In a joint meeting with the New Hanover Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission, Artisan Land Company, of Devon, presented its preliminary plan for a new housing development called the Greens at Gilbertsville at the supervisors' meeting on Monday, August 22.

            Developer John Benson presented the latest iteration of the plan for the Gilbertsville Golf Course, located between Lutheran and Reifsnyder roads. This plan was the product of meetings with township staff, to ensure that the plan might have a chance of succeeding with the supervisors and planning commission.

            The development of 327 singles and townhomes is proposed for 221 acres of the golf course, with the building occurring on the northern section of the property, bordered in part by Swamp Picnic Road. Sixty-five percent, or 140-plus acres, will be reserved for open space and will re-utilize the golf course's pathways in a 5.2-mile trail system throughout the development. The main access points will be from Lutheran and Reifsnyder roads.

            Benson said the development will be managed by a professional homeowners' association and that no accessory structures, such as pools, sheds, or fences will be permitted. All lawns, snow removal and other maintenance will be the responsibility of the association, and the township will not be taking dedication of the roads in the development.

            Housing will consist of 70 percent single detached homes, and 30 percent townhomes. The singles will be priced from the low-$500,000 to the mid-$700,000 some with four to five bedrooms. The townhomes will be two-story with one or two-car garages.

            Members of the board of supervisors and planning commission each had a turn to voice their concerns, which mostly were over density, traffic, stormwater management, and the "grandiosity" of the design as described by planning commission Bill Moyer. He and supervisor Ross Snook also drew attention to the narrow yards between the single-family homes and how the density could lead to a "conflagration" if a fire broke out.

            Moyer also noted that a local teacher and historian had informed him that "there were more Revolutionary War artifacts on that property than at Valley Forge," and that the township had to "make sure we're not compromising" the history and that "due diligence is pursued."

            The conditions of Lutheran and Reifsnyder roads were also discussed. Developer Benson said that if the township wants road widening, "we'll do it."

            Supervisor Kurt Zebroski advised the developer to avoid any "self-inflicted waivers."

            In New Hanover stormwater management is always a priority, and environmental and stormwater watchdog Ross Snook provided the developer with a list of technical reports and information he wanted to see. Several Swamp Picnic Road residents were in attendance and shared their concerns and warnings about previous flooding and how the development might affect their properties further.

            The New Hanover Town Center plan will be discussed at the second meeting on Monday, September 26.