Plum Planning Commission Meeting Notebook

The Plum Planning Commission approved a revision to The Highlands' developmental plans.

On Monday, the commission unanimously accepted developer Jim Rumbaugh’s request to replace quad homes with duplexes in a section of the Glengarry Court development.

“Quads are no longer in vogue,” Rumbaugh said.

During his commission presentation, Rumbaugh said duplexes or single-family homes are now desired in condominium developments.

“We’re trying to do what the market will purchase,” he said.

The change will reduce the number of units in the development from 204 to 200.

There are currently 125 homes constructed in The Highlands property, Rumbaugh said.

Elderly Housing

The borough planning commission also tabled a discussion to possibly permit elderly housing in neighborhood residential zoning districts on a conditional use basis.

"Right now, we want to stick the elderly in a corner," commission Chairman Robert Zunich said.  Allowing elderly housing in residential communities may be "healthy," he said.

The commission members said council requested that the borough look into an ordinance amendment. Councilman Keith Nowalk, who is also a developer, presented this idea to the borough council earlier this month.

In 2009, Plum council rejected  Nowalk’s plans to develop a proposed senior citizen apartment.