Board tables decision on 140 Hill Church Road zoning application after floodplain concerns

The board discussed a pending zoning hearing board application by Nicholas Long for 140 Hill Church Road. The applicant proposes demolishing an existing house and constructing a new house on the lot; staff noted the existing and proposed locations are within the mapped floodplain and that the proposal requires zoning relief.

Board members raised concerns about moving the dwelling deeper into the floodplain and potential impacts to downstream properties and emergency responders. "Putting it deeper into the floodplain to me is undesirable ... it might add to the degree of flooding which will have impacts upon downstream homes," said Mark, a board member who spoke against the relocation. Other supervisors urged the solicitor to appear at the Zoning Hearing Board to state the township27s concerns and seek reasonable conditions if relief is granted.

The motion before the board (as drafted and then amended to allow solicitor attendance at the Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board) was discussed at length; members differed on whether the township should take a formal oppose/support position or instead provide advisory comments. Because the applicant was not present and several supervisors wanted advisory-board input, the board withdrew the motion and voted to table the matter and refer it for further review by advisory bodies before taking a formal position.