News of McNew's planned residential development comes on the heels of rezoning requests in Washington Township announced last month for up to 2,000 new homes, mostly single-family units, plus some major commercial developments, including a large shopping center anchored by a Wal-Mart Supercenter.
McNew told the council he is opting for multi-family units so as not to compete with the single-family developments in the township.
"There's enough room for everybody," he said.
The borough's zoning regulations allow up to 10 units per acre in planned residential developments. McNew said his density will be 9.4 units per acre.
He estimates that the project will generate about $500,000 in new real estate taxes for the borough.
There was no opposition to the project from council members.
McNew said he hopes to start construction in about eight months.
His property abuts the Renfrew Museum and Park property.
Entrances would be built off Pa. 997 and Welty Road, McNew said.
He said he wants the borough to have a voice in the design of his development.
His plans call for sidewalks and street lighting, he said. About 25 percent of the total land will be dedicated for open space.
McNew also promised to use local subcontractors as much as possible.
"I've watched the big guys come in the back door who don't use local subcontractors," McNew said.
He said he will build his condominiums on the higher elevations of the tract so owners can have a good view of Waynesboro.
The center areas will be devoted to single-story townhouses, and the two- and three-story townhouses would be built around the edges. The condominiums, which will be stacked units, will be served by elevators, he said.
"They do them seven stories high in the city," McNew said. "We'll be doing ours in three stories."
Since the land is behind Waynesboro Area High School and its contiguous middle and elementary schools, McNew said he envisions a development where children can walk to all three schools.
