At Monday night's meeting of the Douglass Township supervisors, the Embree Development Group received final plan resolution for a medical facility project to be located on Rt. 100 and Grosser Road. The supervisors unanimously approved the resolution.

            The project has been in the works for several years. A concept plan has been presented several times at public meetings.

             "The project has been coming for a long time. Heading to the finish line," Solicitor Robert Brant said.

            The property is zoned M1 light industrial. The 20-plus acre property will be divided into three lots. Lot A will be the site of the hospital. Lot B will be a three-story medical office building and Lot C includes 12 acres of open space that may be utilized for other projects in the future. The project also includes acreage that will be dedicated to permanent open space. In addition, there are plans for a connection to Market Street.

            The project complies with all items discussed by the engineer. All planning agencies have reviewed and approved the project. The Emergency Service Board and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection have also evaluated and endorsed the plan.

            "This is an important project for the township," Brant said.

            Police Chief Barry Templin presented his report to the board. An update was given about the Knox Box access plan for emergency responders. The ordinance is under review and will be presented to the board for approval at a meeting in the near future.

            Templin also requested approval to start the hiring process for a new officer. His request was granted. The police officers have been utilizing their body-worn cameras. Templin explained that this is positive for the community in regard to safety and offsetting liabilities.

"It provides transparency for the public," he said.

            In other news, Khal Hassan, of Pennoni Engineering, provided an update on traffic issues on Bartman Ave and Holly Road. He stated that their study found that there are no major traffic or safety issues. Douglass Township police monitor the area for speed and traffic violations as much as possible. The police department conducted its own study in 2018 and didn't find major traffic issues.

            Hassan stated that there is sufficient signage heading away from Route 73. However, additional speed limit signage could be implemented from Route 73 to Holly Road. The development plan project for Holly Road included a traffic study. Additonally, a four-way stop will be installed at Holly Road.

            Chairman Joshua Stouch stated that there will be a meeting scheduled with professional staff to discuss the concerns residents have in regard to speeding and traffic violations on Holly Road and Bartman Avenue. They will also discuss the improvements that the development plan has proposed for the area.