The Park Place development on Dogwood Lane in Bally might soon be on its the way to completion. 

On Tuesday night Rich Mingey, Kelly Builders Group, Inc., came before Bally Borough Council to seek permission to construct the remaining 68 residential units in two phases.

        Mingey explained the first phase that fronts Dogwood Lane would consist of 10 houses. The second phase of 58 houses in the “inner loop” of the development would be constructed when the borough can provide the EDUs for the sewer.  

Mingey said he would like to purchase as many EDUs as possible to begin construction.  He noted there would be no substantial changes to the plans.  However, the engineering for the final plan would be updated.

        Bally Borough Council Vice President Tom Leister said, “Phasing the development is not a problem.  You just need the right documents.” 

Borough Solicitor Matt Doll explained Mingey must go before the borough’s planning commission so that they are familiar with the plans.

        In other news, Sandy Kline, Kris Neiman and Ruth Baker appealed to the borough council to endorse a resolution that would keep Boyertown-area school board elections unchanged.

        Recently, the Boyertown School Board voted to seek permission from the Berks County Common Pleas Court to change the way school board members are elected.  Three of the nine school board members would be “at large” members from any of the three voting districts.  Currently, three school board members are elected from three separate voting districts.

        Boyertown School District educates children in both Montgomery and Berks counties.  The Montgomery County voting district in Region 1 is the most populated and wealthiest area of the school district.  The court has not ruled on the matter yet.  The court is expected to hear arguments both in opposition and in support of the change.

        Citizens who are opposed to the change feel it is critical to have the support from municipalities in the school district.  Sandy Kline said, “We need local representation on the school board, not at large members.  We need to keep property taxes low.” 

Kris Neiman, who is a candidate for election to the school board in the fall election, noted the potential exists that all nine school board members could come from one voting district that is the most populated and wealthiest in the school district. 

        “The most representation that Berks County could get is seven members,” Neiman said.  He reiterated Kline’s statement that taxes need to remain low.

        There are 10 municipalities within Boyertown School District.  Earl Township, Bechtelsville, Colebrookdale and Douglass townships in Montgomery County voted to endorse a resolution that supports school board elections remain unchanged.  Bally Borough Council passed a resolution to keep elections the same.

        In an effort to save money, a citizen of Bally requested the borough council negotiate for trash collection for those residents of the borough who want it.  The borough council explained a municipality must submit bids for trash removal and take the lowest one.  It cannot pick and choose whom it uses for trash collection.

        Additionally, it would be necessary for all properties in the borough to be required to have trash collection, something Bally Borough Council is not inclined to do.  Residents of the borough make their own arrangements for trash collection.  Council members said they think it should remain that way.