AMITY >> Township supervisors have agreed to accept dedication of public streets in Woods Edge, phase 3B, conditioned upon completion of street repairs by the end of September.
Upon dedication, street lights will be energized and public school bus service will be provided to newest phase of the development.
In other business at its Aug. 3 meeting, the board unanimously agreed to recommend to the zoning board the approval of two variances for Evolution Powersports, at its future new location.
The Amity Township Planning Commission accepted for review in March John Detweiler’s land development plans for a 22,000-square-foot building on 3.5 acres off westbound Route 422.
Detweiler’s engineer, Brian Boyer, said the first variance reduces the required number of parking spaces from 60 to 70 to 16 spaces – enough for six employees and 10 customers.
The second variance allows the property’s residence to be occupied by the current resident occupant of the house on the property to remain in the house without also being a “caretaker,” as specified by township ordinance.
Boyer said the occupant will “keep an eye on the house,” but will not do maintenance work or mow the grass.
“He’s willing to invest $1 million in our highway commercial zone, and I’m in favor of it,” said Supervisor Terry L. Jones.
Board members also unanimously approved to recommend to the zoning board the approval of a 2-foot-by-3-foot sign for Pennsylvania Farm Table Company LLC, 7411 Boyertown Pike, Douglassville.
Business owner Robert Snyder operates a no-impact, home-based business constructing furniture from reclaimed barn wood.
He currently has a 6-foot-by-2.5-foot sign on his pole barn.
“I want a smaller sign on the road [outside of the right of way] – just to get attention,” said Snyder.
Supervisor Richard L. Gokey was concerned about setting a precedent by allowing a road sign for a no-impact home business, which also can’t generate noise or fumes.
Snyder said the only detectable noise from his business is from a power saw; his wood from old barns in western New York is planed off-site in Gilbertsville.
He also doesn’t work at night.”The business is not in a development,” said Jones, adding, “to me, the sign does nothing to harm the area – and as long as there is no sight issue.”
“I live off of Route 562 (Boyertown Pike), and it’s more highway.”
A sign was also unanimously approved for Galada’s Taxidermy, at 1763 Old Swede Road, also a no-impact, home-based business.
Owner Richard Galada said the 1-foot-by-2-foot sign will be installed on his mailbox and indicate taxidermy services are available “only by appointment.”
Galada has conducted business at that location for 41 years.
The board unanimously approved a salary adjustment for township Secretary Pamela Kisch, from $40,976 to $45,000, and retroactive to July 24.
Kisch was hired in July 2013 at a full-time salary of $37,500.
Township Manager Troy Bingaman said the adjusted salary is consistent with other local township secretary salaries.
