Springfield supervisors gave preliminary approval to a housing development off Richlandtown Pike Oct. 24 meeting. The 17-acre property, situated between Passer and State roads, would feature 11 single-family homes with on-lot sewer and water.
The project designer agreed to plant additional trees to compensate for loss of woodlands on the property, replacing them with evergreen and other ornamental trees rather than canopy trees. Evergreens would be placed along the property line to provide buffering from traffic and ensure privacy for residents.
Supervisors questioned whether the development could handle flooding, which has plagued nearby Pleasant View and other roads in recent years. The designer said it had a system in place so any excess water would bypass the development and send it to a central discharge point. The designer acknowledged a 100-year storm could cause issues.
There was also a discussion about whether each home should have small-scale lighting and locations of standard streetlights.
“I’ve no problem with preliminary approval,” said Supervisor Jim Hopkins following the presentation. “But the two issues we need to talk about are the culvert and on-lot lighting.”
The project had to secure Department of Environmental Protection approval due to its location in the state-protected, exceptional-value Cooks Creek watershed.
Mindful of numerous public complaints, the board unanimously agreed to purchase two additional no-frills solar-powered speed control signs.
“The way I look at these boards is this is presence when our officers can’t be there,” observed Supervisor Bill Ryker.
In money matters, the 2024 salaries were revealed: Rich Pursell, township manager and public works director $97,000, with an additional $15,000 for his duties as treasurer; secretary and assistant zoning officer Lisa Gerhart $56,925; Police Chief Michael McDonald, $107,500; other officers: $89,928 each. Road crew salaries will range from $49,000 to $60,000.
Total salaries for non-uniformed employees: $371,500; police department: $377,000.
Responding to a query, supervisors said Pursell’s salary would be reduced if a new treasurer is hired.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
