The Antis Township board of supervisors and its planning commission have been, for some time, considering possible changes to the township subdivision and land development ordinance. They’re looking for ways to improve certain stipulations in township code.
One week before Thanksgiving, both groups joined at the municipal building to “talk turkey.”
“We’ve been considering a laundry list of amendments concerning a wide range of topics,” explained Charles Taylor, who serves as chair of both boards. “Right now, we’re addressing the possibility of amending our ordinance as it deals with the addition of some open space and recreational area stipulations.”
Many rural municipalities include open space regulations in their land development ordinance to preserve the area’s rural flavor. One such nearby municipality is Warrior Mark Township, which has a 50 percent open space regulation, which requires developers to set aside half of any subdivisions to be left undeveloped.
“I’ve attended supervisor seminars where this type of discussion has taken place,” said township supervisor Dr. Robert Walker. “A growing trend is to set aside open and recreational space so residents have an area to walk their dogs, take bicycle rides and things like that — a common area.
“What’s happening with the other areas is that the residences are being developed with a ‘cluster philosophy,’ making the actual residential lots much smaller and closer together, giving it the feel of a separate community all on its own.”
Township engineer Christopher Dutrow noted that clustered homes would be contingent on the existence of proper infrastructure, such as municipal water and sewer.
“When considering developments which will rely on on-lot septic and water, there would need to be sufficient space between homes, wells and septic absorption fields,” he commented. “Smaller, closer lots would not be feasible without proper infrastructure.”
Planning board member Sherree Johannses noted that people who may move to Antis Township are more than likely looking for something different.
“I think people who come to our area do so because of the rural feel,” she said. “They’re looking to get away from close neighbors and tight streets. That’s the appeal of this township, in my opinion.”
The two boards are looking to neighboring municipalities with similar traits from which to glean ideas. Sample ordinances have been obtained from Snyder Township, Hollidaysburg Borough, and two Centre County townships — College and Ferguson. While they are not looking to mirror other townships, they are learning from what others are doing.
“We want to cover all bases,” planning board member Robert Smith said. “We want to come up with solutions that best serve the residents of this township.”
