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Input inspires village zoning in West Nottingham

WEST NOTTINGHAM — The township has started work on revising its zoning and subdivision ordinances, but now it is looking to expand the project to cover village zoning for Nottingham and a Transferable Development Rights program.

The expansion of the plan is, in part, the result of public input from recent village future meetings.

"The sense of the task force was, we need to be thinking in terms of more detailed planning of how to handle the zoning of the village area," Supervisor David Ross said.

The additions go beyond the scope of the plan the township had contracted to create with the county planning commission, and Brandywine Conservancy would be enlisted to help with the additional work. There would be a $15,000 cost

for the extra work, but 90 percent of that would be covered by grant money.

"Because this would be a contract signed with the Brandywine Conservancy instead of the planning commission, we would be reimbursed at the end and have to pay the bills as they come in," Ross explained. "On the one hand, we'll have to take some upfront costs for the add work we would be getting and we would be building off the momentum of the village meeting. For only $1,500 we would be getting a good deal."

There were some questions as to how long the process will take, and exactly what area will be included as part of the village of Nottingham. The task force will decide the boundaries and details as the process goes along.

Nancy Cox from the township historic commission suggested to the supervisors that this would be an appropriate time to expand the historical commission ordinance to include a preservation ordinance.

"This is in perfect timing with the village because it could be a historic district," Cox said.

When the historic commission was formed there had been concerns from some residents that there would be restrictions on what they would be allowed to do with their homes. Cox suggested that there would be options for those who do not want to participate.

"We could have the clause in there that the property owners could ask not to be involved if they so desire," she said. "There are property owners who would like to be involved and it would help save their properties. It would definitely give us some help in preserving some of the historic resources we have in the township."

The supervisors took the request under consideration but did not commit to a new ordinance. If one is developed, Cox said, work on an ordinance could be funded with grant money available for 75 percent of the cost of the project.

In other business, the supervisors appointed Rob Miller to the Oxford Area Sewer Authority to serve out the remainder of Larry Bonam's term, which expires Dec. 31, 2011.

The supervisors also ended the probationary period for new Police Chief Don McIver, raising his salary to $16.61 per hour.