Approval was granted in regard to the final plan resolution and waivers associated with the Zern Tract development project at Monday's Douglass Township Board of Supervisors meeting. The request by Danny Jake Corporation was granted on the condition that all compliances are met.

            This refers to the 238 single family townhomes on 23.59 acres on property adjacent to the former Zern's Farmers Market between Jackson Road and Route 100.

            Additional agreements between the developer and the township include: $30,500 the township will receive in lieu of planting of trees; the granting of an easement for water access that will deter water utility issues; water hookup to the fire department at the expense of the developer; and required impact traffic fee of $339,000 that the developer is responsible for paying.

            The proposed start of the project is April or May of 2019.

            "A lot of time was spent organizing and reviewing this project," solicitor Bob Brant said.

            Earlier in the meeting, officials reviewed the zoning board hearing application concerning the Gehris property on Hoffmansville Road. The property is zoned R-1, but the request is a residential addition on a non-conforming lot. Nancy Gehris is the owner of the property and her son Ryan Gehris is in the process of purchasing the family home. The intention is to expand the approximately 1,500 square foot living space to a 3,000 square foot structure.

            The family is requesting approval to proceed with zoning hearing board procedures. The supervisors requested additional information and asked if there would be ample parking; if an additional kitchen for an in-law suite would be constructed; would there be issues with sewage and water; and if immediate neighbors that could potentially be impacted by the construction have been contacted.

            Ryan Gehris informed the board that there will not be a separate kitchen for an in-law area; sufficient parking is available; and that their neighbors have been contacted and are supportive of the development of the property. Mr. Gehris said that he will contact the township sewage authority and confirm that there will not be sewage or public water issues.

            There is an enormous amount of information to go over in this plan. Kuklinski said, "There is a lot of stuff in this plan and I want to make sure we make an informed decision."

            The zoning board hearing is scheduled for March 26. The next supervisors meeting is March 18, and a decision will be made at that meeting.

            In other news, the Planning Agency will host its next meeting on March 14 and the Board of Supervisors will hold its meeting on March 18.

            The township's annual audit, performed by Herbein and Company, will be generated and made public through this Friday. In addition, Douglass will be receiving new voting machines for the upcoming election.