Spring Township to Hold Zoning Hearing for Development

A new proposed housing development by Berks Homes in Spring Township would require zoning change to the property. Located behind the Berks Homes Amberleigh Development off Benner Pike, the zoning change request was made for the Hartle tract on Valentine Hill Road.

The land is currently zoned for agricultural and single-family residential. Berks Homes hopes to change the zoning to R-3, or high-density residential. The change requires a public hearing that is tentatively set for 6 p.m., Aug. 5 at the township building, before the board of supervisors meeting.

Prior to the hearing, the change would need to be reviewed by the Nittany Valley Planning Commission.

Township manager William MacMath reported to the planning commission that it looks and feels that an R-3 district should be created, according to the June township board of supervisors meeting minutes.

The zoning change would affect four lots over 100 acres currently owned by Paul and Ellen Hartle, Martha Hartle, William and Tracy Small and Quality Rehab. According to the meeting minutes, Berks Homes is looking to purchase the tract to develop it into residential building lots.

A high density residential district would provide a diversity of housing types, sizes and costs by allowing traditional neighborhoods to expand as deemed appropriate, according to the township zoning ordinance. Any construction would still be required to meet minimum health and safety standards and may not cause any hazards and nuisances.

The zoning requires residential developments greater than five units to provide a minimum of 20 percent of total nontract area as dedicated open space.