At Monday night's meeting of the Douglass Township board of supervisors, Embree Development Group gave an update on the Medical Facility project. The site is located at the intersection of Route 100 and Grosser Road on 21 acres.

            The construction site includes a one-story medical hospital, doctors' offices, and parking. There is acreage dedicated to open space.

            Bonds are approved and finances are in order for this project. Embree is hoping to come back at the next supervisors meeting for a final plan resolution and approval.

            The supervisors unanimously approved a motion for the solicitor's office to prepare the final resolution.

            In addition, Embree has a scheduled meeting with municipal staff on March 9. Township Manager Peter Hiryak stated that Act 209 fees, intersection construction and connection to Market Street will be discussed.

            Attorney Chuck Garner was at Monday's meeting representing the owners of Avante Apartments, Rick Turner and Brian Hinkle.  They have requested zoning relief.  In order to facilitate the financial backing of this project, they need to construct a two-lot subdivision.

            One lot serves as frontage, the second as an apartment construction site. A two-lot subdivision in Douglass Township requires zoning relief.  Once the construction is completed, lots will be combined into a single lot.

            This project has been in front of the board at prior meetings. The property is zoned R4 (Residential) and there are 104 existing apartments. The new 68 units will be located on an additional lot. 

            Garner claimed that the project will benefit the community. It will also address stormwater issues associated with the area. They are asking the board for a letter of support in regard to their zoning relief request.  The planning agency will review the project on Thursday evening.  

            "I suggest you let the planning agency review it," Solicitor Robert Brant said.

            "We've been looking at it for five years," Chairman Joshua Stouch said. "It would solve stormwater issues."

             In other news, traffic concerns on Bartman and Holly roads were discussed. Residents and township officials are concerned with speed and traffic flow issues. The police department and township engineer are going to evaluate and conduct a traffic study. The goal is to gather information to present to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and find a solution to the problem.