Development news was first and foremost on the Washington Township Board of Supervisor's agenda on Thursday night. 

            The board approved a Berks County Common Pleas Court mandated settlement of three lawsuits filed against the township by developer Rich Mingey and his various companies.  The three lawsuits included a land use procedural question, breach of contract lawsuit, and an appeal of a conditional use denial for a clubhouse facility on land the developer proposed for a large housing subdivision. 

            The tract the developer owns along Kutztown and Schwenkenfelder roads/County Line Road comprises approximately 176 acres.  There are three parcels to be subdivided along Schwenkenfelder Road.  The three parcels comprise 17 acres, 18 acres, and 42 acres lots. 

            Up to 37 single family houses on 1.5 acre lots with sewer and water are permitted along Kutztown Road.  Additionally, a circa 1840 farmhouse along Kutztown Road, with 38 acres, must be deed restricted from further development. 

            In other parcels the developer owns in Washington Township, 16 townhouses with public sewer and water are permitted along Old Route 100.  On Stauffer Road two twin homes will be allowed to be constructed.  A parcel located at 1606 Main St., Bally, that is actually in Washington Township, will be age-restricted. 

            The Main Street property can have a maximum of 48 townhouses on the site with sewer and water.  However, the Main Street property must be able to support the number of houses proposed before they are permitted to be constructed. 

            All the properties must be subdivided and go through the usual land planning process that is required of all land to be developed in the township.  Further, sewer and water access for the various properties must be acquired.  It is expected to be some time before land development plans and sewer and water access are approved. 
            In other development news, Prestige Properties, the developer of the Edison Walk subdivision located along Route 100, presented proposals for comment from township officials for the intersection of Old Route 100 and Sugar Maple Roads. 

            The developer also presented proposals for comment from the supervisors on open space in the development. 

            The supervisors discussed a drawing presented by the developer for a "roundabout" on Route 100.  Township Supervisor James Roma questioned how many roads in the development would be privately owned and how many would be deeded to the township.  If the roads in the development are owned by the township, the township is responsible for maintenance, including snow removal. 
            The supervisors discussed some design plans for the realignment of Barto Road with Township Engineer John Weber, LTL Consultants.  The current road, which is winding, hilly, and only 20 feet wide, is expected to be widened a few feet and reconfigured.  The proposed realignment is expected to transverse the unused pipeline. 
            Washington Township recognized Supervisor James Roma's 12 years of service as a township supervisor.  The township noted Roma's selfless dedication and compassion for his fellow citizens. Roma commented, "It has been a nice ride." 

            Chairman Dave Moyer wished all citizens of Washington Township a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Moyer promised the same level of "conscientious and best" service to all township citizens in the coming year. 
            The supervisors reorganization meeting will be held on Monday, January 3, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.  The next regular supervisors meeting will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 7 p.m.