Development and land issues dominated discussions at the Washington Township Board of Supervisors meeting last Thursday night. 

The developer of Spring Valley Village requested the township rezone the property located at 2115 Old Route 100 from its present industrial zoning to residential. 

            The developer hoped to construct 35 modular homes on the 17-acre property.  The board declined to change the zoning.  When questioned by a Spring Valley Village resident, Chairman, Dave Moyer explained the township has very little industrial zoning and it would like to keep what it has.  Land zoned industrial has a higher market value than residential land.  However, it is more difficult to sell because there are fewer buyers for industrial land compared to residential land. 

            Municipalities prefer to have industrial zoning on some parcels because, when developed, industrial sites bring jobs to an area and do not stress the school system or emergency services.  Additionally, the tax revenue is much higher on industrial land. 

            In another matter, the developer of Spring Valley Village requested Washington Township grant sewer connections--called Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs)--for three existing model homes in the village.  The supervisors refused the developer's request until the three model homes have agreements of sale. 

            Recently, the township was granted a hydrologic rerate for a higher capacity of its sewer plant by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  As a result, it is possible, with certain conditions, that up to 90 EDUs can be aded to the sewer system.  One of DEP's conditions requires an agreement of sale for any new property that is added to the sewer system. 

            Paul Farnsworth, of Bally Springs development, sought a deed of dedication for the roads in phases two and three of the development.  Farnsworth agreed to a cash escrow instead of an insurance bond for the deed of dedication.  He also agreed to repair three small items on the "punch list" for the development. 

            Township Solicitor Joan London informed the board that discussions of the mandatory settlement ordered by the Berks County Court of Common Pleas between the township and developer Rich Mingey are going well and are "progressing".  London noted she sent a second draft of revisions to the developer's attorney, Greg Adelman.  She explained there is no deadline by which the final agreement between the developer and the township must be signed.

            The developer of the Edison Walk subdivision, Prestige Properties, located along Route 100, requested a consolidation of all municipal improvements, property exchanges and assistance requests.  The supervisors took no action on the matter.  The Supervisors agreed to an extension of the Edison Walk subdivision from September 30 to March 29, 2022.

            In other land matters, after reasonable attempts to contact the owners of 44 Crescent Lane and to determine if the property owner has a plan to fix the property, the township will obtain a court order from the Berks County Court of Common Pleas to demolish the property.  The property is in an unsafe state of repair. 

Moyer stated, "Safety is a big issue."

            The township agreed to contact Met Ed, the electric supplier in the region, after Jim Treichler, a property owner near Crow Hill Road, reported three large dead trees near the West Branch Creek. The trees are located between electric lines.  Treichler explained if the trees fall the nearby bridge will be destroyed and the area will lose power.  He said, "It is a public safety issue." 

            Moyer cautioned residents about a roofing scam in the area.  Moyer urged residents, if they observe suspicious activity, to call the police or call the township.  He said, "Don't let someone you do not know into your house." 

            Moyer also suggested caution when driving on wet township roads because falling leaves can be slippery.  He noted that deer are prevalent on roads in the fall. 

            The township will hold a workshop meeting to discuss its 2022 budget on Monday, October 18th at 6 p.m. and, if necessary, on Tuesday, October 19th at 6 p.m.

            The next Washington Township Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 28 at 7 p.m.