Board authorizes vacating Hazel Street to lower sewer connection costs for tiny house project

The Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors on July 7 authorized staff to pursue vacating certain paper streets if necessary and clarified that Hazel Street is the priority case to facilitate a sanitary sewer connection for a property owner.

Solicitor Stannett told the board that many paper streets may have already reverted to adjacent owners by operation of law, but recommended authorization to vacate where necessary to keep development projects moving. He said vacation by agreement (where the property owner foregoes claims for damages) is the preferred path; the formal ordinance/public‑hearing route is more complex and risks contested claims and board‑of‑view hearings.

Supervisor Lindsay emphasized urgency for the Hazel Street applicant (Roberta Moyer), noting that constructing stormwater and sewer infrastructure under the public‑street assumption would be far more expensive. Other supervisors pressed for a consistent internal process and requested a memo explaining options and precedent. The board clarified that the current vote was limited to authorization for Hazel Street and approved that motion by voice vote.

What was decided: The board authorized pursuing a vacate for Hazel Street specifically; solicitor will prepare additional guidance and potentially a memo on a consistent process for other paper streets.

Ending: The solicitor will follow up with a memo outlining process options and next steps; the board voted to approve the Hazel Street authorization.