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Board debates stormwater fee and development controls as part of a broader infrastructure plan
Summary
The board reviewed a proposed stormwater fee (proposed $60 per residential property and tiered commercial charges) intended to fund stormwater infrastructure maintenance and improvements; staff noted the fee would begin in 2025 if approved and discussed limits set by state law on land‑use restrictions. Residents and EAC members asked for paired ordinances to control development and for clear spending plans.
Middletown Township supervisors revisited a proposed stormwater fee at their Dec. 16 meeting, part of a broader plan to fund maintenance and improvements to the township’s stormwater infrastructure.
Staff summarized the proposed structure presented by the stormwater committee: a flat $60 annual fee for residential properties and a tiered system for commercial and multifamily parcels based on impervious surface; commercial tiers referenced in the committee draft include larger flat fees for higher‑impervious properties. Staff said the fee would be advertised and — if enacted — begin in 2025.
Members of the public and Environmental Advisory Council asked the board to pair any fee with ordinance changes to give the township greater tools to manage development and impervious coverage. Counsel and staff warned that the municipal planning code governs land‑use authority and that any broad changes would require a comprehensive zoning review and probably a planner’s analysis. Board members said the fee was intended to raise dedicated revenue while a separate effort could examine zoning and ordinance changes.
Several public commenters asked for exemptions, clearer tier thresholds for multifamily properties and scrutiny of whether existing nonconforming impervious areas pass to new owners.
The board indicated staff will continue outreach and recommended establishing a permanent stormwater advisory body under separate legislation so the fee revenue and capital plan can be managed and the township can pursue grant opportunities.
