Its official - the next significant step forward for the new middle school has been authorized by Upper Hanover Township.

            The Upper Hanover Board of Supervisors approved the preliminary plan at their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 13.

            Attorney for the Upper Perkiomen School District, Joseph Clement, said that the school district was willing to comply with all of the conditions cited in letters from the Upper Hanover Planning Commission dated May 30; from township engineers LTL on June 1; and from traffic engineers, McMahon Associates, on June 5.

            Supervisor Ben Fiorito made the motion for approval, stating "I am making the motion with the resolution in front of me." He noted that the planning commission gave their recommendations last week, with the understanding of the authorization of all involved third-party agencies, which will be needed for final township approval of the plan. "With that, I make the motion," he said.

            The motion passed unanimously with supervisor Rich Fain recusing himself due to his employment with Barry Isett Associates. The clock is now ticking for the school district on the third-party approval and submission of the final plan.

            In other zoning news, the Geryville Self Storage waiver approval was tabled until township attorney Joseph Bresnan can meet with the developer to discuss contributions in lieu of the waivers, and the Glenwood Chase approvals were tabled for negotiations.

            In roads news, the route 663 bridge located over the West Branch of the Perkiomen Creek will begin sometime in the next week. The bridge on the north side of the Heights, over the Green Lane Reservoir, may reopen as early as the end of June.

            The supervisors awarded the contract to install a guide rail on Lesher Mill Road Bridge to John Fletcher Creamer and Sons, Inc. for $11,700. The guide rail will restrict the bridge to one lane of traffic on the side of the bridge which is not deteriorating. The township is asking that the work be done by the end of July.

            In parks and recreation news, Judy A. Rothenberger was honored with a plaque for her five years of service to the township serving on the parks committee.