Amendment to reduce waiver subdivisions

Flagstems

Borough Planning Chief Eileen Probasco showed photos of waiver subdivisions with what's called “flagstems.” A flagstem is a narrow corridor created for access to a property. In some cases several long, narrow driveways run side by side through a single parcel, accessing property deep within the subdivision. In one case, access to four parcels has evolved into a runway for airplanes as well.

Eileen Probasco, MSB Chief of Planning“The cost of remedying some of those situations is borne by the taxpayers as a whole as opposed to the development when it occurs,” Probasco told the Assembly.

In the past the Borough has been asked to step in and acquire additional right-of-way to make the existing access safer.

Platting Process

Normally, a subdivision is created through the platting process, a comprehensive review to ensure sufficient space for roads, drainage, snow storage and access for emergency responder vehicles. 

The approved amendment grants a waiver subdivision one time only. The parcel can be divided into no more than four lots. Beyond that, the landowner must go through the platting process.

The Assembly voted down a second amendment to the subdivision code, this one for public use easements. Assembly Members decided the amendment for waivers would remedy the problems with public use easements.
For more information call Borough Chief of Planning Eileen Probasco at 745-9833 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.