Supervisors approve fuel‑pump canopy plan despite lighting concerns

Harris Township supervisors voted to approve a minor land development plan for a canopy over fuel pumps at the TimeSaver convenience store on Bowl Avenue during their Aug. 11 meeting, after staff recommended conditional approval pending completion of engineer and planner review comments.

Staff described the plan—prepared by Pantera Engineering—as a 24‑by‑72‑foot canopy 14.5 feet high with recessed lighting and new landscaping and an ADA ramp. "Staff's recommendation is to move to approve the Sunoco Fuel Canopy Minor Land Development Plan contingent upon satisfactory completion of review comments," staff said.

Resident Bud Graham told the board he was surprised the plan received a variance and urged vigilance on light pollution. “The concern is light pollution…we still can’t see all the constellations in the sky,” Graham said, asking that the township ensure lights are shielded and not visible off the property.

Staff and the planning professional explained the canopy lighting would be recessed and noted they will confirm during construction that fixtures are shielded and do not create off‑site glare; the plans include pedestrian improvements and landscaping consistent with the Village Commercial zoning district.

After public comment and brief discussion about fixture placement and light levels, the board moved, seconded and approved the plan by voice vote.

Outcome: Motion carried by voice; staff to confirm satisfactory resolution of review comments before final sign‑off.