The Warriors Mark supervisors met last night at their regular monthly meeting, and among the items on the agenda were a comprehensive plan update and a new zoning ordinance.
The supervisors took public comment during a hearing on the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. Several people, of the dozens who were in attendance, offered their thoughts and asked questions of the supervisors, its solicitor, engineer and a consultant which worked on the zoning ordinance.
Residents raised concerns about development and property rights. Members and an attorney representing Save Our Streams, Inc., a non-profit group concerned with the environment were at the meeting. An attorney and other representatives for developer John Gilliland were also there.
Also present was the head of the Huntingdon County Planning Commission, Richard Stahl. The county planners had reviewed the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance and its many revisions during the last year and offered written comments back to the supervisors. Township planners had also reviewed the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. At least two township planners were at last night’s meeting.
“I think the interaction is productive both ways, to the board and to the citizens,” said Chairman L. Stewart Neff.
Gilliland attorney Tom Scott cautioned supervisors about wording in the ordinance which would restrict land development or its sale. He expressed concern the township was headed into unknown territory and specifically asked if certain parts of the zoning ordinance covering development were backed up by court decisions.
After the hearing, the supervisors voted to adopt the comprehensive plan update.
However, when it came to the zoning ordinance, supervisor Rodney Marshall suggested changes be made to the township’s zoning map before the board would take a vote.
He suggested two changes. First, a rural residential designation for an area near the Reed Farm and an agricultural designation for another area off of Ridge Road, north of 550.
During the discussion, Neff suggested part of the Reed Farm area be residential. It was also suggested the Tumblehill subdivision off of Burkett Road be changed from agricultural to rural residential since development is already in progress there.
“I think it was appropriate to make the adjustments,” said Neff. “These decisions aren’t made on our personal likes and dislikes. It’s based on a survey of what’s best for the community, what’s legal, our engineer’s experience and knowledge and work done by a consultant.
“Putting that all together, a decision is made,” said Neff.
After agreeing to the changes on the zoning map, the board tabled the zoning ordinance. The supervisors plan to place it on their agenda for possible adoption at its next scheduled meeting on March 1. The ordinance will be advertised again and a revised zoning map will be made available to the public. The supervisors will also once again take public comment on the zoning ordinance prior to voting on it.
