New Rouzerville shopping center proposed

June 10, 2008|By JENNIFER FITCH

ROUZERVILLE, Pa. -- Property across from Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar now primarily occupied by horses could someday become primarily populated with shoppers.

A new shopping center has been proposed across from Rouzerville Commons on property in Washington Township, Pa., now home to a family horse farm. Preliminary land development plans show that "Washington Township Center" would have seven commercial lots, with the largest one occupying 19 acres of the Anthony Bittner farm.

The shopping center, first presented to the township planning commission Monday, is expected to generate $1.6 million in traffic impact fees for the township and necessitate the installation of a traffic light north of Wal-Mart.

"We specialize in neighborhood shopping centers," said Edric Fetter, a representative of RVG Management & Development Co.

Typically, those shopping centers are anchored by a larger store, although no lease agreements have been signed for this property, Fetter said.

Four of the lots range from two to three acres each and flank Washington Township Boulevard.

Development of the site could take two to five years depending on the permitting process, Fetter said, describing the Waynesboro area as "slightly underserved by national tenants."

The preliminary plans were tabled until next month by the planning commission.

The developer, based in Wormleysburg, Pa., has proposed building a 2,100-foot private road to serve the businesses. Planner Lisa Donohoe asked that RVG consider building sidewalks along that road.

"I think it's important we think now of the people who won't get in their cars to access this wonderful commercial area," Donohoe said.

The new traffic light would connect directly to a proposed motel, active adult community and strip mall project planned by Encore Developers.

William J. Schnoor, an engineer working on Washington Township Center, said special attention would be paid to the wetlands near Red Run and a walking trail would be designed along the stream.

The Bittner family was represented at the planning commission meeting by Realtor Tim Light.

Light said the family wanted to work with a Pennsylvania developer and use local companies to do the work.

"That's how we like to do business," he said.

|

|

|