SMETHPORT — After receiving additional information, the McKean County Planning Commission on Tuesday reversed an earlier decision and approved a variance for a proposed subdivision in Hamlin Township even though the right-of-way doesn’t comply with the current county subdivision and land development ordinance.
On May 7, the commission first considered the variance request from owners Les Van Gorder and Todd Weaver who wanted to retain ownership of 73 acres, but subdivide 18.56 acres of the property. However, that lot has a 12-foot right-of-way as reflected by the deed recorded in 1961 and prior to the adoption of the current ordinance that requires a 50-foot right-of-way. There is a potential buyer for this parcel, which is located on Kasson Road, according to the planning office.
Commission members denied the variance request pending efforts of the landowners to negotiate with the adjacent landowner to see if an agreement could be reached on a 50-foot right-of-way. If not, then the matter must come back to the commission for further consideration.
On Tuesday, commission officials studied detailed maps and some photographs showed that streams and a hillside prevent extending the right-of-way, prompting additional discussion. “There doesn’t seem to be an easy solution,” said Jeffrey Rhinehart.
County planning director Jeremy Morey added, “This is a textbook hardship case with no wiggle room. It’s a perfect case for a variance.”
Commission members then approved a motion advanced by Ron Keim and seconded by Rhinehart that OKd the variance that was specific to this one lot. The vote was unanimous.
The commission also granted final approval for the major subdivision of eight lots owned by James and Bonnie Lowe in Lewis Run.
The commission then took up the case of the Wilds Sonshine Factory along U.S. Route 6 in Wetmore Township, hearing from Dale Wehler, business manager for the factory, and Kate Zuzek, secretary.
Wehler said, “We’re putting together a business plan to promote agriculture in McKean County and the PA Wilds Region, which would lead to increased tourism, create jobs and distill spirits.”
At the “Sonshine Factory,” where David Conklin is the primary owner, there are already approximately 500 acres of grains in production such as sweet and field corn, rye, soybeans and sunflower seeds, that were planted during the last growing season and can be used in the distilling of whiskey and white whiskey, according to Wehler.
A drying system for grains is in a silo on site which covers about 2.1 acres on two lots. Developers are now awaiting the OK to start construction of the building needed for processing grain and distilled spirits.
Zuzek noted that a highway occupancy permit is pending with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Current plans are to use the same current access road for the entrance and exit.
According to Zuzek, “As for the timeline, if all goes well, it could about six weeks to obtain the distillery license.”
At their meeting Tuesday, the Hamilton Township supervisors registered no objections to this land development.
Following this consideration, commission members voted unanimously to grant final approval for the land development with the recommendation to combine the two lots into one deed.
In talking with reporters after the meeting about this project’s future plans, Wehler said, “These could include agronomy education with the idea of working with the same footprint established at the Kinzua Bridge.”
