This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.

The South Annville Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the final subdivision plan for the Eastern Enterprises rail trail lot at Wednesday’s meeting.

Stephanie Butler, a representative from the township planning commission, presented the revised plan for the remaining section of the Eastern Enterprises rail trail that is not yet owned by Lebanon County. The strip in question is west of Butler Road.

The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail originated from the Cornwall & Lebanon Railroad and the Cornwall Railroad. Development of the rail trail began in the mid-1990s and is ongoing. Currently, phase 6 is underway, with the rail trail set for completion in 2027.

Read More: Lebanon Valley Rail Trail set for completion in 2027

The board of supervisors needed to approve the final subdivision plan because the rail trail passes through the southern tip of the South Annville Township zoning map. 

The update Lebanon Valley Rail Trail project map depicts which projects are completed, those that are under construction and which ones await funding for a job as the trail nears completion in 2027. A very small portion of the trail runs through land formerly owned by Eastern Enterprises in South Annville Township. Click here to access a PDF of the map.

Now that Lebanon County will be in ownership of the entire rail trail, community members do not have to worry about trespassing on the quarter-mile section. Additionally, Lebanon County maintains the rail trail, which will allow the whole trail to be more accessible.

Allison Garner of Rettew Associates Inc. reported the following updates:

  • The Southgate sewer planning module is currently undergoing revision. Garner anticipates that the plan will be ready for review and approval at the November meeting. Additionally, the supervisors planned the conditional use hearing regarding the planning module which will occur Monday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. in the township building.
  • The plan for the culvert project on Brandt Road was submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection. 
  • The overlay project on Killinger Road is partially completed.
  • The Mount Pleasant Road paving restoration has been completed. A date has not yet been set for the paving of Reigerts Lane.

Also Wednesday, supervisors:

  • Briefly discussed a preliminary budget for 2024. A full discussion will be conducted at the November meeting following the supervisors’ review. Once the budget is approved, it will be available online.
  • Heard a presentation from the Western Regional Police Department for service for 2024. The agreement will be reviewed by township solicitor Josele Cleary. 
  • Learned from South Annville Police Chief Ben Sutcliffe that there were 133 incidents for South Annville police and 31 incidents for Annville police in September. Sutcliffe also reported that Annville police will be billed for South Annville police assistance in coverage in September.
  • Agreed to obtain hourly rental prices for a boom mower from South Londonderry Township.
  • Approved the secretary’s and treasurer’s reports.
  • Agreed to pay township bills.

The Board of Supervisors of South Annville Township meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held in the township building at 1042 Horseshoe Pike and are open to the public. Next month’s meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 8.

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Jess Benninger is a reporter for LebTown. She is currently earning a bachelor's degree in English at Lebanon Valley College. When she is not writing, she enjoys hiking, listening to music and learning new things.

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