The Pennsbury Zoning Hearing Board heard two applications Tuesday, one for a swimming pool and another for a retractable roof at the Gables restaurant. Both were approved by a 3-0 vote, and, according to ZHB solicitor Ed Foley, the Board of Supervisors was in favor of both.
The Gables application involves a retractable glass and polypropylene roof for the banquet area. It would come out from the second floor and cover the outer open area used for weddings and special events. It replaces tents that were previously used.
One of the concerns involved setbacks, as there would be some extension to the building and how that would affect the proximity to another building that’s on a separate parcel, also owned by the Gables. One of the suggestions from the ZHB is that owners Ann Kolenick and Alfredo Giannaccari consider a reverse subdivision, bringing the two parcels into one. They agreed.
One of the conditions included making sure all lighting would be angled downward to prevent spill onto other properties, and another to have a structural engineer review the plans for the retractable roof.
The other application concerned a proposed swimming pool at 2A Colonial Drive, a property owned by Adam and Ginna Bulava for the past six years.
Adam Bulava said there were several reasons for the pool. One is that the couple runs a Bible study group with kids, and that the pool would be good for the kids attending. But there was also a medical reason. He said he has a degenerative back condition and that water exercise would help him, and the pool would be used for his treatment.
None of the neighbors attended the hearing, but there was a letter of objection by one neighbor, according to the solicitor. However, there were letters from seven neighbors who were in favor, as well as the supervisors being in favor of the pool.
Because township ordinances require pools to be shielded from the view of neighboring properties, one of the conditions included that any trees that die or are damaged be replaced by pine trees or arborvitaes that are six feet tall at the time of planting.
