HLRA
Wednesday, October 18 2006
HORSHAM TOWNSHIP AUTHORITY
FOR NASJRB (NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE)
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2006
In Attendance:
Authority Board
Staff
W. William Whiteside, III, Chairman
Michael J. McGee
Joan Nesbitt, Secretary
Mary Eberle Esq.
Carolyn T. Carluccio
Curt Toll, Esq.
David Creamer, Treasurer
William
Walker
Donnamarie Davis Esq.
William Donnelly
.
Carmen S. Italia, Jr.
Jeffrey Albert, Esq.
Absent:
Joanna M. Furia Esq., Vice Chairman
Mr. Whiteside called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM in the
Horsham Township Municipal Building at 1025 Horsham Road, Horsham PA, 19044 leading those in attendance in the Pledge
of Allegiance. The Board members introduced themselves and all those
present did likewise. A sign in sheet was circulated and is attached hereto.
A motion was made by William
Donnelly, seconded by Carmen Italia to approve the minutes as proposed for the June 21, 2006 meeting. Motion passed
unanimously.
Mr. McGee advised the Board that the Township continues to advance the
Authority funds to operate.
A motion was made by Jeffrey Albert, seconded by David Creamer to approve the
list of checks in the amount of $ 13,791.35. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. McGee briefed the Authority regarding the July 18, 2006 meeting in
Washington. Mr. Whiteside, Ms. Furia and Mr. McGee traveled to meet with
Secretary Arny, Major Gen. Wright PA Adjutant General, and representatives of the Navy, Air Force and Army to open up
lines of communications. The HLRA was advised that a number of issues need to be worked out between the branches of
service before making a declaration of surplus. The Army is expected to
locate on base in 2008, 913th Air Force Reserve Unit’s status has yet to be announced and the Navy is due
to stay on base until 2010. In December, it is expected that
approximately 700 acres may be declared surplus, but not until services agree where Army is to be
located. From the meeting, no additional information was provided
other than what was already known.
Mr. McGee announced that a tour of the Horsham Memorial Army Reserve Center was
held on July 20, 2006, with October 6, 2006 being the deadline for NOI’s, Responses were received from
Hatboro-Horsham School District, and members of board were provided with copies. The School District is interested in
acquiring either 2.2 acres or the property in its entirety. The Board of School Directors has yet to render a
decision as to which proposal they are seeking.
Willow Grove CDC (Community Development Corporation) which provides affordable
and low income housing has also submitted a response and members of the board were supplied with copies. They are
looking to acquire the property in its entirety, seeking to demolish all existing facilities and construct a town
home complex of 50 units, 35 devoted to work force level housing; 5% used for homeless prevention and transitional
housing; affordable rental housing for low income families. Rev. Kotzen had advised that he has been in touch with
HUD regarding the proposal.
Mr. McGee noted that the School District must work through the Federal Dept of
Education, which he has spoken to and been advised that the school district has been in touch with them regarding the
proposal. Mr. McGee has not yet been contacted by HUD confirming contact with Willow Grove CDC. Mr. McGee will contact HUD.
Mr. Whiteside indicated the two proposals need to become knowledgeable with
regards to criteria and benefits. Mr. Albert asked if the township has a
formal role in the process of action/input from Council and when as the proposals are not consistent. If the school
district only wants the 2.2 acres, the balance of the property may be able to accommodate the CDC; per M. McGee only
7 acres available at this time – any one proposal is not exclusive of the other. At the committee level, they can evaluate both proposals however the township is
not yet involved in the decision process. The property is currently zoned C-3 commercial; any uses other than those
permitted in C-3 would need to be proposed to Council for rezoning. The CDC has not yet provided any sketch plans or
layouts.
Mr. Whiteside suggested Reuse Committee and Housing/Homeless Committee to begin
scheduling meetings. Mr. McGee will discuss this with Joan Nesbitt and William Donnelly, the respective Chair of the
committees.
Liz Gabor of OEA was present and asked that a notation be made that the July
meeting in DC a there was considerable discussion regarding the development along Horsham Road and the location of
the Striker Brigade. Mr. McGee indicated the authority took a position in the letter to the Secretary regarding the
65 acres on Horsham Road. Mr. Greg Preston of the Navy PMO called in at 3:01 p.m. and Mr. McGee asked that he speak
regarding the Horsham Road location of the Army Reserve property and the LRA’s concerns. He indicated he understands
the LRA’s preference of location off Horsham Rd. Secretary Arney is personally involved and trying to work with
General Wright to push towards a resolution. This is a priority for the Navy and he would like to try to get it done
before January. No additional information to add at this time.
Mr. Albert asked to confirm the acreage. Mr. McGee indicated that at this time
the Navy property is approximately 700 acres that are expected to be available and Mr. Preston confirmed this.
Harold Miller, Army PMO called in at 3:26 p.m. and indicated he previously
provided an update to Mr. McGee via email regarding the ECP’s which are under review at this time. Mr. Miller
indicated they were expected at time of surplus, however funding is behind. Reports may be available in January. No
significant problems expected on the property. Mr. McGee asked LTC Miller to discuss Real Property Exchange potential
for the Horsham Memorial Army Reserve Center. A study is to be prepared to determine what commercial entities may
want to have the site in exchange for services to the Army in an equal amount of fair market value of the property.
Mr. Miller confirmed it could be construction of a building or funds to construct a building. Any interested commercial entity would
still have to go to the local municipality to qualify under their zoning requirements. Mr. Miller will provide the
ECP’s when completed.
Curt Toll sent correspondence to the Army relating to the Striker Brigade
pertaining to issues of current Environmental Impact Statement that does not take into account the Willow Grove site.
All alternatives will be considered and discussed a court decision on
October 5, 2006 with a vote of 2 to 1 challenging the Striker Brigade NIPA in Hawaii, requiring them to start again.
Mr. Whiteside reaffirmed LRA’s position that the Army should conduct the necessary Environmental Impact Statement and
related studies.
Mary Eberle had nothing to report at this time.
Liz Gabor indicated the National Defense Appropriations Act was approved
allocating funds for OEA; therefore OEA will continue to be involved in the BRAC process for at least another
year.
Mary Eberle then reviewed with the board the need for consideration of a
reimbursement agreement with Horsham Township ensuring monies fronted to the Authority are returned to the Township,
to include a line of credit up to $750,000. The agreement has been created along with Cross Receipts and Demand Note.
A motion was made by David Creamer, seconded by Carolyn Carluccio to approve the Line of Credit Agreement, Cross
Receipts and Demand Note. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Whiteside then asked if there were any questions from the public. Mr. Ken
Plunkett, resident of Horsham Township, indicated he recently has viewed the LRA website and received a copy of the
by-laws and requested additional information be posted on the website, to include available board positions. Mary
Eberle indicated that state law governs the appointments and any questions he has can be directed to Mr. McGee. Mr.
Plunkett also suggested posting photos on the website depicted available acreage. Mr. Albert indicated this cannot be
done until a determination of surplus has been made. At that time the Board will then be able to better proceed and
ask for submissions for consideration such as consulting aviation representatives as requested by Mr.
Plunkett.
Mr. McGee introduced Mr. Michael Shea of the Montgomery County Work Force
Development who presented an updated indicating that the County is focused on work force issues. At this point the
County has identified that approximately 300 jobs will be displaced. Mr. Shea stated that he will have an update for the Board when additional
information is available.
There being no further
business, the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.
_______________________
Michael
J. McGee
Executive Director
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