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Elk Township board approves Country Roads Realty site plan after residents raise buffer, traffic and odor concerns
Summary
The Elk Township Combined Planning/Zoning Board on Feb. 18 approved Country Roads Realty’s final major site plan for 730 Buck Road with required changes after residents questioned buffers, drainage, trucks and potential odors; board members voted unanimously to approve with requested modifications.
The Elk Township Combined Planning/Zoning Board approved a final major site plan for Country Roads Realty at 730 Buck Road (application SP-25-01) on Feb. 18, 2026, after a presentation by the applicant and public comment.
Representing Country Roads Realty, attorney Richard Wells and Mr. Chad Gaulrapp described modifications to the driveway alignment, culvert and buffer areas, installation of a generator and an automatic gate, and drainage details for the greenhouse floors. The applicant told the board the greenhouse uses a closed water circuit that will not discharge wastewater and that floor drains are intended to control moisture and prevent mold.
The board opened the application to public comment. Resident Mr. Wall of 131 Stockton Court asked about the rear property buffer, noise mitigation, greenhouse floor drains and vehicle turnaround for after-hours operations. Mr. Reed of 9 Vivian Lane questioned why the buffer is set back from houses and whether oak trees provide screening; he also asked whether the facility license would transfer with a property sale. Mr. Schickling of 732 Buck Road said he was concerned the buffer did not sit between his home and the access road. Several residents mentioned an estimated 90 trucks per day; board members noted road and traffic permitting on a county road is controlled by the county.
Board members clarified wetlands limitations where the on-site buffer lies within regulated wetlands and therefore cannot be altered. The board also stated that licenses do not automatically transfer to new property owners and would require a separate state approval process.
After hearing public comment, the board closed the public portion and moved to approve the final major site plan contingent on the changes requested by the board and professionals. Mrs. Nicholson moved for approval; Mr. Richardson seconded. A roll-call vote was taken and all members present voted in favor.
The board did not provide additional details about the specific timing of construction approvals pending any outstanding professional or county reviews. The approval includes the conditions and plan changes discussed during the hearing.
