Nine larger homes originally planned for tract

        Officials in Milford Township are still contemplating approval for zoning changes requested by developer Walter Smerconish to his 20-acre tract of land along Trumbauersville Road.

        Smerconish and his attorney, Robert Gundlach, presented the board of supervisors with more detailed information on the proposed development during a public hearing on Tuesday night in the hopes of getting one step closer to building 23 village-style single family homes.

The tract of land lies in Milford Township just west of the border with Trumbauersville Borough.

        Smerconish acquired the farm land in 2006 with the idea of building nine larger-scale homes; however, due to market changes, he believes 23 smaller homes on quarter-acre lots will be more attractive to buyers in today’s market.

        The development, known as Stream Crossing, will provide a loop road with two access points on Trumbauersville Road, sidewalks that link to borough pedestrian accessibility, street trees and a substantial stormwater system.

        The plan is also to widen Trumbauersville Road on both sides in front of the property, soften the existing abrupt curve, provide inlets and underground pipes to lead stormwater to Morgan Creek and away from the roadway at a place it reportedly floods during light rainfall. A utility pole would also need to be moved away from the roadway to improve safety.

        Supervisor Tom Courduff asked civil engineer Greg Elko, who works with Smerconish, if PennDOT has approved the changes in roadway improvements.

Elko said, “Yes, they approved it with the nine-unit plan, which is essentially the same as this plan with 14 additional units.”

        Concerns remain with officials and residents of Milford Township near this tract of land, with most opposition stemming from current stormwater overflow issues and whether a 23-townhome development will contribute to the existing problem.

        Elko explained, “It is uncontrolled now (stormwater run-off) but the stormwater controls for this development will hold it back in detention basins on the property until the creek flow lessens then it will be released. It will be timed so that excess stormwater will be decreased and essentially improve current flooding issues.”

        Smerconish and his representatives explained the original plan has not changed much with the addition of 14 units to the development; however, there are changes to the stormwater management system that provide more enhanced control.

        Chairman Robert Mansfield addressed concerned residents in attendance of the hearing to explain, “If the board decides to move ahead with the applicants request for the zoning changes there will be more information provided on land development at future meetings and how their stormwater management plans will affect your properties.”

        Mansfield asked the entire board to think about the information presented and make a decision on moving forward at the next scheduled supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m.

        In other business, Sgt. Joseph Sokolofski, station commander from the Pennsylvania State Police, Dublin barracks, presented an overview of incidents in Milford Township from January to July 2013.

        Sokolofski informed officials there were 752 incidents reported, which reflect any time there is a request for police to respond whether it is a false alarm, routine school checks, burglaries, etc. Of the 752 incidents, 22 were DUI arrests and 16 were burglaries.

        Sokolofski, at the request of concerned residents and officials, plans to address speeding issues within the township specifically along Star Road and Camp Rockhill Road which are both posted with speed limit signs of 35 mph that are often overlooked by speeders.

        Also, Aaron Senft and Chris Gahman asked township officials for permission to use Quakertown Airport for their 12th annual Cystic Fibrosis Benefit Car Show. Permission from the board was requested by the airport authority to ensure all legalities for the event were followed, said Gahman.

        Officials agreed to allow for the benefit car show on Aug. 11 with vehicle registration beginning at 10 a.m. Spectators of the event may enter free of charge. Raffle prizes and trophies will be available, as well as promotional products from several area sponsors of the event. Refreshments will also be provided.

        For more information visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cfbenefitcarshow.