Supervisors signal conditional support for 8–9 acre park in Arbor Glen, ask for funding, wetlands review and safety study

Developers and township planners asked the Honey Brook Township Board of Supervisors on July 8 to accept dedication of about 8 to 9 acres of recreational land in the Arbor Glen development, but supervisors said they would do so only after confirming wetlands, maintenance funding and traffic-safety measures.

The planning commission recommended that the board accept the parcel and improvements shown on the sketch plan, with changes including shortening the largest multipurpose field, adding screening plantings and rerouting a trail to avoid wetlands, Planning staff said. “The planning commission recommended that the board of supervisors accept dedication of this 8 to 9 acre area and the improvements to serve as a township park,” planning staff told the board.

Why it matters: Accepting park land moves long-term maintenance responsibility to the township and can increase annual costs, liability exposure and operational needs such as mowing, trash removal and restroom maintenance. Supervisors pressed the developer and staff for clarity on maintenance funding, the 18‑month maintenance period before dedication, and how PennDOT will handle pedestrian crossings on Route 322 near the site.

Developer and planning representatives said the proposal reflects feedback collected from the township’s recreation consultant and the planning commission. A developer representative noted the plan includes trail connections and said, “If Horton’s willing to give the 8 to 9 acres of land, which has value, which then, constructing recreational amenities, is that something the township would want to accept, for dedication once it’s installed and in the manner as proposed?”

Supervisors raised specific conditions. One supervisor said they would like the developer to shrink features that would generate heavy traffic—such as league fields—and instead provide a maintenance‑fund contribution or escrow so the township is not left with unfunded obligations. Another asked that the wetlands jurisdictional determination be updated and confirmed; staff said an Army Corps jurisdictional determination issued in 2021 has been accepted and the JJD is generally valid for five years, but they would revisit technical items as the plan proceeds.

Traffic safety on Route 322 was a recurring concern. Residents and a supervisor warned that without a designated crossing or PennDOT‑approved improvements, the park would attract pedestrian crossings across a high‑speed highway. Planning staff said traffic mitigation and driveway access will be part of the required PennDOT review and the township’s traffic consultant has already submitted comments.

Board direction and next steps: Supervisors did not take a binding vote to accept dedication but indicated general openness to dedication provided the developer and staff can (1) confirm wetlands and avoid building in them, (2) provide a clearer maintenance/financial plan or fee‑in‑lieu contribution, and (3) address pedestrian safety and PennDOT concerns. Staff and the developer said they will incorporate the board’s feedback into the preliminary and final plan process and return with refined plans and cost estimates.

The planning commission will continue to coordinate on layout changes, and PennDOT will review any access or traffic‑control proposals as part of the subdivision and NPDES/traffic review process.

What’s next: Staff will work with the developer to refine the plan, provide cost estimates for installation and maintenance, update any necessary wetland studies, and coordinate with PennDOT; the board left the matter on the table for future action.