AMITY >> The Amity Township Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved preliminary plans for Barry Shirey’s future turkey farm off Route 562.
Board members also approved two waivers on Jan. 18. One waiver is to not require corner property markers on the 75.68 acre property. The other waiver is to improve the odor management plan by allowing Red Cedar trees as buffers around the two turkey houses.
The conditional use approval on Aug. 17 indicated that Shirey should plant Norway Spruce for odor management.
“The lower branches of Norway Spruce die off after 10 years, which is not good odor management,” said Supervisor Richard L. Gokey.
Board members also approved another change from the conditional use – that Shirey may change the direction of fans installed in the turkey houses, from facing southeast to a northeast direction.
Officials said the northeast facing fans will provide better odor management as the air is deflected by a wall and blows southeast.
Shirey, and his son, Michael, have been approved to build two, 700-foot-by-63-foot, wood-frame, metal roof and siding, dirt floor turkey houses, for no more than 37,840 birds “at any one time” on their property at 6359 Boyertown Pike (Route 562).
The 40-foot-by-15-foot-by-6-foot-high composter – with a concrete apron, which will hold 900 tons of manure – must be built according to all Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
Conditions included that each turkey house must have ventilation fans that are directed downward and to the southeast, as well as an operational generator in the event of a power outage.
High-intensity buffers will be installed by a registered landscaper on all sides of the turkey houses to provide additional odor management.
In other business, the supervisors unanimously approved the preliminary plans for the 72-unit Arbour Green age-restricted residential community (for age 55 and over) at Pine Forge and Old Swede roads.
Board members also unanimously approved eight waivers that include allowing one entrance and exit, no collector road, a 28-foot cartway versus 33 feet (with parking on one side), cul-de-sacs with 22-24 units versus 20 units, and no curbs or sidewalks on Old Swede Road.
Developer Telvil Corp., Hareleysville, will also conform to the township’s landscaping ordinance regulations and reduce the “hump” on Old Swede Road that will improve sight distance.
The age-restricted project of semi-detached units replaces the previous age-restricted townhouse plan submitted to the township in 2008.
The board unanimously approved for Telvil Corp. to withdraw that plan.
Engineer Brian Boyer said children are not encouraged with placement of the master suite on the main floor and limited second-floor bedroom space.
Arbour Green’s public roads will be plowed by the township. A homeowner’s association will maintain the grounds and shovel sidewalks.
Amity Police Chief Andrew J. Kensey said he will interview 16 candidates on Jan. 28 for the department’s police officer vacancy.
The board approved to purchase a new Ford Taurus all-wheel drive vehicle for the police department at a cost of $36,125.
Board members unanimously approved a new three-year contract for township employees with a 60-cent increase in years 1 and 2, and a 65-cent increase the third year.
Employees will also have increased health co-payment amounts: from $13.38 to $20 the first year, $30 the second year, and $40 in year three.
