Present: ------------ Baillie; D’Ambrosio; Hess; Keim; Thomas; Keim: Susan G. Maurer Esq. Ryan Christman: Vicky Roth

Absent: Frederick Hay, P.E.; Bean; Sandra A. Pudliner

Approval of Minutes: - January 12, 2009 Planning Commission Meeting

Motion: --- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the January 12, 2009 Planning Commission Meeting and accept same as presented.

D'Ambrosio, Thomas: Moved and Seconded ----------------------------- Unan.

Correspondence: None

New Business:

1. Sonic Restaurant, 1753 Airport Rd., Allentown, PA 18109, Special Exception Use (Review and Recommendation)

Attorney William Fries, representing ARC Properties, Allentown Airport, L.P., with respect to this application, addressed the Board at this time and indicated they received the Township Engineer’s review letter dated April 21, 2009 setting forth the comment of the Township for the Special Exception Use recommendation for the Sonic Restaurant to be located at 1753 Airport Rd. Attorney Fries reviewed with the Board the geography of the surrounding property and indicated the property to the south is currently under development which will be a Firestone Tire location. He noted that our Zoning Ordinance currently provides for an eatery with a drive-in service as a special exception use. He pointed out that they were appearing before the Board since the upcoming Zoning Hearing Board would review the application this Thursday, April 23, 2009.

Kevin Fruck of Cornerstone Engineering reviewed the proposed plan with the Board. He noted the comment in our Engineer’s letter and stated this property has a common access drive for both the proposed Sonic Restaurant as well as the Firestone store. Said proposed restaurant will have 1,728 square feet with no internal seating. All service is a drive up service or drive through. There will be however seasonal outdoor seating. He stated there was a 140 foot plus area for queuing around the restaurant. There was discussion relative to the backing up of traffic on Airport Rd. as well as the one way circulation around the perimeter of the proposed restaurant. The developer stated that the proposed restaurant on Airport Rd. would have more parking spaces than the current location of the Sonic Restaurant on Route 248. It was noted the queue line for the cars would be between seven and 12 cars with a rapid turnaround service. In accordance with the Hanover Township Zoning Ordinance, the Board reviewed the following conditions for special exception uses: (a) In accordance with the Hanover Township Comprehensive Plan and consisting with the spirit, purpose and intent of this Chapter; (b) in the best interest of the Township, the convenience and public welfare of the community and be an improvement to the property in the immediate vicinity; (c) suitable for the property in question and designated, constructed, operated and maintained so as to be in harmony with an appropriate in appearance with the existing and intended character of the general vicinity; (d) in conformance with all the applicable requirements of this Chapter. In conclusion of the discussions, the following motion was made:

Motion: --- I move that the Hanover Township Planning Commission recommends to the Hanover Township Zoning Hearing Board that the Special Exception Use Request of the Sonic Restaurant, 1753 Airport Rd., Allentown, PA 18109 be granted.

Thomas, D"Ambrosio: Moved and Seconded ------- Unan.

Adjournment:

I move we adjourn this meeting of the Hanover Township Planning Commission at 7:55 P.M.

Thomas, D"Ambrosio: Moved and Seconded ------- Unan..

Respectfully submitted,

Vicky Roth, Acting Township Manager
For Patricia A. Paulus, Secretary
Hanover Township Planning Commission