WAYNESBORO, Pa. -- The Washington Township (Pa.) Supervisors have nearly finished revisions to their riparian buffer ordinance, which proponents say will protect stream health and opponents say will infringe on property owners' rights.
Two public hearings soon will be scheduled to formally accept residents' and business owners' input. Several people have already offered support and complaints in recent weeks at supervisors' meetings.
If enacted, the ordinance would establish 75 feet of protected area on stream banks after the land is submitted for development. The landowner would still own that parcel, but a conservation easement on deeds would restrict what activities are permitted.
The latest changes being made involve commercially and industrially zoned properties. Owners would be able to expand onto existing impervious area, which would most commonly be parking lots.
