Springfield wants time to consider PPL land donation

Springfield supervisors want to fine-tune an agreement with PPL before accepting its parcel of land.

The electricity provider wants to convey the bulk of its property on Hickon Road, about 54 acres, to the township and keep the remainder, roughly 25 acres, which includes its substation. The township would be responsible for maintaining its portion of the property, which some board members took issue with.

Responding to questions from supervisors, township counsel Scott MacNair said the property could be auctioned off or leased once an agreement is reached. He also said the township could be proactive and insist the property not be subdivided or the substation expanded.

PPL does request in the agreement that it have continued access to the property to install additional transmission lines if necessary.

“It’s going to be conveyed to us. That’s step one,” said Supervisor Chairman Dave Long. “We’ve got to figure out what steps two, three and four are.”

In other business, the board narrowly adopted Ordinance 191, which makes dozens of revisions to areas ranging from land use to signage, and enacts truck restrictions on several township roads. Supervisors Tony Matzura and Robert Zisko were opposed.