Douglass Township officials heard a proposal for a medical campus in the township at their meeting on Monday night.

            NORR, an architectural, engineering and planning firm based in Philadelphia, presented the board with a site proposal plan for Gilbertsville Medical Campus. The plan for the medical facility is based on population growth within the township and the need for a medical establishment. 

            The property is located at 1111 Grosser Road located behind the Wawa. It is zoned as M1: office and light industrial use.

            A medical network has not been decided, but the property is taxable by the township. The preliminary plan includes a combination of medical facilities. The first floor of the building will house the functional elements and the upper floors will consist of patient rooms with approximately 85 to 100 beds. The building will be 3-5 levels. 

            The front part of the property facing Route 100 will be utilized for retail businesses.

"I ask that you think of something creative for retail and not duplicate what is within 10-15 mile radius of the township," said Chairman Joshua Stouch.

            The board was genuinely intrigued and excited about the proposal.

            "What I would suggest to the board is to look at the material they provided. They did a nice job presenting the material this evening," said Solicitor Robert Brant. 

            The board asked for the proposal to be presented to the planning commission in two weeks at its next meeting. 

            In other news, Josh Hagadorn, the township engineer, presented his report to the board. The Jackson Road storage unit facility requested the escrow release in the amount of $475,446.95. This leaves approximately $1.26 million remaining in escrow. Hagadorn stated that the work has been completed as expected and recommended the release. The board approved the release. 

            Hagadorn also provided an update on DCNR Douglass Park Phase II progress. The court surface is in the process of being milled, sealed and painted. The project is expected to be completed in the spring. 

            In addition, Hagadorn recommended the release of the Zern Tract Phase I escrow in the amount of $72,069.41. The project is going well and the engineering firm has been in constant contact with the construction company to ensure all work is completed as expected.  

            An executive session was held concerning real estate, personnel and litigation matters. No decisions were made.

            The Board of Supervisors will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, February 18. All residents are encouraged to attend.