The Trotter's Gate subdivision to be located on Dotterer Road has again hit some snags with the New Hanover Board of Supervisors.

            The supervisors heard a presentation by attorney Joseph Clement, representing the developer Mikelen LLC, which was seeking preliminary plan approval for the development to be located on Dotterer Road, at their meeting on March 1.

            The development would consist of 29 single family homes. Originally 54 townhomes were planned for the tract. Though the decline in density was seen in a positive light by the supervisors, and preliminary plan approval was recommended by the township planning commission, the supervisors had many unanswered questions regarding waivers that the developer was pursuing.

            Specifically, the developer is seeking a waiver for roadway width within the development. The township's ordinance calls for 32 feet with an additional eight feet allotted for parking on one side, and 16 feet for two-sided parking. The developer is seeking a reduction to 30 feet including the parking, bringing the total width to 22 feet.

            Wider roads mean more impermeable surface, creating potential problems with storm water runoff. Larger storm water basins on the site would eat up space, which is of major concern to the developer. Additionally, the planned neighboring Pacer's Gate development would need to use the Trotter's Gate basins.

            There were also questions about whether there were now woodlands on the site, which would also impact the development.

            The supervisors all expressed concerns with aspects of the plan and reluctance to approve it.  Attorney Clement said, "We've been here in good faith for a year. We will address those comments we need to address."

            Supervisors' chair Chuck Garner was unmoved. "This is the first time we've looked at this plan in this detail" he stated.

            Supervisor vice chair Marie Livelsberger said, "I'd like to see what the plan looked like following our ordinances." The supervisors determined they needed more time to consider the plan and agreed to an extension to April 6.  An extension to April 6 was also approved for the Pacer's Gate preliminary plan.

            In roads news, bridge replacements on Swamp Pike and North Charlotte Street in 2019 and 2020 have the potential for creating a nuisance for motorists. Detours suggested by the county, including Sanatoga Road and Bliem Road, are not deemed optimal by police chief Kevin McKeon because they will not be as accommodating to heavy traffic.  Chief McKeon suggest using Fagleysville Road, and the supervisors also discussed Nieffer Road, which is outside the township.

            The roads could be closed for a possible twelve weeks.