services

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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2016 News Archive

12/28/2016 - Preparing for Spring!
Seidel Planning & Design completed landscape & lighting plans for the redevelopment of a corporate office park in Upper Merion Township of Montgomery County. The plan addressed years of deferred maintenance including site regarding; the removal of unhealthy, mature vegetation; and the addition of native plants & energy efficient exterior lighting.
12/20/2016 - Right-Sizing Residential Development!
The land use planners at Seidel Planning testified before the East Greenwich Township Joint Land Use Board of Gloucester County in support of a single-family detached residential community requiring variances from bulk regulations & increased density.
12/19/2016 - Use Variances Approved in New Jersey!
The land use planners at Seidel Planning & design represented a New Jersey utility service provider for a proposed development project in Springfield Township of Burlington County. Testimony supported the required use variances to obtain approval from the Town’s Zoning Board.
12/15/2016 - Landscape Plans for the Jersey Shore!
Seidel Planning & Design prepared landscape plans for a residential developer in Atlantic City. The Landscape plan addressed conditions of approval imposed on the development during the project’s zoning board application which was previously supported by the land use planners at Seidel Planning.
12/4/2016 - Development Assessment Completed in Allegheny County!
The SPD team made a weekend retreat & visited a nationally recognized historic property in western Pennsylvania. The land use planners provided an assessment of a proposed land use application including site design recommendations & alternatives to reduce potential impacts of development.
11/22/2016 - Seidel Planning & Design proudly represented the Public Service Enterprise Group (PSE&G)
Seidel Planning represented PSE&G for the implementation of their internal communications network to support emergency communications. The impacts of Hurricane Sandy highlighted opportunities to supplement the company’s existing communications system and prompted the necessity for a major network upgrade. While a majority of the communications network has been enhanced with the collocation of antenna and equipment on existing communications and transmission towers, an important ...
11/20/2016 - Yield Analysis completed in Chester County!
Seidel Planning & Design prepared a development feasibility study and yield analysis for a property in Chester County. The study investigated the impacts of a proposed zoning ordinance amendment producing illustrative site plans to market the sale of the parcel.
11/18/2016 - Opportunity for Downtown Redevelopment!
Seidel Planning & Design conducted field investigation in Morristown, New Jersey to analyze the impact of a multi-story commercial structure proposed in the community’s town center. Photographs obtained during the site visit will be utilized to develop photographic simulations from key locations to address concerns of the municipality.
11/17/2016 - Bells Ring with Approval in Haddon Heights!
Historic properties, limitations in the town’s land use regulations, and a primarily residential community required a creative solution to improve communications within Haddon Heights Borough, Camden County, NJ. Seidel Planning & Design supported the requested use, height, and setback variances with expert land use planning testimony presented to the town’s zoning board of adjustment. The staff at Seidel Planning supported the application with the preparation of 3D models ...
11/16/2016 - SPD back in East Coventry!
SPD represented a developer at the East Coventry Township Planning Commission meeting in Chester County, PA. Mr. Seidel described the development project, identified the impact of the proposed zoning ordinance amendment, & provided responses to the review letters prepared by the townships’ consultants.
11/14/2016 - Special Permit & Site Plan approval granted!
The planning board for the town of Grafton in Worcester County approved a special permit and site plan application for the Worcester County land development project, Seidel Planning supported the application with a community impact assessment illustrating the suitability of the property for the proposed use.
11/6/2016 - SPD supports Rotary International
The Seidel Planning & Design staff supported the community efforts of Rotary International by sponsoring & participating in the annual “bowling for a cause” fundraiser.
10/14/2016 - Historic Testimony!
Brian E. Seidel of Seidel Planning & Design attended Philadelphia Historic Commission Meeting. Representing the interests of property owners adjacent to a proposed residential tower in Rittenhouse Square.
9/8/2016 - Signs Ahead
Seidel Planning & Design obtained approval for building signs from Springettsbury Township. Illustrative elevations, site plans, and a comprehensive inventory of existing signage for the York County industrial campus to satisfy the permitting requirements.
8/23/2016 - Massachusetts Bound!
The SPD team traveled to Massachusetts to provide a field investigation to review potential community impacts for a proposed development project. A summary of the research including a photographic inventory & expert land use planning opinion regarding suitability will be incorporated in a written report and submitted to the planning board with the land use application.
8/22/2016 - Now you see us… Now you don’t!
Multiple design solutions were suggested by the municipality and community to address buffer requirements of Upper Dublin Township for the development of billboard along the Pennsylvanian Turnpike in Montgomery County. Seidel Planning & Design worked with the project team to identify a simple and immediately effective solution to maintain visibility of the billboard from motorists on the Turnpike while screening the view from nearby residential properties. In addition to design services, Seidel ...
8/19/2016 - No application too small!
Seidel Planning & Design received another approval to permit the replacement of signage at a large multi-tenant industrial warehouse in Springettsbury Township, York County. Seidel Planning & Design prepared an inventory of the existing non-conforming signage to determine permitted sign area, and acquired permits to remove the existing signage, and install illuminated signs for the new tenants.
8/8/2016 - Seidel Planning is heading west!
Seidel Planning conducted an advertised balloon test for a proposed telecommunications tower in Berkeley County, West Virginia. The balloon test was utilized to assess and mitigate the potential visual impact of the proposed structure on surrounding historic properties in the City of Martinsburg.
8/2/2016 - Outdoor Learning in Bethlehem Township!
Seidel Planning & Design developed a concept plans for a residential community in Bethlehem Township. The community was focused around open space containing historic and environmental features, a proposed walking trail, an outdoor classroom with a natural rock ‘amphitheater’ creating a connection between the 45-home community and an adjacent elementary school.
7/14/2016 - Minor changes require major approvals in Morris County!
Testimony was provided to the Randolph Township Planning Board by Brian E. Seidel, LLA, NJPP in support of D2 and D6 use variances required for a proposed expansion to an existing non-conforming communications tower, and to deviate from the Township’s height regulations. Seidel Planning & Design, Ltd. prepared a photographic inventory and photographic simulations illustrating the additional antenna and related equipment.
6/18/2016 - Planning for traffic on Main Street!
Seidel Planning & Design took a break from their usual planning solutions to apply their skills to event and festival planning! Seidel Planning & Design collaborated with Brew Crew Events and Phoenixville Borough to prepare the layout for the Craft Beer Festival on Main Street in Phoenixville, PA.
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5/27/2016 - We'll be the Judge of that...
Brian Seidel, a certified land use planner and landscape architect with Seidel Planning & Design had the opportunity to serve as a judge for the Boyertown Junior High West 9th Grade community planning project. Mr. Seidel was selected to work with a group of community volunteers to critique teams of students taking on professional roles including a marketing coordinator, recreational planner, architect, project manager, engineer, and zoning coordinator. The teams developed and presented ...
5/2/2016 - Seidel Planning obtains a favorable zoning determination to finalize tenant lease!
Services provided by a medical infusion therapy center did not meet the specific requirements of East Whiteland Township’s use regulations for ‘Business or professional offices’. To finalize a lease agreement for the therapy center, Seidel Planning was retained to review the zoning regulations and provide justification for the proposed tenant. SPD prepared correspondence indicating the suitability of the proposed tenant for the existing building, compatibility with surrounding ...
4/26/2016 - Request for interpretation and exemption approved in Middlesex County, New Jersey!
Seidel Planning & Design’s President, Brian E. Seidel, LLA, NJPP provided compelling land use planning testimony to the municipal Zoning Board of Adjustment winning approval for the modification of an existing communications tower in Carteret Borough. Testimony summarized: the application was consistent with the spirit & purpose of State and Federal legislation supporting the colocation of antenna and equipment on existing structures; the application and structure met the federal ...
4/25/2016 - A Divine Approval!
A request for site plan waiver, height variances, and use variances were approved for the Salem United Methodist Church in the City of Pleasantville, Atlantic County, New Jersey. The staff at Seidel Planning & Design prepared a series of exhibits including photographic simulations and zoning overlay maps which were presented to the municipal zoning board by the firm’s president Brian E. Seidel, LLA, NJPP. Mr. Seidel’s testimony and supporting exhibits highlighted the suitability of ...
4/16/2016 - Will work for Beer!
Seidel Planning & Design is proud to assist Brew Crew Events in preparation of the Reading Craft Beer Festival, held at the Santander Arena & Performing Arts Center. The team at Seidel Planning prepared plans to identify a layout within the arena to accommodate over 100 breweries and vendors throughout the arena (and enjoyed a sampling as well). Cheers!http://www.readingbeerfest.com/
4/14/2016 - A roaring approval in Red Lion!
Brian E. Seidel, NJPP, AICP provided land use planning testimony in South Hampton Township, Burlington County, New Jersey. The testimony highlighted the positive impact of the application on the community and consistency with commercial uses in the underlying zoning district to secure the D-1 use variance.
4/12/2016 - Lucky # 7 approved in Coaldale!
Conditional Use Approval was granted by Coaldale Borough for the construction of a 199-foot lattice style communications tower.The approval in Coaldale was the final approval required to complete a development master plan for seven wireless communication sites in the region adjacent to Route 209 from Jim Thorpe to Tamaqua through Schuylkill and Carbon Counties.Coaldale rendered the decision at their April 12, 2016 meeting after testimony was presented at two (2) prior meetings.
3/30/2016 - Special Exception approved in Lansford!
Seidel Planning & Design represented a property owner and developer at the Municipal Zoning Hearing Board supporting development in Lansford Borough.Testimony was provided describing an analysis of alternative sites, compliance with zoning regulations, and suitability of the project site.Mr. Seidel addressed community concerns of traffic, security, safety, and visual impact securing a unanimous approval from the board. http://www.tnonline.com/2016/mar/31/lansford-approves-new-cell-tower-borough
3/28/2016 - Special Exception Approvals flow through Slum Creek!
J. Wesley Beers provided testimony to the Tamaqua Borough Zoning Hearing Board obtaining special exception approval for a communications tower within the borough.Mr. Beers’ testimony highlighted compliance with zoning regulations, and consistency with wireless communications master plan being implemented between Schuylkill and Carbon Counties.
3/24/2016 - Flying to new heights in Swarthmore!
The Seidel Planning team conducted a balloon test to determine the visual impact of a proposed structure on the surrounding community.The field investigation was completed at the request of Swarthmore College and publicly advertised to gain community input on the project.The investigation included flying a large red balloon to the height of the proposed structure, and obtaining photographs of the balloon from surrounding properties and roadways.After the field investigation was completed, the ...
3/22/2016 - Expert testimony provided in Philadelphia
Seidel Planning provided land use planning testimony at Philadelphia Licenses and Inspections (L&I) review board to appeal the issuance of a special assembly occupancy permit. Mr. Seidel presented a written report containing a series of photographs and exhibits indicating that the criteria required for L&I to issue the special use permit was not adequately addressed, resulting in a direct negative impact on the community and residential neighborhood. Testimony highlighted the direct ...
3/16/2016 - Capitalizing on Surban Development Trends!
Seidel Planning provided research, investigation, and design services as part of the due-diligence for the acquisition of a notable commercial property in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, PA. The SPD team provided a parking needs assessment, prepared alternative site designs to maximize parking efficiency, and developed construction cost estimates in order to implement the alternative site designs and to facilitate the acquisition and redevelopment of the property.
2/10/2016 - Planning testimony reaches a new peak in Summit Hill!
Expanding the implementation of a wireless communications master plan and complimenting zoning approvals received the night before in adjacent Nesquehoning Borough, Brian Seidel provided land use planning testimony to obtain special exception approval of a communications tower in Summit Hill Borough.Testimony outlined the suitability of the subject property, the lack of existing available infrastructure in the region, and compliance with municipal regulations resulting in the least intrusive ...
2/9/2016 - Seidel Planning & Design scores a hat trick in Nesquehoning Borough!
Brian E. Seidel demonstrated his experience & expertise in planning for wireless infrastructure with land use planning testimony to obtain special exception approval for three (3) communications towers within the Borough. Mr. Seidel presented exhibits illustrating the three proposed locations will expand opportunities for wireless communications service, compliment existing wireless infrastructure, and comply with municipal zoning regulations to implement a wireless communications development ...
1/27/2016 - Seidel Planning lights up approvals in East Pikeland!
Brian E. Seidel, a land use planner and president of Seidel Planning & Design, presented photographic simulations and provided land use planning testimony to support the approval of variances required to install a small-cell wireless solution on existing light standards within the Chester County shopping center. Testimony was provided indicating the suitability of the property and consistency with the zoning regulations to justify the need for the design solution to the municipal zoning hearing ...
1/27/2016 - Seidel Planning expands landscape architecture services to the Old line State!
Seidel Planning & Design is pleased to announce the firm’s President, Brian E. Seidel, has obtained his landscape architectural license in the State of Maryland to service needs of the firm’s existing clients & project sites in Columbia and Carroll Counties. The staff at Seidel Planning holds additional landscape architectural licenses in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania in addition to the New Jersey Professional Planning license (NJPP) and the American Institute of Certified ...
1/25/2016 - Illustrating a creative design solution in Upper Dublin!
The landscape architects at Seidel Planning prepared landscape plans and illustrative renderings assisting in the approval of use variances in the Montgomery County municipality, for the development of a billboard adjacent to the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Fort Washington. Plans depicted a landscape solution to mitigate potential views of the illuminated sign from nearby residential properties.
1/20/2016 - Zoning approvals overflow in Toms River, New Jersey!
Seidel Planning & Design provides land use planning testimony to obtain use variance approval in the Ocean County municipality to implement a small-cell wireless solution. Testimony was presented indicating the need for the facility, the suitability of the property for the proposed use, and negligible negative impact on the surrounding community and zoning plan.
1/12/2016 - A favorable recommendation received in Nesquehoning Borough!
Brian Seidel, a land use planner and president of Seidel Planning & Design, presented plans and exhibits illustrating the suitability of a parcel within the Carbon County Municipality for the development of communication towers. Seidel Planning presented site plans, an inventory of existing towers in the area to illustrate the suitability of the site, and described the projectsconsistency with Municipal zoning regulations to receive a unanimous recommendation of approval from the ...
1/11/2016 - Seidel Planning & Design, Ltd expands the design team!
Seidel Planning starts 2016 strong and is pleased to announce an expansion of the design team with the addition of J.Wesley Beers. A graduate from Temple University’s Landscape Architectural program, Wes brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in land use planning, landscape design, GIS, and technical design services. Welcome Wes to the team by contacting him at jwb@seidelplanning.com, or by phone at (610) 323-8752.