Could affect Proposed Edison Walk Development

            Representatives of Prestige Building Partners, the developer of the proposed Edison Walk subdivision requested direction from the Washington Township Board of Supervisors on Thursday night concerning access to the township's sewer system. 

            The proposed Edison Walk subdivision located along Route 100 consists of a total of 144 acres with 19 acres zoned commercial and 125 acres zoned residential.  The developer proposes approximately 256 residential units on the site.

            Township Sewer Engineer, Thomas Unger, Systems Design Engineering (SDS), recommended that an engineering study and a cost analysis of the sewer plant expansion be performed. Unger noted the township sewer plant will be at its capacity at the end of 2021. 

            Currently, the permitted capacity of the sewer plant allowed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is 250,000 gallons per day. DEP estimates 2.64 persons per household for sewer usage with an average daily use of approximately 256 gallons. Unger cautioned the township has 38 Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs) left before it is completely out of capacity. 

            Of the 38 EDUs remaining, 34 have been pre sold.  In reality, there are only 4 EDUs available for sewer connection. Unger noted the sewer plant is relatively new. It is constructed of pre cast concrete and PVC pipe. Since 2012 the township has saved for a potential expansion of its sewer plant through a fund set aside that is partially financed by the sale of EDUs. 

            Unger suggested last month and reiterated on Thursday the township should inform potential developers of the current situation of the sewer plant.  Township Chairman Dave Moyer stressed the township ratepayers will not be burdened by the cost to expand the sewer plant. Moyer noted developers who intend to connect to an expanded sewer plant will pay for the expansion. 

            In a related matter, the Board of Supervisors granted final plan approval for a minor subdivision on the commercial section of the Edison Walk subdivision. As yet, it has not been determined what type of business will eventually occupy the commercial portion of the development. As a consequence, it is uncertain how many EDUs will be needed for commercial use on the site. 

            In other matters, due to inclement weather no diseased trees were removed from the Gehringer open space tract. 

            Bids for the full depth reclamation (FDR) of Moyer Road and Lane Road will be opened at the next supervisors meeting in March.

            The supervisors delayed accepting credit cards payments for sewer fees and other municipal fees until a financial analysis of the cost can be determined. 

            Township Solicitor Joan London informed the supervisors that the appeal to the Berks County Common Pleas Court of the township zoning board decision to deny Kelly Builders/ Shadeland Developers recreational facilities on its property will be heard on March 4.  The property is located on Schenkwenkfelder and County Line roads. 

            The municipal building lobby will be reopened at the beginning of March. 

            Chairman Moyer thanked the township road crew for their "hard and diligent work" keeping roads open during the recent snow storms.  Moyer noted, "The road crew is there for township resident's safety."

            The next Washington Township Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 25.