Palmerton approves road access issue solution

A lot line adjustment will help clear up a road access issue for a Palmerton property.

During borough council’s Thursday meeting, the matter of a lot line adjustment involving three properties along Lafayette Avenue was brought to the attention of the council members.

A large lot owned by Pencor Services, located on the northern side of Lafayette Avenue, stretches just across the street and onto the land bordering two parcels, owned by Danielle and James Medei III and Kimberly Komala.

While both properties have road access via Hillside Avenue, Pencor’s ownership of the small triangle of land bordering the south side of Lafayette Avenue prevents access to that road for Komala’s parcel.

The land loss for Pencor is rather insignificant, borough manager Rodger Danielson said, as it lacked any building potential. The total area of the parcel is about 5,300 square feet, including road space.

“Actually, half of the property being handed over lays within the roadway,” Danielson said, pointing out that the road serves as a natural subdivision point. “It really serves no purpose to anybody, other than it gives road access to the south side.”

The county and borough planning commissions had already reviewed and commented upon the plan.

Danielson recommended the conditional approval of the plan, with consideration to some editorial comments, including some minor waivers, the designation of a street right of way and the right of way for a waterway located on the small piece of land.

“There were very few comments, other than to make sure some of the rights of way and easements that weren’t in existence before are put into both the plan and the deeds,” Danielson said.

The borough planning commission recommended council approve the proposal, but felt that a 6-inch waterline going through the sliver of property should be accompanied by a 20-foot easement. That should then be incorporated into the new deed for the property.

Danielson said that the township engineer will draft the necessary easements and verbiage for the rights of way.

Council approved the adjustment, under the condition that the editorial comments are addressed properly and presented in a final plan.