On Monday, Oct. 20, the Douglass Township Board of Supervisors discussed business related to the municipality. One item on the meeting agenda covered the R.P. Wynstone Development proposal on the former airport property in New Hanover.

            Under the manager's report, Township Manager Andrew Duncan presented the board and attendees with information on the proposed development that will impact Douglass Township in a variety of ways. Supervisors Chair Joshua Stouch and Manager Andrew Duncan attended New Hanover's Planning Commission meeting on Oct. 8.

            R.P. Wynstone submitted a new preliminary plan in June 2025 to include 692 residential units on 16 parcels. In addition, they propose to build two hotels that contain 80 units each. In 2007, the original plan proposed 762 residential units on nine parcels.

            The current plan, named New Hanover Town Square, proposes 189 single-family units, 487 townhomes (690 total units), 184,400 square feet of commercial space, and 10,000 square feet of office space on 203 acres located near the intersection of Route 663 and Swamp Pike.

            The project will have a major impact on neighboring communities. The matter is a serious concern for Douglass Township as it will have a significant effect on the emergency services, roads, traffic flow and the school system.

            The board authorized a member to attend the next planning commission meeting, as an official action, to share concerns. Stouch will be attending the public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Information about the preliminary plan can be found on New Hanover's website.

            In conjunction with the discussion about the property along Swamp Pike in New Hanover, Douglass supervisors discussed Act 209 funds. There is approximately $1.7 million allocated for traffic improvements, studies, and the ability to purchase property in order to make improvements to traffic and roads.

            Township intends to examine intersections and roadways that will be impacted by the development. Proposed improvements will be put on a future township meeting agenda in order to get a plan together.

            In other news, a police department donation presentation was given to St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Minister Bobbie Hoffman and Dave Girton, of St. Luke's, gave the police department a donation of $999 for the purchase of a table and canopy that will be used for community engagement and outreach by the police department. The Douglass Township Police Department presented a plaque of appreciation to the church for the donation.

            "Thank you for coming out and supporting the police department and what you do for the community," Stouch said.

            "They do a lot for the community, fire department and ambulance," police Chief Bobby Evans said.