A public hearing on the Red Hill Borough village residential overlay text amendment was left open by the borough Council at their Wednesday, September 11 meeting.

            The decision to proceed with the text amendment, which would clear the way for the development, hung on several issues, with a walking trail in the Upper Hanover portion of the tract being of the greatest concern.

            Red Hill borough council members were reluctant to approve the measure without a commitment from Upper Hanover that plans for the trail could proceed. Presently the development is in sketch plan only, which isn't binding, and the Red Hill council is unwilling to take that leap of faith.

            "I think the most important thing is knowing what Upper Hanover is going to do," commented council president Doris Decker.

            Solicitor Marjorie Brown noted other concerns held by the planning commission including "changing dimensional requirements" including lot size, parking and open space, which would all render the borough's previous village overlay plan unrecognizable. The intent of the village overlay featured open space with central green space, protection of environmental feature, and a pedestrian-friendly plan.

            Hendricks Road resident James Glackin voiced his concerns about flooding on Hendricks Road, particularly after the historic flood event of this past summer. Solicitor Brown stated that DEP regulations, however, say that the flow off the property cannot exceed what is allowed now.

            The council is now waiting for a letter from the Upper Hanover zoning officer stating that the township is comfortable with the installation of the trail. The council voted to keep the hearing open with members Liz DeJesus and Kim Gery voting no.

            In other development news, William Fretz, owner of 400 Main Street and planner John Kennedy presented a concept for 13 one- and two-bedroom apartments for the section of the building not used by KeyBank. Fretz will need to apply for a variance.

            In fire company news, the Red Hill Company will hold its fire prevention open house on October 8 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

            The organization Driven by Hope now has the official go-ahead for their October 4 food truck event in the borough park and municipal building parking lot. The event has attracted 1,800 attendees in the past.