After several rounds of discussions, the Red Hill Borough Council took a step ahead on a Hendricks Road development.

            The Council approved advertising of the amendment to the village overlay district zoning ordinance at their meeting on Tuesday, July 22.

            The approval clears the first path for the development, though it will still require the approval of the borough planning commission and Montgomery County.

            At the beginning of the meeting, borough solicitor Marjorie Brown stated that "the idea of using orientation no longer applies" which is a key factor of the village overlay district. Certain aesthetic requirements that were part of the village look and feel will not be required, such as garage doors on both the sides and fronts of the units. Brown noted that the "architectural features" will contribute to the village feel, since it is no longer there with the lots.

            Much of the discussion was devoted to the trail in the development, which is still in question since it is located in the Upper Hanover portion of the development.  Solicitor Brown distinguished the "community trail" – a loop within the development - from the Perkiomen Railroad Trail.

            If Upper Hanover Township does not ultimately approve the trail, the developers will need to provide other recreational facilities within the development. The will not be a fee in lieu of, or the opportunity to provide recreational facilities elsewhere in the borough.

            The council is adamant about seeing the trail constructed. Council president pro tem Liz DeJesus stated to the developer's representatives Chris Nash and Rob Sebia, Esq., "You've got to get that trail in Upper Hanover. I'm just saying what everybody's thinking. We're giving you a lot."