Marple approves Springton Lake Church expansion

by Leslie Krowchenko DCNN Correspondent

Marple Commissioners voted 5-0, May 12, to grant preliminary and final land development to Springton Lake Presbyterian Church, 3090 Newtown Street Road, for construction of a 5,457-square foot addition. The plan previously received approval from the Planning Commission and Zoning Board.

A much larger expansion was approved in 2002, but at the time, the congregation chose to enlarge only the parking lot. Unlike the former plan, which would have been built along Route 252, the new design is in the rear of the sanctuary and due to the topography, will not be visible from the highway.

The two-story addition, with a basement and first floor, will provide a fellowship hall for social functions, two staff offices, three classrooms, an elevator and handicapped-accessible restrooms. Approximately two-thirds of the new building will have a green roof. Several classrooms and the kitchen will also be renovated in the existing building.

It is smaller and less intrusive than the original proposal, said attorney Mike Maddren. It is environmentally friendly and will have minimal impact.

Swimming Pools

The board voted by the same margin to amend the ordinance regarding swimming pool water discharge to prohibit emptying or draining into the township sanitary or storm sewers, waterways or adjoining properties. The discharge must be done in a way that does not create a health hazard or nuisance to the pool owner, neighbor or township.

The wording for the amendment was taken from the state DEP guidelines and the decision for the change was the result of the agency fining a township in central Pennsylvania after pool water was drained into the sanitary sewer, said Township Manager Tony Hamaday at the boards April meeting. He added pools may be emptied by releasing the water onto the lawn or having a professional company pump it out.

The township must be the educator, he added. We are looking to insure the township does not get hit with a fine because we failed to notify our residents.

Other Business

See the article here:
Marple approves Springton Lake Church expansion