Board deliberates on townhouses proposal

LIMERICK>> An application to build new town houses left one zoning hearing board member scratching his head in confusion.

“I’m at a loss to understand why so many,” said boardmemberThomasLane, on the proposed installation of 53 units at 181 Limerick Center Road.

The board couldn’t reach a decisionduring its Sept. 30 andwill continue thehearing at the Oct. 28 meeting.

The applicant, Thomas Perkins, who owns the 9.5 acre parcel of land, requested several variances because he said he’d like to be able to build on his property, which currently has just one single family house on it. When he purchased the predominantly open space in the late ’90s, he intended to set up his business there, butwas shot down by neighbors and the township. Now, 14 years later, he was back this time to build townhouses. Perkins’ property was originally zoned office/ light industrial commercial, but is now split zoned between that and R-4 residential. Townhouses, he said, would provide a smooth transition between the residential homes and the adjacent Route 422.

The original design called for56townhomeunits, which could be accessed through Limerick Center Road and would forma ‘P’ shape in the design. After meeting with township staff, the number of units was decreased to 53. Each one would measure 24 feet by 40 feet, with a 10 foot bump and 10 foot deck, consulting civil engineer Nicholas Feola explained.

Perkins said he also agreed to install a walking trail along the Route 422 side of the property and a stormwater basin.

“I don’t think that having a single home on 10 acres of open ground is a reasonable use of that (land),” he said. “Especially now that the property aroundmehas been changed for development.”

Many on the board and among the public in attendance felt the number of units leaves too little open space, regardless of the proposed buffer with the residential homes nearby. While they seemed to agree that town homes would provide a good transition and were better than new businesses, the current plan takes up too much room. Lane hoped to see more from Perkins and his team.

“You’re asking us tomake a decision with very little information,” he said.

“I don’t think that having a single home on 10 acres of open ground is a reasonable use of that (land). Especially now that the property aroundme has been changed for development.” — Thomas Perkins, on his application for 53 town homes in Limerick Township