fields has created in two problem. The Township’s Sewage Enfoment Office (SEO) reports malfunctioning on-lot systems throughout the entire Township. The malfunctioning on-lot systems have contaminated the water wells.

To plan for comprehensive sanitary waste. disposal, the Township bas completed a Act 537 Sewage Plan. Branch‘s Act 537 Sewage Plan, completed in October 1994, was prepared to bring the Township into compliance with the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act 537. The primary goal of the Act 537 Sewage Plan is to recommend the most cost effective alternative and outline a schedule for implementation

ThealtemativerecommendedbytheAct537SewageActisto conveywastewatertotheMASAwitha convent id gravity sewer with grinder pumps as necessary. The recommended alternative identifies the sanitary sewer system would serve New Minersville flow by gravity to the existing Minersville collection system; Phoenix Park pumped to Llewellyn or a community system; Llewellyn gravity flow to a new treatmart plant in Uewelly~ or nearby; Dowdentom pumped to West West Terrace; West West Terrace pumped to a point mid-way to Llewellyn then by gravity flow to a treatment plant situated in Llewellyn.

For areas of Branch not to be served by a public sanitary sewer system, the Act 537 Sewage Act recommends the Township improve existing on-lot systems; revise as necessary the Township’s Planning, Zoning and Subdivision regulation, and adopt ordinances to prohibit the connection of



downspouts and sump pumps in the proposed collection system. Pennsylvania DER requires that the Township’s Act 537 Sewage Plan be updated at a minimum every five years.

w Water Service

Portions of Branch Township, inchdmg New h4inmville and West West Terrace, are served by a public water srjtem omed by the Borough of Minersville Municipal Authority. Llewellyn and Phoenix Park are served by the Municipal Authority of the Township of Blythe. The sources of water for both the Borough of Minasvlll ’ e Municipal Authority and the Municipal Authority of the Township of Slythe are surface water impoundments. The impoundments are located outside of Branch Township. Minersville’s reservoirs are located in Branch and New Castle Townships and Blythe’s reservoirs are located in Foster, Cass, and Blythe Townships. The Schuylkill County Municipal Authority (SCMA) owns the Indian Run reservoir which is located in Branch Township. The impoundment is located in the southeast comer of the Township and serves the City of Pottsville and surrounding communities. A 1 .O MGD Water Filtration Plant filters the water prior to dishibution.

The Township has received a grant to replace the water lines in Llewellyn and Phoenix Park The replacement of the water lines should alleviate problems with water pressure and provide for cleaner water. The Township will seek a grant to c o ~ e c t the Dowdentown area to the Borough of Minersville Municipal Authority.

The ranaining portions of Branch Township are served by residential wells. The capacities and aquifer yields of the groundwater sources are not known As previously noted, malfunctioning on-lot systems have . ’ fed the water wells throughout the entire Township. The Township’s recently completed Act 537Sewage Plan recommends alterdives for safe disposal of sanitary waste that will benefit serve to protect the residential wells in Branch.

Solid Waste

Until menily, the Township employed &to provide curbside collection of solid waste throughout the Township. Beginning in Janwy, 1995, the Township privatized its solid waste collection, hiring a contractor to provide the service. Curbside service is sti l l provided throughout the entire Township. Privalizalion bas h t e d the volume of &ash that a household may place at the curb stop to 70 pounds. Trash may not include tires, appliances, auto parts, or yard wastes. The Township continues to collect coal ash on a weekly basis. An d appliance, tire, and large item collection may be feasible if a place to dispose of the items can be identified.

Since 1991 when Branch Township received a grant it has provided curbside collection of recyclables. Many households, however, have continued to mix trash and recycleables making collection by the Township inefficient and costly. The depressed market for recycleables has not made it profitable for the Township to continue to collect the material. Because of the problems experienced in the collection of recyclables, the Township is eliminating curbside collection of recyclables and considering using a drop-off site. There is a drop-off site for recycleables on Route 209 immediately west of Bricky Road.



rn Municipal Finance

Branch ToMshrp receives working revenues from a number of sources, the chief one being property tax revenues. In 1995 the Township has a Total Assessed Valuation of $8,027,990. The Total Assessed Valuation has increased slightly each year for the past several and is expected to continue. to increase. With a 13 mil general levy, Branch Townsfup raises approximately one-quarter of its general fund budget from property taxes. Another 25 percent of the operating fund is raised from garbage fee collection

other revenues for the ToMshrp inchde occupation tax, per capita tax, Fines, fees and Royalties. Also, the Towndq receives funds h SchuykU County for highway aid and snow removal reimbursement.

A revenue anticipation loan, which is to be paid back in 1995 and 1996 provided approximately ten percent of the Township's of the operating funds.

The use of the general funds is shown on the pie chart below. With a general fund budget of just over $300,000 for Fiscal Year 1995, the Township plans to spend the majority of the funds on four categories labelled: Streets, Garbage, Insurance and General Government. The streets funds, approximately $94,000, is budgeted in additon to the $24,000 the Township meives from the Commonwealth's Liquid Fuels allocation These funds are used to purchase road maintenance material such as cinders, salt, and ammecite; maintain the equipment; provide street Lighting; and provide the wages of the Township employee engaged in all road related activity. The Garbage costs are used to pay for the service from Pine Grove Hauling.

Insurance is the catch-all for the various forms of insurance that Branch Township must purchase includq Workman's Compensation, Errors and Omissions, Vehicle and Property insurance, and Blue Cross coverage. The Township also pays the insurance on the three lire truck for the lire companies. The combined insurance coverage costs the Township in excess of $50,000 each year.

The ToMshrp Supervisors and secretary's wages are included m the General Government category. Also included in General Government are professional fees, payments to the tax collector, building inspector, and sewerage enforcement official, as well as the supplies, materials and rent for the Amvets building.


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1995 Budget - General Fund Expenditures Expenditures

Branch Township Comprehensive Plan 30 I


IV. PLANNING POLICY ELEMENTS


A. STATEMENT OF GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

The. I n v q of Existing Conditions section of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan identifies that the Township is largely undeveloped. Large areas of the Township were used for coal mining. Residential land .use has continuously been concentrated in small villages. Recent residential development in the Township has taken place in submban style subdivisions. Only limited areas of Branch Township contain commercial land use other than coal mines. The land use pattern in Branch Township was established by circumstances of the community. Most notable of the circumstances is a lack of infrasbucture to support higher densities and diverse types of land use and the presence of extensive land areas determined to be environmentally sensitive as documented in the Inventory of Existing Conditions. Development in the community, other than the coal mines, has been concentrated in the noaheastw portion of the Townshrp adjoining Minersville and concentrated close to the roadways that pass through Branch Township providing access to employment opportunities generally located outside of the Township.

It is recognized that the same general conditions as outlined above will continue to serve to shape land use and development policies in the future in Branch Township. While the Township will provide sanitary sewer service to developed and developable portions of the community, there is no major economic development anticipated to occur within the Township. Development is expected to consist primmly of residential land use, with Branch Townshrp being one of the few communities in the County projected to experience an increasing population. Accordingly, the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan will establish policies of phased development seeking to maintain the environmental character of the community by concentrating development and redevelopment where infrastructure is available or anticipated to be available. Also, the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan will establish policies to preserve and upgrade the Comnnmity to enhance the habw for existing residents and those anticipated to reside in the community in the future.

C d t y goals and objectives provide the guiding principles upon which proposals for land use and development are based. Goals are broad topics relating to the major elements of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. Objectives are specific statements which will assist the community in achieving its goals. The following community development goals and objectives Summarize the desired direction for future development in Branch Township.

LAND USE GOAL:

Preserve and promote the r a t i d utilization of land within the Township while creating opportunities for growth and development of residential, Commercial and industrial uses.

O m C T m s :

a

a

a Protect environmentally sensitive lands.

Zone land for expanded residential, commercial and industrial development.

Set aside land for open space and recreational uses.



Develop regulations that will prevent unsightly highway sprawl of commercial development along the major arterials of the Township.

HOUSING GOAL:

Provide a diversity of housing choices within the Township and encourage the maintenance of the existing housing stock.

OBJECrIVES:

Encourage new housing opportunities in areas where sewer and water in!?astructure can be provided.

Support the stabilization of the existing housing stock through rehabilitation efforts, code enforcement and financial assistance.

Develop residential Zoning at various densities to reflect available and planned infrtructure and land carrying capacity.

TRANWORTATION GOAL.:

Ensure the coordinated circulation system which enables the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.

OBJECTIVES:

Ensure a safe crossing of Route. 209 in Llewellyn by installing school crossing lights.

Enforce design standards that meet PennDot specifcations within new developments before allowing such roadways to be dedicated to the Township.

Discourage housing developments with frontage or access off the major arterials in the Township.

Encourage development that incorporates pedehau and other non-vehicular access.

COMMUNITY SERVICES GOAL:

Ensure the provision of adequate range of services and facilities to accommodate the changing needs of the Township.

0BlECrIVEs:

Implement the Act 537 Plan providing municipal sewerage colleaion in all parts of Branch Township.



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Work with fire companies to upgrade equipment

Expand municipal water system to encompass all residential areas of the Township

Develop trash collection program for lage itan chsposal on at least an annual basis. Work with the Schuylkill County recycling program for tire collection and recyclable collection.

Review recreation needs in areas of the Township and develop expanded recreation facilities. Work with surrounding Townships and the Borough of Minersville on the creation of a joint Recreation Board.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOAL:

Expand commercial and industrial o p p d t y within the Township

OBJECrrvEs:

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Provide land zoned for industrial development.

Provide access to infrastmchxe necessary for business development.

Develop regulations to allow small neighborhood businesses within residential areas of the Township.

In accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, the following are Comprehensive Plan Policy Elements and recommendations to effectuate the above outlined goals and objectives for BranchTownship. Eachofthe ‘ tim corresponds to one of the categories whose goals were previously identified.

The specific goals and objectives will not be reiterated. Rather the following recommendations are offered as specific means of achieving the stated objectives of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan.

The purpose of the Branch Township Comprehensive recommendations will be to maintain the existing low densay cham& of the Township while anticipating and accommodating incremental development or redevelopment in agreement with the existing and anticipated infrastwture. The recommendations will address the goals and objectives as follows:

. Land Use including Economic Development; . .Housing; . Transportation; . community services.

B. BRANCH TOW~KHIP COMPREHENSIkEPL4NhND USE ELEMENT

In consideration of the above Land Use goals and objectives, a Land Use Plan has been prepared serving to support the anticipated changes in Branch Township while preserving and protecting the Township’s



vast areas of environmentidly sensitive lands. The Land Use Plan is a generalized description of the manner in which land should be used The. Land Use Plan is not a zoning map. Recommended land use changes are put in place through amendments to the Township's Zoning Map. Besides changes in the zoning map, the land use plan is implemented through changes to the Zoning Ordinance and the other land development ordinances of the Township as recommended by this Part. The Township's Zoning Ordinance was prepared in 1964. There has been no major revision to the Zoning Ordinance or other Land Development Ordinances in the Township. Generally, the Township's Zoning and Land Development Ordinances are out of date and not in compliance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning code W C ) . The. odinanm lack '

' e standards to address ulmmunity appearance in addition to standards to promote preservation of the large areas of environmentally sensitive lands documented by the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. Finally, the Ordinances do not include many of the definitions and procedures in agreement with the 1988 revision to the MF'C.

As shown on the Proposed Land Use map, there are five districts proposed for the Township. The largest district in land area is the Coal Mine Distria. The Coal Mine land use district corresponds to those areas of Branch Township being mined and those tbat will potentially be mined. Lands undergoing reclamation are also designated Coal Mine. The purpose of the Coal Mine land use designation is to recognize the presence and importance of coal mining in the Township. Other uses of the land in the Coal Mine land use areas should be allowed. Such provisions within the land use classification would serve to recognize the need to encourage a diversity of land use in the Township and to promote -ties for econOmic development. Uses appropriate to this land use category include most heavy industrial land uses. Industrial laud uses on lands designated as Coal Mine would be appropriate where the lands have been reclaimed in agreement with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources standards included in the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act. Additionally, it is recommended that the Township provide through its Zoning and Land Development Ordinances other standards for i n d h a l land use in the Coal Mine district. Standards would serve to protect the health and safety of residents of the a ~ y b y resUiring a minimum acreage large enough to ensure the use is sited without negative impacts to adjoining land uses, particularly residential land use; fiontage on an arterial road ensuring access by trucks without traveling on the local roadway network; and a plan for disposal of sanitary sewage.

Three categories of Residential land uses are recommended by the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan: Village Residential, Suburban Residential and Rural Residential. The purpose of the Village Residential land use district is to recognize the predominant settlement pattern in the Township and provide a setting for moderate densityresidential uses along with limited low intensity non-residential land uses. ApproPriate midmtial land use in the Village Residential areas would include single-family and two-famdy units including wnvmiom of single-family structures to two self-contained residences. Appropriate conditions would be r e w e d for a two-family structure and the conversion of a single- family to a two-family stmcfme. Conditions could include the provision of on-site parking, the maintenance of the single-family appearance of the structure, and the provision of safe and proper sanitary waste disposal and the availability of water. In association with the residential land uses, home based non-retail businesses with limited employees could also be permitted. Finally, to enhance the walking scale of the community, small retail shops are recommended for the Village Residential classification. Village retail shops would most appropriately be limited in size to no more than 2,000 square feet in area and be required to fiont on an arterial or collector road. To avoid the loss of the character of the existing villages in Branch Township, new development in the village residential land use district should be required to match the scale, massing, density, and form of the existing villages.


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11

I

The Suburban Residential land use district encompasses those portions of Branch Township identified in the Inventory of Existing Conditions as containing suburban type residential low and moderate densities. The purpose of the Suburban Residential land use classification is to recognize newer residential land use that has occurred in the Township and provide opporhmities for expansion of the use, where appropriate, while minimizing impact to environmentally sensitive features.

Because infrastrwhm is lacking to sustain high densities typical of multi-family land use, the type of developmmt most appropriate to the Suburban Residential land use is single-family detached housing. Should sanitary sewer service become available in areas designated Suburban Residential, the Township may consider allowing higher density residential land use in the form of multi-family housing. Multi- fanuly aaached housing in the Suburban Residential land use district would be best contained in planned residential developments. Through the design of such developments, congestion can be controlled by limiting access to the Townshrp's roadway network Sufficient open space could be integrated within the planned development to provide an appropriate setting for the attached units, and setbacks could be established to provide privacy and s o d barriers between the more intense multi-family attached housing and singbfanuly detached housing. Recognizing the primarily residential character of the land use designation, non-residential land use is not recommended for the Suburban Residential land use district.

The Rural Residential land use district is an additional designation proposed by the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. The Rural Residential land use district encompasses those lands adjoining the Indian Run Reservoir and Pine Grove watershed in addition to the agricultural lands in the northwest porlxm of the Township. The purpose of the &ct is to provide for low density residential and open space uses where infrastmctue is lacking and to promote agricultural preservation. The low density residential uses compliment the mostly - forested lands that serve as the watershed for the reservoir in addition to promoting on-going fanning in the community. Infrastructure to support higher density and divme development is not foreseeable in the short-tam or long-term in this portion of Branch Township and the land use policies are within the context of the rural character.

For the Suburban Residential dishict density of one unit p a acre should be established to ensure that an on-lot sanitary system can be sited without negative impact to potable wells. A higher density would be permiaed based upon the availability of infrashuclure. Conversely, a lower density would be required due to the presence of environmentally sensitive features which require protection and restrict a higher density. Within the Suburban Residential district the gross density of any tract should not exceed two units pm acre, which ism scale with the character of the mblished s u b d a n neighborhoods in Branch Township. Net density on a tract in the Suburban Residential district may be up to four units per acre for sinde-family detached stNctures including mobile homes in a mobile home park and six units per acre for aaached dwellings. In the Rural Residential district, density of a tract should never exceed one unit per five acres in order to maintain the low density m a l character and preserve the watershed.

Consistent with the economic development goals of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan, a Connnercial land use district is proposed. As shown on the Proposed Land Use map, the Commercial district is Proposed hnting Route 901 in the east portion of the Township adjoining Pottsville. The site. has the advantages of accessibility and visibility which are critical for commercial development. The purpose of the Commercial district is to balance the areas of the Township designated for residential development by providing some land areas for economic and job producing capacity. Additionally the. Commercial district m e s to provide varied professional, personal, and retail services convenient to the

Branch Township Comprehensive PIan 35


Township and adjoining communities. To address many traffic safety and visual blighting concerns associated with the Commercial district, the uses are appropriate to planned shopping centers.

Withthecommerclal ' district in Branch Township located along a major arterial road, traffic control is a critical issue. Controlling access helps to maintain the function of the road and preserve traffic safety. In evaluabig and formdating appropriate standards for control of access by the commercial uses in the district onto Route 901, the guidelines should be grouped by the following categories: 1) general performance standards addressing driveway design and placement; queuing standards for driveways, sight distances, and other similar driveway standards; 2) standards for right-turn lanes and tapers; 3) driveway profile; 4) driveway spacing; 5 ) number of driveways per parcel; and 6) m e r clearance.

A n o k with developing a Commercial district in Branch Township is visual blighting. With the location of the Commercial district along a major arterial road through Branch Township, visual blighbng is a potential concan Visual blighljng may occur due to lack of control over commercial signs and lack of landscaping.

Signs are an important and often overlooked feature, particularly signs associated with commercial land use. There is a need to ensure signs.do not create clutter and become worn-out. The Township should review its sign regulations applicable to commercial land use. The review serves to ensure that the regulations are designed to create a legible, coherent, consistently applied, and intelligently designed system of signs. The objective of signregulations established by the Township should be to functionally express i n f d o n while aesthetically tying into surrounding elements. Particular attention should be given to sign size. While larger signs are often constructed on the theory that "bigger means more business", this marketmg approach is generally inappropriate. The general appearance of the commercial corridor is more importaut than sign size in relationship to the marketability of the area's businesses. Keeping the size of the. signs in scale with the surromding buildings and aeet is a very important factor in maintaining a pleasant and attractive community. Regulation of all commercial land use signs in Branch Township should address size, information, color, placement, and uniformity versus individuality.

Provision of off-street parking for cormneraal . laud use is important in the Commercial district proposed in the Township. While off-street pdang can serve to improve use of businesses in Branch and enhance traf3ic safety along the Township's roadways, off-street parking lots create a hard appearance consisting of asphalt and cars. Whout landscaping, large parking lots associated with commercial land use creates voids in the streetscape. To ensure compatibility of the off-street parking lots, landscaping should be providd Landscaping can play a significant role in minimizing and moderating many adverse effects of parking lots. Landscaping enhances the appearance of the parking lot and screens it flom the street and surrounding properties. Additionally, well-designed planting strips and islands help guide the cirmlaticm of vehicles and pedestrians, creating a safe environment for both. While no landscape plan for a parking lot can ever eliminate the awareness of the presence of cars, landscaping will make them less noticeable.

The Irnrentoty of E- conditions completed in Section III of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan identifies extemive areas of envimnmenta!Jy sensitive lands in the Township. It is reco@zed that poorly designed development can be disruptive of natural systems and can foster social and economic costs. It is, consequently, critical that planning bodies be aware of the range of impacts proposed development will likely have on the corminmity - phyncal, visual, social, and economic. Warning should



help members of planning bodies make more ba l and and circumspect decisions about development proposals. Accordingly, regulations are needed to require preliminary planning stage review of critical physical components of the site including soils, slopes, hydrology, and vegetation and the impacts of development on the natural features.

Dwelopment guidelines which recognize the importance of the Township's environmental features and offer strategies for their preservation are detailed below. These illustrative development guidelines provide options for ways to mitigate the effects of development on the vast areas of environmentally sensitive lands f d in Branch Townshrp. The illustrative development guidelines serve as a base kom which Zoning and subdivision policies can be formulated by the Township to implement the policies of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan.

OPEN SPACE DESIGN OR CLUSTERING: To preserve environmend features on a site, open space design involves building on smaller lots and combining the leftover land into common areas that can Beate a more pleasing and attractive development at the same density and sometimes at a lower cost due to the concentration of inf?astructure and utilities. Additionally, open space design permits control of vehicle access, thus enhancing safety and privacy, in addition to preserving the character of the area. Open space design provides for open space and conservation areas assuring preservation of natural features. Open space and conservation areas should aggregate or mass smaller parcels and should be contiguous with adjoining tracts providing linkages of the open space. Open space and conservation areas should be conhuous both on-site and off-tract.

The ranaining land resultmg &om open space development could be owned and maintained in a nunber of ways:

. sold to a fanner or other individual who would then maintain it for open space uses,

donated to the Township, which could subsequently maintain it for open space uses,

donated to a conservancy, which would subsequently maintain it as open uses. Many

.

. conservancies will require that an endowment also be donated to defray the costs of maintenance, or

. retained by the owners of one or more of the lots created fiom the tract and owned and maintained by them.

A potential problem with open space design is that if a farmer or other buyer cannot be found for the ranaining land, or if the community or a conservancy will not take title to the land, it will be necessary to form a homeowners association to ensure its maintenance, A more complex and lengthy review process can also be an impediment to the use of open space design The extended review process can be overcome by streamlining the process and being sure that Sumcient expertise is available to the community through its M o r consultants.

LOTAVERAGING: An alternative to open space or cluster development is lot averaging. Lot averaging enables more flexibility in site design than does conventional lot layout by making it possible to avoid destruction of natural features and to make better subdivision of oddly shaped tracts.


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With lot averaging, a provision in the development regulations allows lots to vary in size down to a stated minimum so long as the total number of lots on the tract is not increased beyond the number allowed by the underlying regulations. Necessarily then, lots smaller than the area stipulated are offset by one or more lots larger than the standard lot size. Typically, the minimum size permitted by lot averaging is two-fifths the lot size stipulated by the regulations.

Lot averaging is usually accompanied by a provision that allows the 6ontage of individual lots to be less than the minimum q u i d by the lmdierlymg development regulations, so long as the average for all lots in the tract is at least as large as that required minimum. A typical provision might allow lot fkontage to be two-thirds of the district standard.

Lot averaging is allowed only if a subdivision plan is presented and approved that indicates how all the lots permitted under the district standard are to be configured with lot averaging. A notice should be attached to the deed of each lot resulting 60m lot averaging stating that the lot may not be subdivided further.

An advantage of lot averaging as opposed to open space design is that all land remains in the ownership of individuals; there is no remaining land that must be maintained by a homeowners association, the Township, or a conservancy.

A disadvantage of lot averaging is that lot configurations are detmnmd ' as much by the shape of the parent tract as by the exktmce of natural features. Also, land that would be common under open space design, and could be given over to d e d use and landscaping, is divided by ownership. The divided ownership makes it more diilicult to assemble land for farming and makes the development of a footpath system through open land more dimcult to accomplish

NATURAL RESOURCE P R O T E ~ O N : Alone or m combdon with open space design and lot averaging, the Township could use natural resource protection regulations as an alternative to traditional setback requirements as a tool in preserving natural areas. Natural resource protection provisions maintain natural resources by putting limits on how much of various types of environmentally sensitive areas can be developed and bases allowable tract density on the remaining buildable area.

In natural resource protechon regulahons, standards are set for limiting the intmsion of development into specilic types of areas. For example, the land development ordinances can specify that, on a given tract or group of tracts under one ownership, no more than the stated percent of the following types of areas may be altered, regraded, cleared, or built on:

. Floodplains - 0 percent

. Streams, watercourses, wetlands, lakes or ponds - 0 percent

Lake or pond shorelies - no more than 20 percent

Wetlands margin - no more than 20 percent

Steep slopes of 25 percent or more - no more than 20 percent

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. Branch Township Comprehensive Plan

38

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. Steep slopes of 15 to 25 percent - no more than 30 percent

Prime agricultural soils - no more than 20 percent

Woodlands - no more than 40 percent

.

. NET -OUT METHOD: A similar approach to natural resource protection regulation called "net-out'' is also used to preserve natural and Scenic resources. In the net-out methd, land areas such as floodplain, wetlands and steep slope areas that cannot support development without significant negative enviromnental impacts are deducted h m the total parcel area before debmining the maximum number of dwellings that are permiffed. All tracts of land and all design options such as open space design and lot averaghg must be subject to the net-out provision. Therefore, the maximum achievable number of units must be the same for a given tract no matter what design option is proposed.

WATERSHED PROTEC~ION: As reported in Section ID of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan, large ams of the Township are part of the watersheds at the Indian Run Reservoir and the Pine Grove Reservoir. Much of the land is required to be preserved to maintain the quality of the water supply. It is expted, however, that some portions of the watershed are less critical to the preservation of the water supply and the lands could be developed Opening up some of the watershed for development may help to enlarge the Township's tax base. A collcem with development of some of the noncritical lands included in the watashed inventory is that critical lands will be destroyed. Prior to any development of noncritcal portions of the watershed lands, it is recommended that the Township devise strategies for protection of the critical lands. Protection of the critical watershed lands is an objective that can be achieved by the Townships development regulations by requiring wooded or vegetated buffer zones adjoining lands critical to the watershed.

Buffers or buffer zones are the areas surrounding the core areas of a natural feature and provide insulation between significant ecological qualities and the existing or potential, negative disturbances nearby. The size of the buffer depends upon phys~cal factors including slope, topography, and hydrology and ecological factors such as species present and disturbance as well as the buffer itself, such as uniformity, species composition and age.

While some states have legislation to protect particular resource areas, Pennsylvania has no statewide requirement for buffer zones or stream corridor protection. Authority for creating a buffer zone along stream corridors can be found in the Municipal Planning C d e (MF'C) provisions authorizing municipalities to zone for the "protection and preservation of natural resources" Section 603@)(5). In the section on the purpose of zoning, the h4F'C states that zoning ordinances "shall be designed" to promote "preservation of the natural, scenic and historic values in the environment and preservation of forests, wetlands, aquifers and flocdplains" among other pqoses Section 604(1).

The watasheds in Branch Township are ~ a l areas characterized by natural vegetation with little to no hard paving. Informal recreation is the prevalent use. The primary emphasis for management of the watershed should be preservation of open space values and protection of water sualtty fiom runoff associated with resource development. Buffers fiom the critical lands of the watershed should be fiom 65 feet to 300 feet.

The following is a list of guidelines for use in further defining appropriate buffer widths



. Area of flooding buffers should be Sumciently wide to include the 100-year.fldpIain.

Steep slopes on critical lands with slopes greater than 10 percent, consider extending the buffer

Sediment control where disturbance is occurring near the critical watershed lands, a buffer of

Nutrient removal where major sources of nutrients are proposed (fertilizers), a distance of at

Habitat (Aquatic) a sethack of wooded vegetation should he at least 50 to 80 feet

Habitat (Terrestrial) for deer wintering areas and wildlife corridors, a setback of wooded

. beyond the top of the slope.

. at least 65 feet and up to 150 feet should he considered.

. least 65 to 150 feet should be considered.

.

. vegetation of 100 to 300 feet should be considered.

EQUIPMEIWSTORAGE: The storage of equipment from off-site businesses and the general storage of old autos and huck has been identified as a problem in Branch Township. To eliminate this problem of visual blighting, the Township can play a significant role in maintaining and even improving the community through the establishment and enforcement of appropriate codes.

Any area will become. Unattractive if junk and litter are permitted to accumulate in and around the yards of existing houses and accessory s!mctures. To correct this problem, or to avoid its occurrence, Branch Township can establish minimum permitted conditions for the maintenance of all premises throughout the municipality through the mactmmt of approPriate code standards. For example, the BOCA National Existing Structures Code (1991) contains updated provisions for property maintenance as well as technical guidelines for the rehabilitation and reuse of existing sbuctures.

The following standards are examples of the BOCA Existing Structmes Code requirements which can be used to ensure. that property owners maintain their properties in accordance with minimum standards:

. Sanitation. All exterior property areas and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe, and

Storage areas. All open salvage yards and open storage areas shall be completely obscured from

sanitary condition flee fkom any accumulation of rubbish or garbage (section ES-301. 1);

. surrounding property by a solid screen not less than six feet in height. Storage of debris, junk, or construction materials, which are not associated with an approved use or permitted construction at that site, shall be prohibited (section ES-301.7);

. Motorvehicles. Not more than one unregistered or uninspected motor vehicle shall be parked on any property in a residential district, and said vehicle shall not at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair or shall it be in the process of being stripped or dismantled. A vehicle of any type shall not at any time mdergo major overhaul, including body work in a residential district unless such work is performed inside a structure or similarly enclosed area designed and approved for such purposes (section ES 301.10.1); and



. Weeds. AU lots shall be maintained fIee from weeds or plant growth in excess of ten inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation other than trees or sbmbs provided, however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens (section ESJO1.b).

Uses such as junk yards and storage areas can also be controlled through a zoning ordinance. For example, a property which contains two or more cars without valid inspection stickers is defined as a junk yard. Such a property would then be subjw to the zoning regulations for a junk yard.

Active Blforcanent of codes such as those listed above can prevent blighting problems fIom occurring. Moreover, knowing that all adjacent or nearby properties would have to at least meet minimum maintenance standards would encourage propaty owners to maintain the appearance of their properties.

Appropriate. care and mainmmm of public areas and facilities not only assures their continued use, but also enhances their appearance and increases individual property values. In many municipalities, it is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain the sidewalks, curbs, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas that are within the street right-of-way adjacent to the property owner's land. Therefore, Branch Township could include language in the d e s that stipulates the property owners' responsibilities for the proper maintenance of these facilities. Model language for the maintenance of public areas is contained in the BOCA National Existing Structures Code.


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C. BRANCH TOWNSEIPCOMPRE~SIVEPIA"OUSING ELEMENT

Branch Township is a largely undeveloped community located convenient to regional transportation, employnmt, and services. GBleray: housing supply is not a problem in the Township with an adequate supply available. While housing in Branch Township is more expensive than in many of the other communities in Schuylkill County, generally the housing stock is affordable creating the potential for households to locate in the Township.

Because of the convenient location of Branch Township within Schuylkill County, new housing development m the Township is on-going. The Township can expect additional housing to be built over the next ten years. The principal form the new residential development is taking and is expected to continue take is single-family detached in suburban style developments.

The hoped Land Use Plan of the Branch T o w h i p Comprehensive Plan reflects the demand for land for new suburban style development. The hoposed Land Use Plan also allows for the diversification of the housing stock by permitting multi-family development at such time and in such location as infrastructure including sanitary sewer and water are available. A variety of housing types are needed to meet the needs of many merent household trpes within the Township. Starter homes and aparhnents are needed for young households. Larger housing units are needed for growing families, smaller units are needed when the families mature, and apartments and single level flats may be desirable for older residents who are no longer able or interested in maintaining a large home.

Rehabilitation of the existing housing stock can accomplish the goals of preserving the quality and character of the community while providing needed housing. The smaller older housing units in the villages of Branch Townshrp provide an excellent, atrordable housing alternative to more expensive new construction. Housing units in the villages tend to be smaller and located on smaller lots and are therefore easier to maintain Many of the older units within the Township have not, however, been adequately maintained or are in need of modernization to meet housing safety codes, needs and expectations.

Given the age of the housing stock, the level of deterioration, and the age and income of many Branch Township residents, rehabilitation will likely require some form of subsidy. Several federal and state -cia offer housing rehabilitation assistance. The Farmer's Home Administration has grant funds for housing rehabilitation assistance for elderly low-income homeowners. Low interest loans are also available tiom the Farmer's Home Administration for younger applicants.

The Economic oppommity cabinet (E.O.C.) of s- county amninister s the County-wide federally funded HOME housing rehabilitation program. Residents of Branch Township that meet low- and moderate- inwme eligibility Biteria can apply for rehabilitation funding f?om the County-wide program. The E.O.C.'s housing rehabilitation program offers funds in the form of forgiveness loans to qualified applicants. The housing rehabilitation program is available on a first-come first-served basis. Because of the old age of the County's housing stock in combination with the high incidence of low- and moderate-income households that sualify for the program, the waiting list for funding by the County is long with property owners waiting up to five years for funding.

Brunch Township Comprehensive Plan 42


To reduce the wait and concentrate the benefits, Branch Township could apply directly to the state for HOME'Housing and Community Development Program funds. If approved, state funding could provide the Township with funds on an annual basis for use exclusively in the Township.

In combination with seeking its own funding source for housing rehabilitation, the Township should ennne enforummi of its building code to provide for the public health and safety and to reduce neglect of residential uuits. A periodic CoIllPrehensn, e review of all structures in the Township may be the most effective system of code enforcement. It may not, however, be possible to undertake such a review in Branch Township. A comprehensive code enforcement program would be time consuming and costly for the Township as well as the residents. Alternately, the Township could provide on-going inspections through a "transaction-based" system A transaction-based system requires the Township to inspect all properties when they are sold. In addition, the rental housing stock would be inspected at the time a tenant vacates a mit A tnmsaction-based system ensures that most s-es will come under periodic inspection The Township will, however, need to maintain a strong complaint response capability. An aging, long-term homeowner that stops maintaining his property will only come to the Township's attention through a complaint. A landlord who allows the rapid deterioration of a unit could avoid scrunity for some time without a well-staffed complaint response system

The funding of the transaction-based portion of the inspection system should be primady fee based. The triggering event would be either a sale or a move, which creates an opportunity to charge a reasonable fee forthe inspection The Township may choose to subsidize the cost to reduce barriers to home-ownership. The complaint response portion of the inspection system would likely have to be publicly iimded. public fimding of the complaint based portion of the inspection and code enforcement systan allows the. focus of the program to remain on the condition of the housing stock and encourages neighbors to report housing problems. Fees for building permits to correct violations, however, would off-set some of the cost of the system.

The inspection system should be fair and equitable. The emphasis should be on major safety matters rather than on minor, or more cosmetic matters. Branch Township's code enforcement officer should show reasoned flexibility in applying the code. Requirements should be reviewed to ensure that the standards do not add to burdensome costs and design problems.

Successful code enforcement requires a responsible party for each property. Whether the responsible party is t h e m , atenanf orapropertymanager, the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for a rental unit should be conditioned upon the registration of the locally responsible party for each rental unit. The locally responsible party wil l be subject to any lines under the program. Branch Township must help homeowners and renters find the resources needed to complete the necessary repairs.

D. BRANCH T o m - C O M P ~ ~ I V E ~ A N T S P O R T A T I O N ELEMENT

Section JIl Part C ofthe Branch Township Comprehensive Plan provides a review and inventov of the t r a c and circulation concerns of the Township. Section III Part C also serves to classify the roads in Branch Township. This Transportation Element of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan serves to provide policy recommendations for the Township, guiding transportation planning in a coordinated m e r . The Transpoltation Elemeat involves mmnmmkl solutions for current and potential problem areas identified in Section III Part C.



The following is a list of local improvements which require implementation to improve flow and safety. The activities correspond to the problems listed in Section 111 Part C of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan.

a. To alleviate problems with the @air of the local roads it is recommended that the Township complete a plan for necessary road improvements. The improvements should be programmed for comple!ion over a three to five year period. Fundmg for improvements can be scheduled in the Townshtp's Capital Improvement Program. The annual budget of the Capital Improvement Program can also include funding for emergency repairs.

It has been noted tbat typical of a largely undeveloped community with minimal major economic development, Branch Township's roadway network is not highly evolved. As such many of the roadways in the Township have dual functions serving as both local roads and arterial roads. In lieu of physical improvements to minimize safety problems associated with the winding and narrow roadways with their abrupt changes in grade, the Township could manage traffic safety by reducing posted speed limits. Along with reduced speed limits the Township will need to diligently enforce the reduced speeds.

There are alternatives available to Branch Township to reduce the hazard created by a rise in the road at the intersection of Route 209 and Taylor. One alternative is to redesign and rebuild the intersection eliminating the rise in the road. It is expected that because of design, construction, and land costs to implement the plan, this alternative is very expensive. Another alternative is to locate a traffic light at the intersection A traffic light will help to control traffic enterhg onto Route. 209 from Taylor Street, thus mi!igabng the rise in the road. If enough traffic does not travel through the intersection to support a traffic light, the Township should consider posting signs on Route 209 warning travelers of the hazardous intersection. In combination with signs identifying the situation, the Township could petition the state to reduce the speed limit along Route 209 through and adjacent to the intersection Given the concern with the safe!y of the children crossing the intersection from Llewellyn School and the school bus stop, it is expected that a traffic light or at least a blinking light warning traffic to slow as it approaches the intersection, is the best alternative.

To ensure deadend roads are designed to address safety concerns, it is recommended that the Township evaluate. the street standards included in its Land Development Ordinance. All deadend streets should be re@ to be provided with a bulb creating a cul-de-sac. The bulbs should be sized to accommodate the tmning needs of emergency service vehicles.

As a way to increase the tax base, the Township should vacate some of the paper streets. To ensure inaccessible lots are not created as a result of vacating the paper streets, the Township should complete a comprehensive list of paper streets, mapping the streets to determine those that can be vacated and those that should be maintained to provide access to adjoining lots.

At one time there was a system of trails utilizing a network of cal roads in the central portion of Branch Township. The trails were used for recreation purposes. An informal system exists in the same general area as the previous trail system, The Township's primary circulation system, however, consists of its roadway network Many of the narrow and winding roadways through Branch Township do not accommodate alternate modes of transportation such as

b.

C.

d.

e.

f.


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pedestrians, bicycles or horses. Accordingly, to provide opportunities for use of alternate modes of transportation it is recommended that the Township investigate the potential for devising a trail network through the Township using the informal system and the previous system as a base. Additionally, the Township w d d investigate the potential of incorporating abandoned rail lines as part of the trail systan The availabdity of abandoned rail lines in Branch Township can be investigated through the Pennsylvania Deparbnent of Natural Resources Office of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (REC).

A trail network in Branch Township can run parallel to but separate. fiom the existing roadway network and also away fiom the existing roadway network. A primary consideration of a trail network is to establish linkages between various hubs of activity in the Township, particularly recreation areas such as the Llewellyn Park and other recreation lands.

A trail network can be phased in ova time as based upon a plan devised identifjing logical termini and paths between the points. The system wuld accommodate either:

. pedestrians only, . pedestrians and horses, or . pedestrians, horses, and bicycles

Systems for pedestrians and horses should not be paved. A trail system for pededans and horses could be interrupted by fences perhaps with stiles and other barriers that would prevent use by bicycles, motor bikes, or other motorized vehicles.

A system to accommodate bicycles would have to be paved. To receive federal funds for a bikeway, it must have a paved width of at least eight feet.

Pedestrian and bikeway systems are authorized by the MPC as part of the comprehensive plan (Sec. 301(a)(3)). D e d i c a t i o n o f l a n d f o r t h e n m b e ~ a s aconditionofsubdivision (Sec . 503(1 I)$, by requiring trails separate ffom the roadway itself are encouraged ... appropriate. routes can be mapped by studying trail assets, sidewalks, roads, existing bridle trails, hiking trails, floodplains and utility rights-of-way.

The following are steps for implementation of a trail network

. Adopt the bikeway/trail plan as part of the Township's recreation plan so that

Add the bikewayhail system to the Township's Official Map

Acquire property rights through dedication or purchase of fee or less-than-fee interests.

Clear and pave as appropriate

developers may be required to dedicate land for the bikewayhail (MPC S.503(11)ii).

.

.

. Establisbmmt of bridle paths or walking trails through informal agreement of property owners long before development pressures mount is the best way to initiate a pathway system. Such



generally accepted paths can then be extended by dedication of land through the subdivision process.

Fears o f v a d a h q liderin& and disturbance have inhibited the establishment of pathways, but the fears generally prove unfounded once pathways have been established. Act 586 of 1965, the Pennsylvania Recreational Use of Land or Water Act limits the liability of landowners who make land available to the public for hiking or other specified recreational purposes. Act 188 of 1990, Pennsylvania's Rails-to-Trails Act, provides similar protection kom legal action by trail users. Additionally, the REC provides assistance in developing rails-to-trails in comrmmities in the state. The REC also has publications to assist trail builders, including legal handbooks, design manuals, and rail-trail guides.

It is expcted fimding for improvements to the Township's roadway network will continue to be scarce. With only limited economic development activity expected to occur in the Township, it is projected funding for roadway improvements in the Township wil l not be a priority by the County and state. Accordingly, the Township will want to devise circulation design strategies ensllring proper control of traffic in Branch Township.

The intent of the design strategies for new roadways in Branch Township is to control access onto casting madways. The strategies should also serve to minimize site disruption caused by roadways and the associated grading requued for their construCtion. To control access, the Township should limit new development to the fewest access points onto the roadway network required to service the use with proper considaslton of emergency Service needs. Controlling the nmber of access points also controls the fkxpncy of through traffic kom the main road, since this reduces the visibility of the development f h n the main mad. To minimize access, a minimum distance can be established between access points on off-site public roads. In considaation of the rural character of Branch Township, a minimum of 200 feet may be appropriate.

In combination with a minimum access point standard, the Township can permit common driveways to minimize curb cuts onto public roadways. Common driveways are appropriate to serve two to four adjoining uses with a maximum length of 1,000 feet. All lots using common driveways should be mprd to pmvide. a driveway maintenance agreement at the time of approval of the land development application. The agreement should be reviewed by the Township Planning Commission's Attorney before approval.

Good circulation fits the lay of the land following existing grades and making it less likely to be so visible as to destroy the character of the area. A well-fitted circulation system follows existing contours to minimize the extent of cuts and fills and reduce servicing problems by snow plows and emergency services. A well-W circulation systan also permits more imaginative lotting arrangements and avoids disturbing natural drainage patterns or ruining special features of the site. Where sites include h e a r features such as exisbng access roads and tree lines, roadways should follow these features to minimize their visual impact. Roadways should not be located in open fields.

A developer must obtain a permit kom P d o t in order to make a curb cut onto a state highway. Because access to state roads is a right deeply embedded in common law, PennDot has limited grounds for denying a curb cut permit. PennDot regulations are based primarily on sight line standards and drainage standards. Necessary distances for acceleration and deceleration and the need for signalization



are also considered Municipalities, however, can provide information and insights that can lead to curb- cut decisions that serve the development pattern better and conserve highway capacity.

Acting on its own, PennDot's knowledge is usually limited to the access applications it receives. The municipality or county has more comprehensive knowledge of developments in the vicinity in various stages of planning. Therefore, as examples, the municipality might suggest a common drive for two adjoining tracts that are about to be developed, while PamDot might receive an application for a separate access permit for the second only after it had granted a permit for the fust; a municipality might be able to improve a site plan and h b y reduce the number of curb cuts requested; or a municipality might be able to wordinate the site plans for three or four adjacent owners and create a service road instead of individual driveways; or, to increase safety, a municipality might suggest that the curb cut be located further (two or three car lengths) from the intersection than PennDot would typically require.

On-going joint review of highway access permit applications also provides a fonnn for discussing the ultimate rights-of-way needed for highways in the light of development activity.

The role of municipalities and counties in the PermDot review process varies widely. PennDot's statewide policy is to send curb-& requests to a municipality for review, if the municipality requests i t Review of curb cuts can be made by the Township or in cooperation with the County in order to take advantage of the County's expertise.

Recognizing the l i t e d availability of funding to make improvements to the Township's roadway network, Branch Township could impose impact fees. An impact fee is a levy on a land developer mgnizing the added burden that development places on local in!lasOuchne. Under a 1990 amendment to the MPC (Act 209 of 1990), a municipality is a u t h o d to impose transportation impact fees if it has adopted a comprehensive plan, a subdivision and laud development ordinan=, a zoning ordinance, and a transportation plan. Impact fees may be used only to cover the costs of off-site transportation improvements, excluding bicycle lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian ways, and rail lines.

An impact fee ordinance may have retroactive effect on pending applications for land development, subdivision or P l d Residential Development if applications are filed on or after, for up to 18 months, the first publication of the municipality's notice that it will adopt an ordinance.

There are a number of prerequisites that must be met by a municipality that wants to adopt an impact fee ordinmce. The municipality must establish an impact fee advisory committee, with seven to fifteen members. At least forty percent of the committee members must be representatives of the real estate, developmenf and building industries. The impact fee advisory committee must develop a report on land we assuorptim for the municipality, desgibmg oosting land uses and projecting growth that may affect &&c, and present the report to the governing body. The Branch Township Comprehensive Plan can provide a base for the report.

Following adoption of the land use assumptions report by the municipal government, the impact fee advisory committee must prepare, with appropriate technical assistance, a roadway sUmciency analysis ofthe designated area The roadway sufliciemy analysis must include d g traffic volume and levels of service, preferred levels of service, and at least a five-year projection of t r a c volume.

- Branch Township Comprehensive Plan 47


After the municipal governing body adopts the roadway sufficiency analysis, the impact fee advisory Conrmittee must use the information inhied in the land use assumptions report and the road sufficiency analysis to develop a transportation capital improvement plan The capital improvement plan must include road improvements r e w e d to meet preferred level of service and safety and regulatory standards not attributable to new development, attributable to forecasted pass-through trafiic, and attributable only to projected future development; projected costs for improvements; a timetable and proposed budget for each improvement; and the proposed source of funding for each improvement.

Fe, afkr the municipal govamnent adopts the transportation capital improvement plan, it may enact an impact fee or-, which must include conditions and standards for determining and imposing fees; the municipal office that will administer the ordinance; the time, method, and procedure for making payments; a statement on whether or not total or partial credit for affordable housing will be allowed, and a statement on whether or not development with little or no effect on existing transportation inhstmcture will be exempted.

By statute, the impact fee must be based upon the total costs of the road improvements in the capital improvement plan attributable to and necessitated by new development within the service area, divided by the number of anticipated peak hour trips generated by all new development consistent with the

a per-trip cost for transportation improvements within the service area. adopted land use assumptions and calculated in amdance with the ,toe+

E. BRANCH T O ~ ~ P C O ~ ~ H ~ I V E P L ~ N C O M M U N I T Y SERVICES ELEMENT

C d t y facilities and services are the buildings, lands, and services which serve the public. Section Ill Part E of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan identifies the availability and evaluation of the various public resourcg m Cass. The following m e s to provide policy direction to ensure conformance with the goals and objectives of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. The policy recommendations are important to ensure that the spirit and intent of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan is maintained.

MUNICIPAL BDNG: Conbnud demand for services and changing equipment has resulted in the need for Branch Township to lccate a municipal building in the former Amvets building on Old Phoenix Park Road. It is expded that his Municipal Building will provide the Township with the necessary space for its short-term and long-term needs. AdditionaUy, a Municipal Building serves to consolidate in one place the sexvices provided by the Townshrp making it easier for residents to avail themselves of the services. Finally, the new Municipal Building will serve in promoting Branch Township as a community. In addition to serving as a Municipal Building, a site is being provided at the Municipal Building grounds to store vehicles, supplies, and equipment. Generally, consolidation of the services should improve efficiency in the operation of the municipal government.

POUE B d Township continues to maintain a municipal police force consisting of one policeman who works part-time. The police force has been maintained as a service to residents who perceive a greater level of safety by having a municipal police force. Between salary, benefits, training, and equipmeat, the cost of the Township police force is, however, fxpensive. Because of continuously rising costs of benefits, particularly health insurance, and the need for continued training and equipment, the cost of imintai& the police force in Branch Township is expected to continue to rise. With municipal



funds projected to increase slowly over the next several years as the Township experiences slow to moderate growth, it is expected that the police force will use greater percentages of municipal funds. Accordingly, it is lpEommended that Branch Township identify strategies for providing police protection in an efficient way. It is expected that the most efficient way for police protection to be provided is to contract with the state police to patrol the community and respond to calls. Another alternative is to investigate the creation of a regional police force with one or more adjoining communities.

Volunteer services are encouraged and promoted as a way to create participation and pride in the community. Just as important, volunteer services are a way to contain the costs of provision of wmmunity Services. To continue the stafljng of the fire companies with volunteers, the Township will need to seedc ways to increase the pool of volunteers and also to make volunteering easier. The pool of eligible volunteers could be increased by working with local businesses encouraging the business to allow workers to serve as volunteers answering !ire calls while at work. The Township could promote the umcept by allowing Township walkers to be o n 4 vohmteer firemen. The pool of volunteers could also be. inmad by allowing eligible volunteers to include persons employed in the Township, who do not reside in Branch Township. Non-resident volunteers would be on-call while working in the Township.

To further increase the pool of volunteers, staf€ members could be allowed to limit their scope of participation in the emergency services. Under a Limited volunteers system, members could, if they choose, Lima their involvematt to a s p e d c task, such as firemas or fund raiser, or manager. Again the Township‘s businesses could be. called upon to volunteer sharing business skills without being re@ to assist at emergencies. Eliminating the time that the volunteers who assist at emergencies have to dedicate to management chores limits their volunteer time and may promote new members who are not interested in the time consuming business aspects of the emergency services. Similarly, many of the Township’s olda residents who may not want to participate in the more physical aspects of fire fighting, but are interested in volunteering, wuld participate by offering other skills.

RECREZTTOX While there are open spaces available for recreation use in Branch Township, much of the open space is underdeveloped To provide. for development of parklands, the Township recently received a Keysone Grant for development of the Llewellp Park. A concern raised in Section III Part E of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan is that households on the south side of Route 209 would like a playground accessible to their side of the road suggesting the need for additional parkland in the Township. In planning for additional municipal open space the Township should ideally identify sites convenient to population caders. Expansion of the Township’s open space system should also consider the availability of land adjoining existing public open spaces creating the opportunity for more diverse municipal parks.

To ensure that municipal parks wil l be usable and have value as an amenity, some minimum guidelines should be established. Parks should be clean with properly working equipment. Parks should also be secure and safe, Municipal parks should be equally accessible to all persons with particular attention to accessibility needs of the handicapped and elderly populations. Additionally, the Township should ensure provision of adqate shade trees and landsc;rping at the municipal parks. While trees and shrubs may create a hiding place for undesirable activities, landscaping adds to the proper functioning and enjoyment through provision of summer aunfort and aesthetics. To support use and enjoyment of public parks, support equipment such as bicycle racks, drinking fountains, and benches, should be provided.



Since funding for the creation and maintenance of municipal parks is Limited, it may be advantageous to the Townshrp to join forces with neighboring municipalities to create a joint recreation commission.

A joint recreation Commission could be created with the municipalities included in the Minemilk Area School District. The five municipalities in the Minersville Area School District share much in their identity since school athletics unite the regia Also, the school buildings could provide a valuable community recreation and educational resource. A recreation commission could be funded through a special 114 or 1/2 mil on property tax in each municipality. The regional recreation commission could be composed of elected and volunteer representatives of each municipality. The objective of the regeatiOn Commission would be to fund the creation and maintenance of the recreation areas throughout the jurisdiction and to provide organized recreational opportunities such as a summer youth program, baseball, sofiball and soccer leagues and other activities.

SwrrARi' SEWER.GE: The recent Act 537 Sewage Act completed in Branch Township identifies provision of sanitary sewer collection to limited areas of Branch Township serving existing uses recognizing the need for sanitary sewer service to eliminate threats of septic system dqosa l failures. The Act 537 Plan does not provide for sanitary sewer service to other areas. Accordingly, where new dwelopment is proposed that requires extension of sewer lines or facilities not in the Act 537 Sewage Plan, the Township must adopt an official sewage facilities plan revision, which is submitted to DEP for approval. Recently strengthened DEP regulations (Chapter 71 Pa. Code) require that both the Township and DEP independently make a very extensive evaluation of any plan revision, including consistency with planning and zoning, protection of wetlands and stream quality, and municipal wasteload and stom water plans. The requirements provide a strong growth management tool for coordinated review of the potential impacts of unplanned development on water resources, which could be. very eff&e ifvigorously applied by both local governments and DER Pennsylvania DER requires that the Township's Act 537 Sewage Plan be updated at a minimum every five years. In combination with implementation of the Act 537 Sewage Plan it is recommended that the Township vigorously enforce on-lot sewerage treatment standards ensuring protection of ground water supplies and the continued proper functioning of on-lots systems to the benefit of the community.

WATER: Water service in Branch Township has been upgraded with replacement of water lines in LleweUyn and Phoenbc Park Water d c e upgrades are sti l l needed in other areas of the Township. The areas of Chestnut Street and Downdentown are presently on wells that are inadequate or contaminated. Otha areas of the Township served by residential wells will benefit through implementation of the Act 537 Sewage Plan which recommends alternatives for safe disposal thus, protecting residential wells.

TWH: Section III Part E of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan indicates that residents are mingling solid waste with recyclables thereby making recyclable collection infeasible. Trash is now collected by a private hauler contracted by the Township and there is a recycling drop-off center. TO reduce the problem of large items left in yards and basements, the Township may wish to institute a once a year collection program for very large trash items.


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V. STATEMENT OF RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER COMMUNITIES AND PLANS

Branch Township Comprehensive Plan I I

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In order to facilitate the u)11cept of regional planning in agreement with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, it is the intent of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan to be compatible with the adjacent &g and pmposed land uses, where possible and feasible, of the contiguous municipalities.

To the south, Branch Township adjoins Wayne Townshrp and North Manheim Township. Land use and zoning in Wayne and North Manheim Township adjoining Branch is compatible with the lands in Branch Township with both d e s designahg the lands for low density residential and conservation uses similar to the Rural Residential use proposed in Branch Township.

Land use in Reilly Township to the west of Branch Township consists of threz categories. Similar to Branch Township the three land use categories in Reilly are coal mines, conservation use, and village commercial use consistent with the use and proposed use of land in Branch Township.

To the north of Branch Township in Cass Township, the land use is designated coal mining. The coal mining use proposed by the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan is consistent with the coal mining use in Cass Township.

To the east Branch Township adjoins Minersville Borough, Norwegian Township, and the City of Pottsville. Land use in Minersvlll ' e Borough consists largely of residential use, generally consistent with the residential use in Branch Township. In Norwegian Township, lands adjoining Branch Township are used prhnanly for middial, similar to the use of land existing and proposed by the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. In the City of Pottsville, the lands are zoned and used for light industrial, commercial and residential uses. The uses are compatible with the commercial and residential uses proposed by the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan.

In 1995, the Schuylkill C o q Planning Commission completed the Schuylkill County Land Use Plan. The policies established by the Schuylkill County Land Use Plan are not applicable to Branch Township, but completion of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan should still consider the relation of the policies established by the two documents.

The Schuylhiil County Land Use Plan promotes preservation of open space and protection unique and environmentally sensitive lands. The Schuylkill County Land Use Plan also advocates using existing inflastructure rather than expanding infrastructure into undeveloped areas. Finally, the Schuylkill County Land Use Plan indicates the need for enhancing opportunities for economic development and growth of employment. In agreement with the Schuylkill County Comprehensive Plan the policies initiated by the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan seek to presave the unique watershed and agricuhral lands m the conrrmrmty by creation of the Rural Residential land use district. Opportunities for higher density residential land use are created in the Township through development of the Village Residential and Suburban Residential land use district. The two residential land use districts direct higher density land use to areas of Branch Township where the local road network and services exist to support the uses and where sanitary sewer and water services will most likely be available based on the Act 537 Sewage Plan and the location of existing infra&wture. While the Township is largely a residential community and will continue to be a residential community, the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan designates areas of the Township suitable for nonresidential land use promoting opportunities for economic development in agreanent with the land use policies of the Schuylkill County Land Use Plan.

Branch Township Comprehensive Plan 5 1

VI. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

- Branch Township Comprehensive Plan


The purpose of this section is to provide a guide to local officials in implementing the policy ' "ons ofthe Branch Township Comprehensive Plan. Provided is a review of the regulatory

tools available to the Township and the funding resources available to effectuate the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan.

Appendix 1 provides a chart listing specific proposals of the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan by the action necessary to implement the policy.

Regulatory Tools

Zoning. A comprehensive plan provides a fkamework for the development of a community. Zoning is one of the most important tools for putting the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan into action Zoning consists of a text describing the different land use zones and a map delineating the different zones.

In accordimce with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Plarming Code (Act 170 of 1988) Zoning ordinances should reflect the policy goals and objectives as provided in the communiQh comprehensive plan and give consideration to the character of the municipality, the needs of the citizens and the suitabilities and special nature of particular parts of the municipality. The provisions of zoning ordinances shall be designed to promote, protect and facilitate the public health, safety, morals and the general welfare; to prevent ovacrowding of land, blight, danger and cmgmtioq to provide for the use of land for residential housing of various dwellmg types; and to acumrmodate reasonable overall community growth, including population and employment growth.

zoning is meant to be. a flexible tool. Amenmnents to the zoning ordinance and map may be made based upon changing conditions and assumptions. Amendments are meant to reflect the desires of the community and should OCCUT based upon amenmnenfs to the comprehensive plan to assure that all zoning decisions have a factual base, avoiding piecemeal zoning and spot zoning.

The zoning process should be open to the public. In any zoning decision, the facts should be well and there should be good reasons for what is recommended or rules in agreement with the

policies established by the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan.

OIJicial Map. Article TV of the MPC authorizes counties and mmicipalities to develop and adopt official maps that show the surveyed exact locations of existing and proposed public streets, watercourses and public grounds, including widening extensions, diminutions, openings or closings.

The o f f i d map is an impat& tool for notifying all landowners of existing and proposed public lands and nghts+f-way. The effect of such notification is that landowners do not have to be compensated for buildings put on such lands afier adoption of the official map. This tool has been little used primarily because of cost, but may be used more since Act 170 now allows mapping of all or "only a portion" of the municipality.

Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. The subdivision and land development ordinance regulates the development and redevelopment of lands in a cnnnnunity based upon prevailing community policies as describedinthe CoIllprehenSlv e plan The subdivision and land development ordinance works with the zoning ordinance to assure development and redevelopment occur in an orderly fashion. In


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agreement with Act 170, a community's subdivision and land development ordinance may include provisions for ensuring that land development and redevelopment shall conform to the comprehensive plan and to smy regulations or maps adopted in furtherance thereof and provisions for encouraging and promoting ingenuity in the layout and design of land development and redevelopment.

The subdivision and land development ordinance seek to ensure orderly development and redevelopment which will be physically at&ac!ive and not a heavy burden on municipal finances. Subdivision and land development regulations should be administered in keeping with the goals and objectives of the compdmme plan Like zoning, the subdivision and land development ordinance has some flexibility through either the variance or the amendment process.

Capifuf Improvemenf Program (Cff). A CIP schedules the future provision of capital improvements based on the need for various projects, and on a municipality's f m c i a l ability to pay for them. Capital improvanents are defined as major, owtime expenditures by a local government to provide or improve physical facilities, acquisition of land, or exterior improvements to buildings.

Formulation of a CIP is based upon a municipality's overall goals and objectives for developing capital projects, some of which are articulated in the municipality's comprehensive plan. At the same time, a municipality must also project its future revenue raising capability, taking into account current debt services obligations, statutory debt limits, types of revenue sources available to them, growth in future revenue sources such as the real property tax base, and future financing costs. The result of combining the needs and the analysk of financial capability is a prioritized list of capital improvement projects for each year covered by the CIP, which normally covers a five to ten year perid.

There is a high degree of interaction between the CIP and the comprehensive plan. The type, location, capacity, and ultimately the cost, of future capital improvements are determined by the development allowed under the comprehensive plan. The level of future revenues that will be available to pay for capital improvm, which in turn will deternine the aggregate cost of the projects that can be funded, are also partially detarmned . by the comprehensive plan The CIP reconciles these forces by scheduling the construction of capital projects within the municipality's ability to finance them, which in turn controls the timing of the development reslriring these projects. This ensures that all the costs of change, includmgthemwements, will coincide with the revenues annual debt service for capital improvements, will coincide with the revenues required to pay for the change.

Funding Resources

Funds available to Branch Township for implementing the policies recommended by the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan are available fmnthree sources: revenues; borrowing through municipal bonds, and i n t e r g o v d grants and loans. Additionally, mduded are funding sources for enhancing economic development.

Proper@ Taxes. Property tax revenue is a common method of funding for the day-today operation of local government operations. Tax revenue can also be utilized for long-term expenses. A prioritized list of desired capital improvements beyond those recuning expenses can be maintained with the Township instituting a Capital i m p r o v e Program as noted above, to project needs and avoid "crisis financing".


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Municipal Bonk . Under the Pennsylvania Local Government Unit Debt Act (Act 52 of 1978), a municipality can insure nonelectoral debt equal to two and one-halftimes the average of its last three yea's total revenues (minus Revenue Sharing and Community Development Funds, etc.). In the case of these geneaal revenue bonds, the loan is then repaid without interest over a period of years from revenues earmarked for this purpose and deposited in a special sinking fund account. Among the projects that these borrowed funds could help fmance are: road improvements; sewer and water improvements; curb and sidewalk repairs; acquisition and demolition of deteriorated properties; and purchase of police and !ire equipment.

Intergovernmental Grants andbans. Community Development Block Grant Program CDBG funds can be used for a wide variety of activities that benefit low- and moderate-income households or aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight. Eligible activities include housing rehabilitation, public improvements, demolition, public services, acquisition of property and historic preservation.

The state through the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Small Cities Program extends CDBG entitlement assistance to Schuylkill County. It will be important for the Township to request CDBG fimding for activities that meet the eligibihty mpkmmts of the CDBG Program The Township would be well advised to request fundug for site specific projects or unique initiatives that are required to carry out the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan.

Keystone Recreation Improvement Program. The objective of the Keystone program as administered by the DCA, Bureau of R e a d o n and Conservation, is to improve the quality of life. of Pennsylvania's citizens by providing local governments with grant fimding to: address public outdwr recreation and park deficiencies at the neighborhood and community level; meet the public outdoor recreation and park needs of special population groups such as minorities, lower income, disabled and senior citizens; and support community conservation and community revitalization efforts.

The Keystone Program provides 50 percent matching grauts to local governments to undertake two types of projects:

Acquisition of land and water areas for public outdoor recreation use and open space preservation; or

A development aud rehabilitation ofpublic parks and outdoor recreation areas and facilities, such as ball fields, swimming pools, picnic areas, court game areas and tot lots. Support facilities such as roads, parking lots, utilities, landscaping and lighting are also fundable.

Penn-Vest. Pam-Vest is an ih&uchm assistance program offered by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investments Authority. Eligible activities include a variety of public water and sewer improvement projects. The mphasis of the progwn is on activities that will result in new jobs and an improved local economy. Both grants and loans are. offered under this program depending upon the type of project and severity of the funding need. Penn-Vest also funds an on-lot inspection and rehabilitation program.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Enhancement Program. The program provides a means of stimulating additional activities that go beyond the normal or historic elements of a transportation improvement project. Transportation enhancement activities must have a direct relationship to the inteanodal -on system The intent is to more creatively integrate transportation facilities into their mounding communities and the ~tura l environment. The ten categories which are defmed as


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eligible for w o n enhancement funding are: provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles, acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites, scenic or historic highway programs, landscaping or o k scenic beautification, historic preservation, rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, shuchues or fac s (including historic railroad facilities and canals), preservation of abandoned railway comdors (including the conversion and use thereof for pedestrian or bicycle trails), control and removal of outdoor advertising, archaeological planning and research, and mitigation of water pollution due to highway nmoff.

Funding can be provided to m e r up to 80 pemnt of the proposed project cost. Applicants must provide a commibnent of at least 20 percent of the proposed project cost. There is, however, some flexibility in providhg the. 20 pacent matching funds. The match may also be provided through in-kind services. Funds hm other federal fimding program can be used as the matching funds only if specifically stated by the federal funding law. State funding sources can be used if eligible under the state funding law. In many cases, state highway funds cannot legally be used for the types of projects which will qual@ for this new program.

Certified Local Government Historic Preservation Grant Program. Grants to municipalities for planning activities, such as surveys, preservation plans, ordinances, training and education projects, and the preparation of National Register nominations. All grants require a match of between 30 and 50 percent.

State Planninghsistance Grant Program (SPAG). Grants (usually with a 50 percent local match) to municipalities for developing or updating comprehensive community development plans, policies, and mechanisms for plan implementation This is the major program for planning grants to municipalities available from DCA.

Communiy Facilities Program. The Pennsylvania Department of Commerce provides funds that may be used for water facilities (including pumping stations and &bution facilities) and sanitary sewage disposal facilities (including an facilities related to collection lines, but excluding sewage treatment or storm sewers).

Monies under this program are made available on a matching grant basis with a maximum grant basis with a maximum grant amount of $50,000. The applicant for Community Facilities funds could be a municipal or county authority.

Site Development Program. As an adjunct to the Community Facilities Program, the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce accepts applications for site development assistance from municipalities, municipal authorities and industrial development agencies.

Site development funds must relate directly to an industrial development site. This program will fund 50 percent of the cost of eligible activities up to $100,000. The applicant must demonstrate that the project is n.s%siay to stmgthm the income producing capability of the community and that the project could not be financed without site development funds. Eligible activities include the construction of access roads, water facilities and sewage collection lines.

Industrial Communities Site Program (7CSP). Grants to municipalities through the Department of Camnerce for the reuse of blighted indusid sites to provide oppornmrties for manufacturing, industrial,



research and development, and business service firms. ICSP funds can be used for land and building acquisition, demolition, inf?astructure construction or rehabilitation, environmental clean-up, and site preparation of publicly owned property.

Mimy other pmgmms are available to help municipalities and private developers implement projects that will create jobs and address physical needs. The private sector, in particular, can benefit from the wide range of programs directed towards helping small business expand, relocate or modernize. State and county agencies mentioned earlier have the full details on most of these loan programs.

A final cautionary note is applicable regarding the programs described above. Sources of state and federal fimds are subject to continued change. The programs noted above may be substantially altered or eliminated altogether as time goes on.



IMPLEMENTATION

Implementation of the recommendations for the Branch Township Comprehensive Plan will require cooperation and collaboration f7om the Township Supervisors, Schuykll County, citizens, and the business community. In implementing the recommendations, the Township wil l need to consider a phasing plan with short-term, middle-term, and long-term phases. An Action Plan has been provided to serve as a flamework for implementation, ensuring that the phasing of recommendations are coordinated over a period of years.

Short-term recommendations should generally be initiated, if not completed, within one or two years; middle-term recommendations initiated within three to five years; long-term recommendations will generally require five or more years

RECOMMENDATION RESPONSIBLE ENTITY FUNDING SOURCE ESTIMATED COST

Prepare revisions to Zoning Map to correspond to Land

Prepare revisions to land development regulations to implement land use policies of document.

SCHEDULE

Promote and advocate policies of Branch Township Comprehensive Plan in community and to County.

Planning Commission

Adopt BOCA Existing Structures Code and enforce

HOUSING PLAN

General revenue, SPAG $5,000

~ ~~

Planning Commission General revenue, SPAG $2.500

Township Supervisors Planning Commission.

Not applicable Minimal

Township Supervisors General revenue, fees, fines Low

Develop rehabilitation Township SupenisOrs

to assist low- and moderate- income homeowners.

programs and funding sources Grant funding, HOME $100,000 to $150,000 Middle-term

annually

Enforce building codes and develop p m s for inspection.

TownshipSupeMsors General revenue and fees for $10,000 to $20,000 annually Short-term Service

FUNDING SOURCE ESTIMATED COST RECOMMENDATION RESPONSIBLE ENTITY SCHEDULE

Complete plan for TownshipSuperVisors improvements to local roads. Township Engineer

GBleralrevenue,LiquidFuels, No cost for study. On-going County CDBG, PennDot Implemenlalion $75,000

BMUBUY.

Implement plan to reduce

209 and Tavlor. hazard by rise in road at Route

TownshipSupervisors General revenue Variable depending on f d Short-term PennDot plan.

~

Evaluate street standards Planning Commission and Included as part of revision Included as pati of revision On-guing included in Land Development Township Supervisors with Land Use Plan. with Land Use Plan. Ordinance.

Develop plan to vacate paper Township Supervisors PennDot, County and Local $5,000 Middle-term streets that are not needed for access.

Create pian establishing formal Planning Commission SPAG, P e d o t Enhancement 610,OOO fur plan Middle-tm tu long-tern trail system. Implement plan. Township Supervisors Program, Keystone Grant

Township Engineer Liquid Fuels h d s .

Township Engineer -

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY BRANCH TOWNSHlP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Township Supervisors and Volunteers

SCHEDULE RECOMMENDATION I RESPONSIBLE ENTITY I FUNDING SOURCE I ESTIMATED C o s I

GeneralRevenue

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Planning Commission, Township Supervisors

Township SupervisOrS

Township Supervisors Volunteers

BIyihe and Minersville Water Authorities

Enhance community identification with Branch Township by sponsoring towns hi^ newslelter

General Revenue Keystone Grant

Special revenue, Keystone Grant funds

General Revenue

Community Development Block Grant funds, Water Authorities.

Contract with State Police for provision of police services.

Identlfy location for park on south si& of Route 209 and develop park.

Join with Minersville, Cas, Foster, and Reilly Townshtps to create joint recreation commission.

Township Supervisors Township Engineer

Develop large trash item annual collection program.

PennVest, DER, General Revenues

Provide water service upgrades.

Sewer Authority Township Supervisors

~

Enforce Act 537 Plan particularly on-lot sewage standards.

Implement Act 537 Plan. Design, construct collection and treatment system.

Bond, PennVest, Farmers Home

General Revenue I Township Supervisors

$1,000 annually

unknown

$35,000

$50,000 annually

$5,000 - $10,000

$500,000 annually

$30,000

Short-term

Middle-term

Short-term to middle-tern

Middle term

Short tern

Short and middle term

Short-term

Short-term to middle-tern

BRANCH SCHLJYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIAelibrary.pacounties.org/Documents/Schuylkill_County/2025;...

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Transcript of BRANCH SCHLJYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIAelibrary.pacounties.org/Documents/Schuylkill_County/2025;...