Board discusses but does not approve stormwater waiver for Gardener subdivision

Muhlenberg Township considered a stormwater-management waiver request for the Gardener subdivision during new business on June 3 but did not approve the request after discussion of site constraints and downstream flood risk.

The Chair asked staff to present the item and addressed Jim to outline the application from C2C Design Group. Jim described the proposal as "two single family homes on two separate lots" and said the applicant had requested waivers from multiple provisions of the township stormwater ordinance because there is no public stormwater system in the area and the site has proven difficult for obtaining infiltration rates.

Staff warned of a downside if waivers were granted: "the only downside to granting the waivers is that the storm flow through that portion of the neighborhood will contribute to the unnamed tributary to the Laurel Run Creek," and noted the creek "has historically had flooding concerns." The Chair asked for a motion to grant the waiver but no member moved the motion; the transcript records that the item therefore did not proceed to a vote.

A committee member said they would "work with the developer" to explore alternatives, and the board agreed to continue discussions. Staff suggested possible alternatives discussed on the record included installing a storm sewer system and discharging to a different tributary, but no formal plan or vote was recorded at the meeting.

The transcript does not include specific mover/second names, a roll-call vote, or any binding approval of the waiver request. The board left the matter open for further work between staff and the developer and moved on to other business.