South Annville Holdings’ preliminary subdivision and land development plans for its Southgate development were approved by the South Annville Township Board of Supervisors at its October meeting.

The board has gone through a lengthy process of working with South Annville Holdings, Landmark Homes, and Steckbeck Engineering to move forward with the proposed Southgate development plans.

Supervisors previously granted approvals for conditional use, with hearings held in October 2021 and again in April 2024 for the project.

Based on the May conditional-use approval, the plans include 252 single-family dwelling units with 12 open-space lots. The development will be located between Bachman Run and Spruce Avenue, with the plans extending north and south of Crestview Drive and Gingrich Avenue.

When Chuck Hess, an engineer with Landmark Homes, initially approached the board for consideration of the preliminary plans in August, the board noted the township planning commission had not yet approved the plans and would not move forward without a clean letter of approval from the county.

Gordy Sheetz, a representative of the planning commission, reported to the board this month that the planning commission has reviewed the plans and recommended that the board continue with approval. With consideration of the planning commission and the county’s approval, supervisors unanimously passed a motion to approve the preliminary subdivision and land development plans for Southgate.

Supervisors also discussed crosswalk concerns on Route 934.

Assistant township manager Heather Mesko reported that the township was not awarded a grant to improve the crosswalks along Route 934.

South Annville resident Hugh Rooney expressed concerns about the safety of the crosswalk at Route 934 and Reigerts Lane, calling the intersection a “public safety hazard.” The intersection in question is across from Annville-Cleona Secondary School.

Chairman Dale Hoover said the township will work with Rettew Engineering to find a temporary solution for the crosswalk, such as placing pedestrian or school crossing signs. In the meantime, the township will continue applying for grants to improve pedestrian safety.

In other news, the board unanimously passed motions to:

  • Fully release the $119,290 letter of credit for Garman Builders Wynfield Phase 1a, seeing as Garman Builders fulfilled all obligations.
  • Select B.R. Kreider Paving’s bid for the 2025 road maintenance project.
  • Approve the September secretary’s report (with a minor correction to the motion made for adjournment), treasurer’s report and payment of township bills.

Supervisors also heard the following updates:

  • The Brandt Road culvert project permits and easements have been obtained, but the township is still waiting on cooperation from the final landowner. The project is intended to be funded by the American Rescue Plan funding, which must be used by the end of the year.
  • The 2025 budget will be reviewed next month.
  • Trick or treat will be held on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m., rain or shine.
  • South Annville Township Chief of Police Ben Sutcliffe reported that there were 195 calls for service in South Annville in September.

South Annville Township supervisors meet 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. 13.

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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.