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7/12/2021 - Conditional use approval received from Newlin Township! After numerous public hearings spanning nearly 12 months, the Newlin Township Board of Supervisors granted conditional use approval to construct a stealth, mono-pine style communications tower in the Chester County municipality. Brian Seidel, RLA, AICP provided land planning testimony during the hearings to support the application. In addition to testimony, Seidel Planning & Design also conducted a publicly advertised balloon test to illustrate the height & visual impact of the ...
6/15/2021 - A mixed-use commercial district permitted in Delaware County! The land planners at Seidel Planning & Design assisted the staff of a Delaware County municipality with the development of zoning regulations to provide a mixed-use commercial zoning district. The ordinance was prepared to encourage a variety of supporting commercial uses and economic development, while maintaining design regulations to protect the surrounding residential community.
6/14/2021 - Recreation Master Plans in Delaware County! Seidel Planning & Design prepared concept plans for the redevelopment of Municipal neighborhood pocket-parks in Delaware County, PA. The plans identified parking & pedestrian safety improvements to create ‘community center’ environments, enhance the communities, & support future grant applications.
6/10/2021 - A vote to amend the Borough Redevelopment Plan! Brian Seidel, NJPP provided land planning testimony and obtained an affirmative vote of the Clayton Borough Council to amend the Borough’s Redevelopment Plan to include a key parcel & accommodate a mixed-use, infill-development project within the Borough’s Delsea Drive Commercial Corridor. Mr. Seidel’s presentation addressed the substantial positive impact the amendment & the proposed density would provide to support the redevelopment & economic development of the ...
6/8/2021 - Community & fiscal impacts assessed in Phoenixville! Phoenixville Borough Council approved a land development application to redevelop an existing property into a multi-family residential community. Planning & Design provided a fiscal impact assessment for the project illustrating the specific methods how the development will reduce costs for the Borough & School District, while increasing revenue.
6/2/2021 - Restaurant upgrades approved in Hillsborough, NJ! Brian Seidel, NJPP provided land use testimony to obtain site plan approval & variances for the redevelopment of an existing fast-food restaurant in Somerset County, NJ. Testimony illustrated the reduction of numerous non-conforming conditions, & site improvements to address the Township’s Architectural Site Design District & Gateway zoning regulations.
6/2/2021 - Digital models & photographic simulations prepared! The planners & landscape architects at Seidel Planning conducted a visual field investigation in Franklin Park Borough, Allegheny County, PA to assess the potential visual impact of a proposed tower on the surrounding community. Digital terrain models of the area were prepared to identify the impact of various locations & supplemented with photographic simulations.
5/25/2021 - Seidel Planning is proud to sponsor the APMM 2021 Web Conference! Seidel Planning is proud to sponsor the APMM 2021 Web Conference!
5/24/2021 - Age-qualified housing for Clayton Borough! Land planning testimony was provided by Brian Seidel, NJPP in Clayton Borough, Gloucester County to obtain D1 use variance approval permitting the construction of an age-qualified residential community. Testimony highlighted the substantial buffers from adjacent properties & streets, the preservation of environmentally sensitive areas & open space, & privately owned site improvements.
5/24/2021 - D3 Variances approved in Howell! Brian Seidel, NJPP, AICP provided land planning testimony to obtain approval of a wireless telecommunications facility in Howell Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Mr. Seidel’s testimony was supported with graphic exhibits illustrating the limitations created by the numerous use & setback requirements identified within the Municipal land use regulations.
5/20/2021 - Adaptive reuse approved in Newtown Township! Brian Seidel, RLA, AICP provided land planning testimony to support the conversion of an existing private school to administrative offices in Delaware County, PA. Highlights of Mr. Seidel’s testimony were that despite the required variances, the application was consistent with the Future Land Use of the property identified within the Township’s comprehensive plan to obtain the approval.
5/14/2021 - Landscape plans to support commercial development! The landscape architects at Seidel Planning provided landscape plans for the development of a proposed retail property in the Borough of Perkasie in Bucks County, PA. The plans were prepared to address Municipal zoning & land development requirements including screening of parking areas, street trees, & rain gardens.
5/13/2021 - Microbreweries permitted in Delaware County! The land planners at Seidel Planning & Design assisted the staff of a Delaware County municipality with the development of zoning ordinance amendments to define terms & identify appropriate locations within the Township for food & beverage services including restaurants, microbreweries, & brew pubs. The ordinance was prepared to encourage the development of eating & drinking establishments in established commercial centers and pedestrian corridors.
5/11/2021 - Residential development feasibility studies prepared in Bucks County! Seidel Planning & Design prepared site capacity calculations to identify permitted densities for a residential property in Bucks County, PA. The calculations provided a guide for the development of multiple sketch plans illustrating a variety of residential dwellings to identify the actual yield anticipated for the subject property.
4/23/2021 - Plans for fencing & screening! Seidel Planning prepared screening & buffer plans illustrating the location of proposed fencing, earthen berms, and landscaping for a residential property in Telford, PA. Plans were prepared to address Municipal zoning requirements resulting from a special exception approval recently received for the property. Land use planning testimony supporting the special exception was previously provided by Brian Seidel, RLA, AICP.
4/20/2021 - An assessment of residential design options! The designers at Seidel Planning prepared digital models to illustrate recommended building & site improvements for a residential property in Douglass Township, Montgomery County. Exhibits illustrated design options for discussion with the property owner & contractor.
4/13/2021 - Seidel Planning provides direction! The landscape architects & designers at Seidel Planning prepared concept designs for directional signs at a Municipal Park in Delaware County, PA. Exhibits highlighted the design of the signs as well as landscape plans & photographic simulations to illustrating the main entrance to the park.
4/1/2021 - Home occupation approval received in Salford Township! Brian Seidel, RLA, AICP presented land planning testimony to the Township’s Zoning Hearing Board to obtain approval for a family owned home-based business in Montgomery County, PA. Mr. Seidel’s testimony highlighted the consistency of the use with the surrounding community, negligible community impacts, and the consistency of the use with the Township & County’s land use regulations.
3/25/2021 - Use approvals obtained in Bergen County! Brian Seidel, NJPP, AICP supported an application for the adaptive reuse of a commercial property in the Borough of Maywood, New Jersey. Mr. Seidel’s land planning testimony highlighted the consistency of the use with the area, and satisfaction of the four (4) elements of proof required to pass the Medici test to justify & obtain the use variance relief.
3/22/2021 - Landscape plans for a commercial redevelopment in Delaware County! Seidel Planning provided landscape plans for the redevelopment of a proposed commercial property in Springfield Township, PA. The plans were prepared to address Municipal zoning & land development requirements, and address additional buffering requests suggested by neighboring property owners at prior community meetings.

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2020 News Archive

12/10/2020 - Providing planning testimony to Borough Council!
Brian Seidel, NJPP attended a virtual meeting with the Clayton Borough Council to discuss opportunities for a mixed-use, infill-development project within the Borough’s Delsea Drive Commercial Corridor. In preparation of the meeting, Seidel Planning & Design prepared a written land use planning assessment to support the request for an amendment to the Borough’s Redevelopment Plan. The report highlighted the substantial positive impact the amendment would have to support ...
12/8/2020 - Supporting redevelopment & revitalization in Salem County, NJ!
Seidel Planning supported a request for variances & site plan approval in Pittsgrove Township. Land planning testimony identified the proposed reduction of the site’s existing non-conforming conditions, ADA accessibility improvements, & the adaptive reuse of the property to support the redevelopment of an under-utilized commercial center.
12/3/2020 - A State College road trip!
The staff at Seidel Planning conducted field investigation to assess development opportunities in Ferguson Township, Centre County, PA. The investigation was supported with photographs of the surrounding area & site design recommendations.
12/3/2020 - Distributing land use approvals in Delran!
Land planning testimony was provided by Brian Seidel, NJPP, AICP in Burlington County, New Jersey to obtain approval of bulk variances for impervious cover, signage, and parking to support the conversion of an existing 177,000 square-foot mixed-use commercial building to a proposed warehouse & distribution facility.
12/2/2020 - Residential development approved in North Jersey!
Brian Seidel, NJPP supported a residential development application in the Borough of Northvale, Bergen County, New Jersey. Mr. Seidel’s planning testimony summarized the calculations provided indicating a negligible impact on the community’s school system.
11/20/2020 - Continuing education in process….
Continuing education in process….The landscape architects at Seidel Planning are attending the PA ASLA Virtual Conference this week!
11/19/2020 - Visual impact assessment in Southern Chester County!
Seidel Planning & Design conducted a balloon test in Newlin Township, Chester County to assess the potential visual impact of a proposed communications tower. The investigation was coordinated with the Township staff & public notice provided to the surrounding community. Photographic simulations were prepared to illustrate the views of alternative structure heights & stealth design options.
11/16/2020 - Economic development in Penns Grove, NJ!
Land planning testimony supporting a required use-variance for a retail establishment was provided by Brian Seidel, NJPP in the Borough of Penns Grove, Salem County. Testimony highlighted the proposed revitalization of the area, the mitigation of existing zoning inconsistencies, & consistency with the Borough’s Master Plan.
11/9/2020 - Court is in session!
Brian E. Seidel, AICP provided land use planning testimony in support of a land use matter in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. Mr. Seidel has been qualified as an expert in the field of landscape architecture & land planning throughout Municipalities, Counties, and Courts throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, & New York.
10/26/2020 - Residential community receives approval in Lawrenceville New Jersey!
The landscape architects at Seidel Planning prepared landscape plans to support the land development application for a residential community in Lawrence Township of Mercer County. The plans were presented by Brian Seidel, LLA, NJPP at prior virtual meetings to obtain the approval.
10/19/2020 - Continuing education in process….
Continuing education in process….The planners at Seidel Planning are attending the PA APA Virtual Conference this week!
10/14/2020 - Oceanfront Zoning!
Brian Seidel, NJPP, AICP presented land planning testimony to the City of Ventnor’s Planning Board in Atlantic County, NJ. Mr. Seidel’s testimony identified the limitations of the current zoning regulations for the proposed use & the consistency of the application with the City’s Master Plan.
10/8/2020 - Recreation uses approved in Chester County!
A privately owned & operated recreational sports training facility received conditional use approval from the Caln Township Board of Supervisors to expand the existing facility. The landscape architects & land planners at Seidel Planning supported the application with the preparation of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) identifying mitigation measures to protect the local watershed.
9/29/2020 - Reimagining parks in DelCo!
Seidel Planning & Design met with Municipal staff in Delaware County to discuss the preparation of a masterplan & grant opportunities for proposed park improvements. The discussion highlighted a need for additional parking, improved pedestrian circulation, and tree removal due to negative impacts from the recent Ash Borer & Spotted Lanternfly infestations.
9/15/2020 - Tower approval received in the NJ Pinelands!
Brian Seidel, LLA, NJPP provided land planning testimony in Burlington County to obtain conditional use &site plan approval for a proposed communications tower. Mr. Seidel’s testimony identified the application’s consistency with the Woodland Township Land Use Regulations & New Jersey Pineland’s Standards. Testimony was supported with graphics prepared by Seidel Planning illustrating the suitability of the use for the subject property, consistency of the application with the ...
9/11/2020 - Digital terrain models prepared to support site selection!
The planners & landscape architects at Seidel Planning conducted field studies in East Hempfield Township in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to assess the potential visual impact of multiple potential tower locations & structure heights on the surrounding community. Digital terrain models of the area were prepared toidentify the impact of various locations & supplemented with photographic simulations. The analysis was performed to identify a proposed location addressing the RF coverage needs of ...
9/8/2020 - A favorable interpretation of zoning regulations in Bucks County
Seidel Planning provided an interpretation of zoning regulations in Falls Township to identify the application’s consistency with Township’s conditional use standards and eliminated the need for approval from the Township’s zoning hearing board.
8/18/2020 - Supporting ordinance amendments
Brian Seidel, RLA, AICP of Seidel Planning & Design provided land planning testimony in Douglass Township supporting a text amendment application to allow an increased building height for medical offices & facilities. Mr. Seidel’s testimony identified the consistency of the application with the Route 100 Corridor Master Plan Overlay District, the Montgomery County Comprehensive Plan, & the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Comprehensive Plan. The presentation was conducted outdoors ...
8/12/2020 - A fiscally responsible development for Chester County!
Phoenixville Borough Council approved a land development application to provide a multi-story self-storage facility & the redevelopment of existing multi-family residential dwellings. Seidel Planning & Design provided a fiscal impact assessment for the project illustrating the specific methods how the development will reduce costs for the Borough & School District, while increasing revenue.
7/30/2020 - Development options weighed in Kennett Square!
Seidel Planning & Design prepared a series of concept plans to illustrate a diversity of potential uses for the Chester County property. Plans identified the development potential of the various options & the impact of the site’s environmental constraints.
7/23/2020 - Landscape architecture & land use planning in south Jersey!
Brian Seidel NJPP, LLA provided land use planning testimony in Cape May County, New Jersey to obtain ‘C’ variances related to signage for the proposed commercial development. Mr. Seidel previously provided testimony to obtain use variances & landscape plan approval for the project.
7/10/2020 - Pocket park plans progress!
The landscape architects at Seidel Planning prepared concept plans illustrating potential improvements to an existing Municipal park. The design incorporated a masonry community sign, village green, street lighting, & central plaza enhancing the gateway to the downtown community.
7/8/2020 - Opportunities to make a great park even better!
Seidel Planning & Design prepared a master plan illustrating recommendations for future improvements to a prominent community park. The plan illustrated a separation of pedestrian & vehicular traffic to enhance the existing athletic fields, an all-weather recreational trail, community plazas, improved signage, exterior lighting, roadway improvements to accommodate on-street parking, & sidewalks connecting to the surrounding residential community.
6/22/2020 - Landscape plans for a proposed residential community!
The Seidel Planning team prepared landscape plans to accompany the land development application for a residential community proposed in Mercer County, New Jersey. Plans were prepared under the direction of Brian E. Seidel, LLA, NJPP providing extensive buffer plantings, tree replacement calculations, & naturalized stormwater management controls. Digital submissions were provided where possible to accommodate protocols requested by the municipality with original signed & sealed documents ...
6/16/2020 - Seidel Planning & Design heads to Harrisburg!
The staff at Seidel Planning conducted field investigation to assess the site characteristics of a commercial property & surrounding area in Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, PA. SPD prepared graphic exhibits illustrating findings from the field investigation to highlight consistency of the proposed development with surrounding uses.
6/10/2020 - Signs of community in DelCo!
The designers at SPD provided graphic standards for community park & neighborhood signs to be implemented in phases throughout a Delaware County Municipality. The final design of the signs incorporated the unique history & character of each specific neighborhood, while maintaining a consistent uniform design throughout the Township.
5/15/2020 - Environmental Impact Assessment to support a conditional use application in Caln Township!
Seidel Planning & Design prepared an environmental impact assessment to support a conditional use application in Caln Township, Chester County, PA. The report provided an inventory of existing environmental features identified during a field investigation by the Seidel Planning team, addressed potential impacts onthe nearby Beaver Creek, and identified potential impacts on community services & facilities.
5/7/2020 - Landscaping in Cape May Courthouse!
The landscape architects at Seidel Planning & Design prepared a landscape plan for a proposed restaurant in Cape May, NJ. The plan was prepared to address Township requirements & highlight the view of the outdoor dining area from the adjacent roadway.
5/6/2020 - Enjoy your time at home!
No surprise, people are spending more time at home lately! The landscape architects at Seidel Planning prepared plans to enhance the existing residential backyard & swimming pool with a new cabana complete with outdoor fireplace, kitchen, & hardscaping. Get ready….Summer’s almost here!
5/1/2020 - Finalizing plan approvals!
Seidel Planning provided coordination with the development team to resubmit final plans to facilitate site improvements to a commercial center in Swedesboro, NJ. Brian Seidel, a New Jersey Professional Planner, previously provided testimony to the zoning board of adjustment obtaining use & bulk variances to facilitate the enhancement of the property.
3/31/2020 - By-right plans prepared in Bucks County!
Seidel Planning & Design prepared by-right sketch plans to illustrate the development potential of a commercially zoned parcel in Newtown Township, Bucks County, PA. The plan illustrated compliance with the Township’s site development standards and was utilized to identify the potential building area of the parcel through the Township’s s regulations pertaining to building & parking setbacks, parking ratios, and impervious cover while providing a design compatible with the adjacent ...
3/20/2020 - More than just a pretty picture!
We often receive compliments on our graphics, exhibits, & renderings but behind all of the pretty sketches, the calculations need to work! Seidel Planning recently prepared site plans to identify the additional development potential of an existing business center in Malvern, PA. In addition to illustrating pedestrian & vehicular circulation, detailed calculations were presented to show compliance with Township regulated building cover, impervious cover, and parking ratios based on the specific ...
3/16/2020 - Planning for anything!
The Seidel Planning team is committed to maintaining exceptional land use planning & landscape design services for our clients during the current COVID-19 business restrictions. Our staff may be working from remote locations, but we remain 100% available by phone & e-mail during normal business hours.
3/4/2020 - Warehouse development proposed for the I-78 Corridor!
Brian Seidel, NJPP represented developers in Warren County to discuss the conversion of an existing commercial retail property to a proposed warehouse & distribution center. Mr. Seidel’s testimony highlighted the site’s proximity to major roadways, the surrounding commercial land uses, & consistency of the proposal with the Township’s Master Plan recommendations.
3/3/2020 - A roundabout way of planning!
The land use planners of Seidel Planning attended community meetings with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to identify potential impacts & opportunities of integrating PennDoT roundabouts into future roadway improvements for discussion with community members & Municipal officials.
2/28/2020 - Planning for park & recreation improvements!
The Seidel Planning & Design team met with Township staff & community leaders to develop a design & development program to identify improvements for a prominent community park including: multi-purpose pedestrian trails, recreational facilities, vehicular circulation, gateway enhancements, signage, andpedestrian safety. Stay tuned for updates as the master plan develops!
2/27/2020 - A developing commercial corridor!
Seidel Planning & Design presented site plans to the Washington Township Board of Supervisors illustrating a proposed multi-tenant commercial building along the Route 100 corridor.
2/26/2020 - Zoning assessment provided in Chester County!
Seidel Planning & Design assisted in preparing for a conditional use hearing in Malvern, PA. The Seidel Planning team provided a review of the municipal zoning & land use regulations and assessed the potential visibility of the project from surrounding roadways & properties for discussion with the development team.
2/6/2020 - Let there be light!
Seidel Planning & Design prepared lighting plans to support site improvements to a multi-tenant commercial industrial center in Logan Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey. Recent tenant changes resulted in a shift in occupancy from industrial to professional office uses requiring lighting improvements to the parking areas & building entrances. The lighting plan was developed to improve pedestrian safety, increase visibility from adjacent major roadways, and reduce operating costs with the ...
2/6/2020 - A commercial development for Berks County!
Brian Seidel, a landscape architect & land use planner with Seidel Planning & Design, presented a sketch plan for a mixed-use commercial center to obtain comments from the Township’s Planning Commission. The plan was prepared to illustrate compliance with the Township’s zoning regulations & consistency with surrounding land uses.
2/5/2020 - Landscape Plans prepared for commercial redevelopment in Cape May!
Seidel Planning & Design prepared landscape plans for a proposed multi-tenant commercial development in Middle Township of Cape May County, NJ. The plan was prepared to address the guiding principles of the Township’s Town Center Zoning District by providing protected outdoor seating areas & an extensive landscape buffer from neighboring properties.
1/29/2020 - Planning support for conditional use applications in Chester County!
Seidel Planning & Design attended a conditional use hearing in Chester County, PA. While planning testimony is scheduled for a future meeting, the meeting was attended to obtain a clear understanding of expert witness testimony & community concerns to prepare for discussions at future meetings.
1/27/2020 - Apartment development on the rise in Newark, New Jersey!
Brian Seidel, AICP, NJPP provided land use planning testimony in Essex County to support the redevelopment & conversion of an under-utilized commercial parcel to a new five-story multi-family building. Mr. Seidel’s testimony highlighted the consistency of the proposed use with the surrounding properties & application’s advancement of the City’s Master Plan goal to provide 50,000 new residents by 2025.
1/6/2020 - Seidel Planning & Design reappointed as Upper Chichester Township’s Land Use Planner for 2020!
The Upper Chichester Board of Commissioners reappointed Brian Seidel RLA, AICP as the first-class Township’s Land Use Planner at their first meeting of 2020. The Seidel Planning team is excited to continue their support of the Township’s planning, redevelopment, & economic development efforts in Delaware County, PA.
1/6/2020 - Building on previous land use approvals!
New Hanover Township Board of Supervisors voted to approve a request to provide a worship center to the 2nd floor of community recreation center in Montgomery County, PA. A report prepared by Seidel Planning & Design was presented to the Supervisors comparing the previous use of the property to the church’s recreation center to illustrate the minimal impact on traffic, parking demand, public utilities, & publicservices. SPD previously provided land use planning testimony in ...
1/2/2020 - Planning & zoning testimony to start 2020!
Brian Seidel, RLA, AICP started the new year strong with land use planning testimony in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Seidel’s testimony was supplemented with maps, illustrations, & graphics which highlighted the consistency of the Newtown Township’s zoning & land use regulations with the Joint Municipal Comprehensive Plan to support the professional service uses identified for theproperty.