After a few more tweaks, semantics adjustments and additions, Tamaqua's Planning Commission is ready to send a draft of the Eastern Schuylkill Planning Commission to Tamaqua Borough Council for approval.

Representatives from Tamaqua, along with Walker, Schuylkill and Rush townships, have been meeting for several years to develop a unified zoning ordinance, zoning map and SALDO (Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance) to cover the four entities. During a meeting Monday, members of Tamaqua's Planning Commission got the chance to clarify sections of the ordinance, with their questions answered by Carl Smulligan, who represents Tamaqua on the ESP board.Smulligan said he welcomed the questions and comments."I'm just one of a group of volunteers who have dedicated seven years to this project," he said. "We'd like to make it the best product we can."For the most part, members of the planning commission said they were comfortable with the existing language. Through discussion, though, they sought to find a way to make certain aspects of development, such as a homeowner adding a shed in a yard, more affordable, and possible.They plan to add language addressing issues that apply to "nonconforming" lots, which because of their length and width, preclude even minor changes such as a backyard shed because it's impossible to comply with setback requirements. Because of that, the homeowner has to apply for a variance, which can be costly.The Planning Commission wants to add language stating that for certain building permits involving nonconforming lots, such as the addition of a backyard shed, the planning commission can review plans and recommend them for approval by council. The commission will put their recommendations for changes to the ESP Ordinance in writing to Tamaqua council for review and possible approval at council's next meeting.As required by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Code, each entity must hold a public meeting before adoption of the ESP Ordinance. Other ESP board members include Bill Ritsick, Rush Township; Dave Price, Walker Township; and Charles Hosler and Charles Stancavage, both from Schuylkill Township.In other action, the Planning Commission said that the proposed annexation of a piece of land, currently owned by Mady Real Estate Company (the car wash), to Boyer's IGA. Last month, the Planning Commission voted to continue the issue, pending clarification of easements that may have been included in the deeds.Christine Troxell of Barry Isset Associates, the borough's engineering firm, said she'd reviewed the deeds and researched the chain of title. She said that the plan meets all the requirements for SALDO and is in compliance with all regulations. The planning commission voted to recommend approval of the plan to council.Council is also expected to act on the planning commission's request that their board be reduced from seven members to five. Tamaqua borough has advertised that change, which must be made by ordinance. The current members of the Planning Commission are Chairman Tony Rodrigue, Andrew "Bud" Kane, Timothy Stahl, Mark Conville and Pam McCullion.