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Upper Hanover schedules public hearing on Demeno Tract rezoning after Tuske Homes presents 42-unit plan
Summary
Tuske Homes presented a sketch plan for the Demeno Tract proposing 42 single-family homes; the board authorized a public hearing on a rezoning request after the applicant volunteered deed restrictions to minimum lot sizes and parking, and several residents raised concerns about changing LIC zoning.
Attorney Michael Meginniss and Tuske Homes representative Phil Malitsch presented a preliminary sketch plan for the Redwing Village/Demeno Tract at the Oct. 14 meeting, proposing 42 single-family dwelling units with average lot sizes of about 22,366 square feet, a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet, 84 on-site parking spaces and 32 overflow spaces. The applicant volunteered deed restrictions to lock those minimum lot sizes and parking counts.
Following the presentation, Supervisor Dottie Diehl moved to schedule a public hearing on the rezoning application; the motion, seconded by Stefan Laessig, passed 3-0-1 with Chair Steven Rothenberger recusing himself because of an appearance of conflict of interest. The Planning Commission and county staff had reviewed the application and recommended it move forward, according to special counsel Eric Frey.
Residents raised objections during public comment. One resident from 1270 Campbell Road asked whether an applicant must show a hardship to obtain rezoning; Frey replied that rezoning is a legislative act and does not require proof of legal hardship. Justin Kresge said he bought his property with the tract zoned LIC and urged the board to retain that zoning. John Landis told the board he expected the tract to remain light-industrial rather than be developed with about 44 new homes. An attendee asked about likely home prices and was told homes would start around $750,000. The board authorized the public hearing so that the township can receive formal public testimony and fact-finding before any final decision.
The scheduling of a hearing does not approve the rezoning; it sets a public process for taking evidence and deciding whether the township's zoning map should change. The board noted it had retained independent special counsel for the application because the township's regular solicitor recused from participation on this matter to avoid conflicts of interest. The public hearing date and materials will be posted with the township's normal public notice procedures.
