Three separate proposals for developments totaling approximately 590 units were presented to Washington Township Board of Supervisors last Thursday night. 

            Approximately one year ago, Prestige Builders purchased the former 143-acre West Tract in Washington Township from a division of Wells Fargo Bank.  Prestige Builders provided a preliminary sketch plan to the township of approximately 320 single family units with an additional commercial use along Route 100.

            Previously, there had been a development plan for the site of 789 housing units, consisting of townhouses, twins, and single family houses.  That plan was rescinded in 2017.  The current plan called Edison Walk, presumably because the inventor, Thomas Alva Edison, mined for iron ore in Washington Township during the late 19th century, proposes 320 houses. 

            However, the developer is permitted 370 dwelling units "by right" in the township zoning code.  Howard Brown, Attorney for Prestige Builders, informed the Board of Supervisors that James D'Angelo and Eric Aronson are the principals of Prestige Builders.  The Engineer for the project, Roger Lehman of All County Engineering, explained the proposed residential development will consist of 320 age targeted single family houses on 7,900 square foot lots with a projected price range of $270,000 to $310,000.  The developer will request a change on the township map that notes the frontage along Route 100 will be zoned commercial.

            Township Solicitor, Dan Becker, explained Prestige Builders should file a request for a rezoning of that portion of the property with the appropriate language.  Becker said, "The Township will then consider the request."  Lehman noted, according to the township zoning ordinance 40% of the property, approximately 74 acres must be in some form of open space.  The developer proposes to donate 34 acres to open space with a "fee in lieu of" open space for the remainder of the required open land. 

            When questioned why there were no small parks to accommodate young children the developer explained most buyers in age targeted properties will not have small children. The developer expected walking trails would be incorporated into the development. 

            Lehman informed the Supervisors the street layout is expected to be the same as the West Tract plan with streets 26 feet wide.  The developers would like the township to take ownership of the roads in the development once construction is completed. 

            Township Chairman, Dave Moyer, commented, "As a former road-master, the roads are horrible.  The main goal of this township is the safety of the residents."  It was noted the roads in the development are too narrow for emergency vehicles to have easy access.  The development will connect to Washington Township's sewer system.  It is anticipated the development's sewer connections eventually will help to reduce the current fee of $318 per quarter sewer rate payers are charged.  It is expected Aqua PA will be able to provide adequate water to the site. 

            A resident of Spring Valley Village, a large senior community in the township, commented that with all the new development local police coverage should be provided as a service to the residents.  

            Rich Mingey, a landowner in the township, provided an update to the Supervisors on his proposed development.  Mingey has reduced the density by 10% to 15% on his development along Schwenkfelder Road.  On the 106 acre parcel he owns there will be 17 estate lots of 1.7 to 4 acres in size.  Additionally, a 52 acre parcel with a large restored mansion will be subdivided and placed in a conservation easement.  On the adjoining 78 acre parcel along Schwenkfelder Road, Mingey has reduced the density from 258 units to 236 units.  He noted he has no current plans to develop an additional 10-acre site he owns. 

            With the exception of 5 units, most of Mingey's development will require sewer and water from Bally Borough.  

            Clover Hill development, which will consist of 17 single family houses located on County Line Road and Niantic Road, has been inactive for some time but now it is ready to commence with its plans.  However, Township Engineer, John Weber, LTL Consultants, informed the Board of Supervisors the development might hit a snag because Burkey's Bridge that provides access for the development is slated for construction.  The work on the bridge is expected to begin May 6th and take at least 6 months.  Weber suggested there must be some coordination between the developer and the bridge work.