Collier says no to rezoning request

The audience applauded last week when Collier commissioners denied a request from Woodville Associates to rezone 24 acres of land for a townhouse development.

Commissioners unanimously decided not to rezone the property from residential to Planned Economic Development District after two hours of public comment and a short executive session.

The land in question is around Neville Park Boulevard, Marigold Court and Hilltop Road.

John Linkosky, counsel for Woodville Associates, explained that owners Jack and Jim Cargnoni wanted to rezone part of Marigold Court to enable construction of Parkside Village.

Two other townhouse developments by Woodville Associates — Collier Gardens and Prestley Glen — already have been built as part of the Villages at Neville Park.

Mr. Linkosky said there is a high demand for townhouses.

Ryan Homes is the contractor, with the townhouses selling from $224,990 to $237,990. The 1,600-2,200square-foot homes with 2½-3½ baths, garages and basements, are within easy access to Interstate 79 and Route 50, making shopping and traveling convenient.

The builder anticipates that the villages eventually will house more than 600 homes.

Once part of the 250-acre Woodville State Hospital on Route 50, the property was purchased by the Cargnoni brothers for $2.37 million in spring 1995, three years after the hospital closed. As required by the sales agreement, 50 of the acres were donated to Collier for a park.

Most of the property is zoned for single-family homes, but there is a section for a Planned Economic Development District, as well as another marked for conservation. Both are off Route 50.

The majority of audience members who spoke were opposed to any zoning changes.

"The residents of Neville Park are united in their desire to retain the R-1 zoning for that parcel above us," said Lynn Rubin of Marigold Court.

"I think your decision tonight will impact the rest of the township," added Kay Downey-Clarke, a former commissioner.

A number of residents expressed fears about flooding and landslides in the hilly area. Their comments were backed up with a slide show of recent flooding and standing water.

"I am anxious whenever I hear the weather forecast for storms," Bill Heidkamp of Marigold Court said.

Tom Chidlow, a planning commission member, told officials that it was their recommendation that the area stay R-1 so that it met “the spirit of Collier Township.” Collier solicitor Charles Means pointed out that no application to build townhouses is in front of the board and that rezoning could include hotels and motels.

But Mr. Linkosky defended his client. “Jack has every intention of cooperating with the township, the community and the neighborhood,” he stated.

Mr. Cargnoni declined to comment.