Washington County planners want closer look at site of proposed development

October 14, 2008|By KATE S. ALEXANDER

WAYNESBORO, Pa. - The Washington Township Planning and Zoning Commission wants to literally put its feet on the ground before giving a thumbs up or thumbs down to a 233-unit, mixed-use planned residential development along Pa. 316 north of Waynesboro.

The planners tabled the proposed plan so they could walk the property near Tyco Electronics on Nov. 2 with representatives of Chambersburg, Pa.-based engineering firm All Land Services Inc. to get the lay of the land, especially the piece owner Dan Long has considered dedicating to the township.

Commissioner Elena Kehoe asked All Land President Mark Bard for a tour of the old Barlup Farm during his company's presentation Monday for tentative approval.

Kehoe said the fate of Long's PRD hangs on how well it ensconces the Antietam Creek from harm.

"Antietam Creek is a huge concern with this plan," she said. "That will be the focus as this PRD plays out."

Bard said he and vice president Chris Kerns have taken care in the design to protect the creek from erosion and pollution during all four phases of the proposed eight-year project.

Nature also formed its own security for the creek by way of a steep slope, Kerns said.

His firm plans to honor the natural safeguard offered by the slope and fortify it with trees, shrubbery and, possibly, language in deeds and homeowners association documents that would prevent removal of trees from units bordering the Antietam Creek.

Additionally, Kerns said his client is considering dedicating 29 acres of open space surrounding the creek and the old farmhouse to the township.

While it is too early to say whether or not the land will be given to the township, Bard planted the idea of a park in the commission's mind Monday when he said the open space would make a beautiful park or recreational area for residents on the north end of the township.

Township Manager Mike Christopher said he will advertise for a special meeting on Nov. 2 to allow all interested officials to take the tour.

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