Projects take next step
Plans for 240 townhomes advance
DOUGLASS >> Township supervisors unanimously granted preliminary land development approval, and several waivers, to a long-consider project that will site 240 townhomes on 285 acres in Gilbertsville.
Known as “the Zern tract,” the Danny Jake Corp. has been proposing a development of one kind or another on the 285 acres between Jackson Road and Route 100 for years.
At the Jan. 17 meeting, the supervisors instructed Township Solicitor Robert Brant to prepare a comprehensive resolution for the approval.
In addition to the regular set of fees and approvals, the developers will also be providing $345,043 in traffic impact fees as part of the township’s Act 209 system, which levies fees based on expected vehicle traffic.
Also in that arena, the resolution notes that Danny Jake Corp. will also be making a voluntary contribution of $170,400 toward the construction of Market Street, Brant told the supervisors.
Market Street does not yet exist, but has been on the books for years. It is envisioned to be built between Jackson Road and Route 100 and to intersection with East Philadelphia Avenue between the Gilbertsville Shopping Center and Merkel’s Shoes.
In all likelihood, it will be some years before that road is built.
In the meantime, access to the Zern tract will be off two inroads connected to Jackson Street, although Hagadorn said a temporary road my be connected to East Philadelphia Avenue for use by emergency vehicles only until Market Street is constructed.
Because of the development’s location, the developers can seek public water from either Aqua Pennsylvania or the Boyertown municipal water supply.
Arrangements must also be finalized with the Berks Montgomery Municipal Authority for sewage disposal.
The project will also require permits from PennDOT and a stream discharge permit for the additional stormwater generated by the buildings and parking services.