Construction at Portzer Road and Old Bethlehem Pike causing backups on Route 663

            During the Milford Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday night, Public Works Director Dave Winkler reported that issues have arisen related to the diversion of traffic from Portzer Road and Old Bethlehem Pike due to traffic circle construction at that intersection.

            During the public works report, Winkler noted that increasing the timing of the traffic lights for side streets leading to John Fries Highway (Route 663) would help mediate the issue. According to Winkler, the lights at Lifequest Drive and Allentown Road allow only three or four cars through at a time.

            "It is a problem out there. The side streets are getting backed up," Winkler said, noting that requests to PennDOT to increase the timing have gone unanswered.

            During public comment, additional road concerns were raised related to additional traffic, and the speed of that traffic, along both Mill Hill Road and Fennel Road.

            A conditional use hearing was held for a dental office at 2100 Quaker Pointe Drive. Dr. Adina Roland presented a request to lease 2,400 square feet inside the medical arts building to operate an orthodontic specialty office. There are currently three other dental practices inside the building as well as an occupational therapist.

            Vice-Chair Tom Courduff questioned whether there would be sufficient parking to support another practice in the space. Roland indicated there appeared to be ample parking but would need to confirm with the property owner.

            "We have to get down to the nitty-gritty because we can't have folks parking out on Quaker Pointe," Courduff said.

            Courduff added that the board would need to have more detail related to parking usage versus availability as well as detail related to signage and compliance with the fire marshal for buildout before making a decision about the conditional use.

            Courduff noted that there have not been parking issues reported for that location.

            "With all due respect, I think your landlord should have been here to help resolve these issues," Courduff added.

            The board has 45 days to make a decision. According to the Rockland Capital listing for the space, there are 243 parking spaces.

            In other business, the board approved submission of a sewage facility planning module to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for Quaker Pointe Hotel. The board also entered into a lease agreement with G Talley Carpet and Flooring for township property on Trumbauersville Road.

            Code Enforcement Office Gregg Kravitsky announced that the zoning hearing board will meet on February 14 to hear a request for a special exception for an agricultural retail property along John Fries Highway (Route 663) and a special exception to allow an extension of nonconforming use for Particle Size Technologies on Kumry Road.