AMITY >> Township supervisors decided on Feb. 15 that Barry Shirey must finalize all pending land development issues before they will approve the final land development plans for his turkey farm business off Route 562.
Six months ago, board members approved the land use of Shirey’s 75.68-acre property for the turkey farm, but with a list of 20 conditions to protect the health, safety and welfare of his neighbors and other township residents.
Shirey, and his son, Michael, may build two, 700 by 63-foot, wood-frame, metal roof and siding, dirt floor turkey houses, for no more than 37,840 birds “at any one time.”
The board’s conditions were taken from approximately six different witnesses that testified during the five conditional use hearings (over five months) regarding best management practices for soil, water, manure, composting, and odor management.
In addition to still needing driveway approvals from PennDOT, and the Erosion & Sediment Control Plan from the state Department of Environmental Protection, the township is requiring finalization of the storm water permit, land easement agreement, and improvements agreement.
It also wants the turkey barn deflector walls included on the land development plans.
Engineer Brian Boyer, Boyer Engineering, LLC, Douglassville, said the 12-foot angled wall on the western end of the north building, and the eight-foot angled wall on the south building, will ensure that ventilated air from the turkey barns are directed in a southeast direction.
Shirey would then comply with board’s condition of ventilated air.
He should come back with a new plan,” said Solicitor Brian F. Boland, adding, “there are two-and-a-half pages of items to be cleaned up [from the Feb. 3 township engineer’s review letter].”
Boyer said Shirey was seeking conditional final land development approval on Feb. 15 in order to proceed with obtaining bank financing and start construction this spring.
“I’m not opposed to the turkey farm, but I will not vote for this until we get a final, clean plan,” said Supervisor Richard L. Gokey, adding, “Due to the size, this is a factory farm, and I will vote against until get a clean, final plan.”
Boyer said he expects to receive the permits and obtain the land easement agreement within two weeks.
“If it’s all done in two weeks, can get it done [approved],” said Boland.
“Let’s get it cleaned up and finished in two weeks,” said Supervisor Terry L. Jones.
In other business, Township Manager Troy Bingaman estimates $5,000 in engineering costs for improvements at the Lake Drive Recreation Area.
He said the township will construct a new pavilion with ADA ramps, walkways, and repave the parking lot.
Total project cost is estimated at $70,000 to $75,000.
Bingaman said the township recently received unbudgeted reimbursements, as well as revenues from transfer taxes in the amount of $272,551,93.
“I recommend setting this money aside for capital needs, instead of needing to borrow later,” said Bingaman, adding that the township’s debt is $2.855 million (general debt, park, and sewer debts).
The board approved to transfer that money to the township’s capital fund.
Amity Police Chief Andrew J. Kensey said the police department will take decibel readings on Feb. 26 at the Flying Board Shoot, at the Monarch Fire Company, 50 Pennsylvania Ave, Monocacy Station.
He said a nearby resident requested that police verify that the decibel reading does not exceed limits in the township’s noise ordinance.
The decibel reading will be taken at the property line where the Flying Board Shoot is conducted.
