Without one, the community could be robbed of its character

        The New Hanover Board of Supervisors heard presentations on new housing developments progressing in their planning. At least one of the supervisors, however, believes the township needs more of a vision for development.

            After hearing two presentations from two separate developers at different stages in their projects, supervisor Chuck Garner stated that without a strategy, the developments could "rob the community of its character."

            He further said "I am going to be very vocal," regarding future developments.

            During the supervisors' work session, they heard a presentation on Trotter's Gait, which is a 29-unit single family home project on approximately thirteen acres on Dotterer Road. The planning commission voted to deny the preliminary approval, citing several outstanding issues that needed to be resolved. Representatives for developer, Del Grippo Enterprises/Mikelen LLC presented several requested waivers to the supervisors' consideration. The supervisors told the developer to return at a later date for their approvals, now that they had been advised as to what the township was looking for from them.

            The supervisors granted final approval to the Renninger Tract phase II development to the Gambone Swamp Pike LP. Located at Middle Creek Road and Dotterer, this development will include forty atrium homes - attached units with courtyards.

            In other development news, solicitor Andrew Bellwoar received authorization to file a complaint in federal court to recover nearly $100,000 in funds owed the township by the FDIC for the Courtside development. Both the developer and the bank issuing his line of credit have failed, and the township has been forced to finish the project with monies from the general fund.

            In parks and recreation news, the supervisors discussed replacing the outgoing parks and recreation director, Connie Garner.  They determined that instead of seeking a new director now they would wait until 2018, specifically when it becomes to open the pool again for the summer.

            All of the supervisors thanked Garner for her service and the "stellar job" she had done.

            In stormwater management news, planner Adam Supplee gave a presentation on the township's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) which applies specifically to the "urbanized area" of the township along Swamp Pike. Supplee stressed that stormwater outfalls are for taking away stormwater only and are "not a way to carry away our pollution."

            Supplee added that the township's Environmental Advisory Board would be inspecting the 138 outfalls in the urbanized areas in the near future. Volunteers are welcome and should contact the board.

            In sewer authority news, authority superintendent Gregory Rapp reported that a manhole cover had been left open by a contractor after the installation of an interceptor, resulting in a great amount of water at the authority's plant. The authority is planning to bill the contractor for overtime hours and clean-up.

            In other news, Township resident Russel Oister, Sr. made a brief presentation on the importance of honeybees as "important pollinators" and noted that 85% of beekeepers are backyard enthusiasts. The township regards beekeeping as agricultural land use, requiring at least three acres of land. Oister asked for the supervisors changing that requirement, as beekeeping requires only a small plot of land.