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Board approves 66‑townhome plan at 1700 Woodburn Road with developer trust for housing deposits
Summary
After a multi‑year review and developer outreach to neighbors, the board approved preliminary/final land development for 66 townhomes at 1700 Woodburn Road, subject to engineering review items, recorded deed restrictions preserving a 50‑foot buffer and a developer‑funded $200,000 home‑purchaser assistance trust.
The Middletown Township Board voted Aug. 12 to grant preliminary and final land development approval for a 66‑unit townhome community proposed for 1700 Woodburn Road in the Professional zoning district.
Applicant representatives, including attorney Rob Gunlock and Michael Mayer of Westrom Development Group, described a plan that converts the former school site into attached townhomes with engineered stormwater controls, a deed‑restricted 50‑foot rear buffer to protect adjacent properties, and roadway improvements coordinated with PennDOT that include a left‑turn lane on Woodburn Road. The developer noted it has obtained an NPDES permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is pursuing PennDOT approvals for the roadway changes.
Several nearby residents spoke during public comment, raising affordability concerns, potential traffic and stormwater impacts, and the loss of trees and community character. One resident said the homes were likely to be priced at $500,000 and up and questioned whether young families who grew up locally would be able to afford them. Another speaker urged the developer to preserve mature trees and consider designs that better fit the neighborhood’s character.
In response, the applicant emphasized multiple changes made through two years of neighborhood meetings, described deed restrictions prohibiting improvements within the buffer, explained homeowners‑association obligations for open‑space and maintenance, and pledged a $200,000 contribution to a home‑purchaser assistance trust to provide deposit loans through a qualified nonprofit working with the county and Habitat for Humanity.
The board placed standard conditions on approval: full compliance with township subdivision and zoning ordinances, addressing remaining review comments, adherence to a stipulation of settlement dated Feb. 23, 2024, and a commitment to meet with affected Cobalt Ridge Drive North residents to address stormwater concerns in their backyards. The board then voted in favor of the plan; the motion carried.
