Millcreek Township supervisors field concerns about walking path

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The Millcreek Township Board of Supervisors on Wednesday heard neighbor concerns about a walking path planned for the 14-acre open field adjacent to Abbey Lane and Progress Drive.

Though bids for the project have already been awarded, supervisors opted to look into the matter further before directing construction to begin.

The trail, which circles a stormwater basin, comes very close to property lines, in particular in the southeast corner.

Several neighbors voiced concerns that, following rainfall, the basin fills up very close to parts of the trail route. Some neighbors were also concerned about invasion of privacy from users of the path, with some having been told by their realtor that the property behind their homes would never be developed.

Due to a deed restriction, many neighboring properties are prohibited from putting up fences. Solicitor Andrew Morrow recommended homeowners consult with lawyers to see whether the deed restriction could be lifted, whether through agreement by homeowners or by proving in court the restriction is no longer viable.

Supervisors voiced frustration with neighbors only coming forward with concerns after the project has been awarded. Supervisor Scott Moyer said the board has discussed the path 12 times since 2021, and the recreation board has discussed it nine times.

“That’s 21 times the public had the opportunity to either show up or read the minutes,” said Moyer.

Chairman Eric Weidman said last month’s meeting was the first he had heard of concerns with the plan, saying “This is what the community wanted.”

Township engineer Alex Kauffman explained that “the location of the paths is not set in stone,” and that changes (such as cutting the southeast portion altogether) could still be made.

The $102,000 walking path is to be paid for almost entirely out of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which needed to be awarded to projects by the end of 2024. If the board chooses to cancel the project, those funds would be returned to the state.

Read More: Millcreek Township moves forward with plans for salt shed, walking path

While supervisors were not fond of the idea of the trail not connecting, Weidman said the township would be foolish to build a trail on land that regularly floods.

With heavy rainfall expected over the following weekend, solicitor Morrow urged residents to take pictures of the basin after rainfall and send them to the township to aid in decision-making. The board will revisit the topic at its next meeting.

In other business, supervisors:

• Unanimously approved a final land development plan and associated documents for 526 Stricklerstown Road. Also known as the Good property, the plan for in-law quarters has been in the making for many months.
• Unanimously agreed to schedule a public hearing to adopt a renewed franchise agreement with Comcast.
• Unanimously approved a maintenance request of $230 for work on a copy machine.
• Unanimously awarded a stone contract to New Enterprise, which was the only bidder.
• Unanimously agreed to advertise bids for a CDBG sidewalk project.
• Urged residents to spread the word that the township has around $85,000 in guaranteed annual CDBG funds that can be used to help low-to-moderate income residents with home repair costs. Weidman warned that participants will need to provide extensive income documentation to the CDBG office.
• Agreed to send a thank you letter to Kountry Kraft, which donated $1,100 to the township’s police department.
• Agreed to send a police car and dump truck to a Touch-a-Truck event at Shady Oaks Campground May 10 from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Unanimously approved a budgeted skid loader attachment for $8,682 with COSTARS.
• Unanimously approved minutes and reports.

Millcreek Township Board of Supervisors meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. These meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.