Developer wins approval for Brookside Phase 8 townhomes despite resident safety concerns

The East Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors voted 5–0 to approve the final land development plan and multiple waiver requests for Brookside Phase 8, a nearly six-acre condominium phase that proposes 18 units, township officials said.

The developer, represented by Kevin Ember of RTU, told the board the phase includes 16 townhouses and two two-family conversions, with a calculated density of about 3.02 dwelling units per acre and an underground infiltration system to handle stormwater. Ember said some frontage and sidewalk improvements will be coordinated with PennDOT and that the project requires conditional approvals for two driveway-related waivers.

Residents at the meeting pressed the board on safety and access. JT Clevenger, a nearby resident, questioned how the units were classified and said he feared collisions on the adjacent Harrisburg Pike, noting vehicles often exceed the posted speed limit. Clevenger said the units are being treated as an accessory use and added, “I have a hard time understanding how these 162 or whatever it is facilities are essential to the hospital,” expressing concern about proximity and safety.

Another resident, who identified himself as Red Canar of 109 Clover Circle, asked whether the trail parking would be connected to the existing lot and whether trail users would compete for the eight proposed trailhead spaces. The project team said the eight spaces will be rebuilt with curb and sidewalk under an access agreement with LGH and that the principal parking for the condominium units is provided in individual garages or on-site surface parking.

Engineer and staff review letters noted eight waiver/modification requests ranging from plan scale and sidewalk alternatives to lighting and driveway geometry. The board granted waivers 1–6 and conditionally approved waivers 7 and 8 (which concern driveway grade and separation distance), subject to securing the PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP) and MPDS permit and addressing any outstanding engineering comments. Staff noted the driveway slope requested (12.5%) exceeds the township’s standard 8% for the first 40 feet and that separation from a nearby private roadway is less than the ordinance distance (about 57 feet provided vs. 150 feet required); conditional approval reflects the need for PennDOT review.

The board’s motion approved the waivers and final plan for Township File 19016; the motion passed unanimously. The developer and staff said they will return with any final permit approvals and documentation required by engineering conditions.

What’s next: The conditional waivers require the developer to obtain PennDOT HOP approval and an updated MPDS permit; the project cannot proceed to construction until those conditions and the township’s final-plan requirements are satisfied.