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South Whitehall grants Nestle Purina a one-year water-service extension amid residents’ reimbursement concerns
Summary
The township approved a one-year extension to record Nestle Purina’s water-main plan but residents at Huckleberry Road told the board the company’s $5,980 reimbursement estimate is far below actual hookup costs; staff will work with homeowners and the applicant offline.
The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners on March 19 approved a one-year extension for Nestle Purina’s previously approved municipal water-main plan, voting unanimously to allow the developer more time to finalize outstanding agreements.
The extension was requested because several plan conditions — including an executable land development agreement and cost-estimate signoffs — still require signatures, county permit work and final title reports, township staff said. Director of community development Dave Manhart said the applicant has made progress on conditions but the land-development agreement remains unsigned.
The extension drew public comment from several homeowners on Huckleberry Road who said the company’s estimated $5,980 reimbursement for the private portion of a water-service connection will not cover actual costs. “The offer of 5,980 is less than half of what the connection cost from the curb box to our home will be for us,” said resident Jenny Fioro, who said estimates for some neighbors are far higher and that directional boring under driveways can add substantial expense.
Resident James McGee said he prefers his well and objected to a proposed annual minimum fee of about $500 if he does not connect, saying residents “shouldn’t have to pay for it.”
Township manager Tom Patruchi said staff would work offline with Nestle Purina and its representatives to try to reach an arrangement acceptable to affected homeowners. He told the board: “I would suggest that we work offline with Nestle and its representation to attempt to come to an arrangement or an agreement that’s mutually reconcilable.”
The board approved the extension 5–0. Under the board motion, township staff will receive periodic updates; the applicant agreed to provide status updates and to meet with staff as needed, and staff said it will continue monthly outreach and return to the board in six months with progress reports.
What’s next: staff and the applicant will pursue the outstanding land-development items and continue discussions with affected homeowners about actual connection costs, with the board reserving the right to require plan-recording conditions remain satisfied before final approval.
