Discussions regarding New Hanover developments prompted some heated comments from all sides at the March 5 regular meeting of the New Hanover Board of Supervisors.

            In a case of "act now, apologize later," the supervisors discussed work that had been done at the site of the Rolling Meadows subdivision at the intersection of Specht and Moyer roads. A retention basin has been constructed without township approvals and inspection. Some township residents were angry. They commented that the supervisors need to "hold them [the developers] accountable" and that the developers "knew what they were doing".

            Township Engineer Geoffrey Atanasio assured the residents that "nothing happens onsite until all final approvals."

            The New Hanover Town Center development was also the subject of discussion with Marc Jonas representing the developer R. P. Wynestone. Though the reason for the appearance was an April deadline for the development, township solicitor Andrew Bellwoar said there was no need for action on behalf of the supervisors.

            The conversation turned to the serious concerns that the supervisors have about the developer following old ordinances in place when the development received initial approvals, but which have since been revised. Supervisor Ross Snook strongly encouraged the developer to follow current storm water ordinances.

            Chairman Chuck Garner made several comments reiterating what he would like to see from the developers. He stated that he wanted the development to look like a "town center" with a blend of commercial and residential and to avoid a "sea of parking" located off of Swamp Pike. He also asked that the developer return to the earlier iterations of the plan that featured more commercial spaces than dwellings.

            In zoning news, the supervisors heard a presentation from township resident Rusty Oister regarding proposed changes to a beekeeping ordinance, which would allow bee hives to be kept on residential lots with appropriate setbacks and barriers. The township staff will be working on a draft of the ordinance.

            In roads news, Township Manager Jamie Gwynn thanked Senator Bob Mensch for assisting the township in getting a signed copy of the agreement with PennDOT to allow work to proceed on changes to the Route 73/663 intersection.

            In personnel news, the supervisors approved a new three-year contract for Gwynn.

            The supervisors appointed Alloy Five, an architecture firm in Bethlehem, "to complete a pre-design analysis on infrastructure improvements" which may include expansion of existing township buildings or new construction.

            Solicitor Andrew Bellwoar announced that the supervisors had met in executive session on February 25 to discuss personnel, real estate and litigation. They also met prior to the March 5 meeting for personnel and real estate matters