Antrim developer can slow down

A short hearing at the Antrim Township Board of Supervisors meeting Feb. 28 resulted in the granting of a developer's request. Artery Rolling Hills wanted the current final approval of its planned residential development changed to preliminary approval. That would allow the owner to continue to build the residential neighborhood, but at a slower pace.

Their attorney, Paul Schemel, explained that Artery wanted to switch the original plan from three remaining phases into seven. The number of lots, respectively, would be 49, 12, 26, 9, 14, 13, and 23. With the change, the developer would not have to bond the entire plot for roads, just the section being actively built. Lindale Avenue and Emily's Court were ready to be paved and dedicated to the township, and Artery would repair any damage during construction of the other phases.

"These (phases) are smaller bites of the original plan," said Schemel. "Nothing changes."

He had contacted all of the nearby property owners, and received 84 percent consent to the proposal. No one had opposed the idea, and just one person could not be reached. Though a handful of the residents were present, no one commented during the hearing. Supervisors Rick Baer, James Byers, Fred Young III, John Alleman and Pat Heraty voted yes to the request.

The board also acted on recommendations from the Park Committee. New guidelines for park grants were reviewed. Last year two recipients had used township grant money for purposes other than specified on the application form. Township solicitor John Lisko stressed that the word 'intent' be omitted, in a version that said the intent of the grant recipient improvements was to allow the public to participate in on-site activities. The recreational facilities absolutely had to be open for general use, he said.

A representative from the American Softball Association had asked the committee to drop its maximum ballfield rental charge per day from $120 to $75. The committee passed along that recommendation, which the supervisors adopted. The per hour rate was set at $15.

Township administrator Brad Graham announced the drainage system for the concrete pad around the concession stand would be bid out, since the cost was estimated at between $75,000 and $85,000.

Lorraine Armstrong, a junior at Greencastle-Antrim High School, was welcomed as a student representative on the board. Bill Needy was appointed interim Franklin County Tax Board member, and Joyce A. Nowell was named interim Right to Know officer. Both positions were held by former township secretary Mary Klein.