Lafayette Hill limits patio sizes to manage stormwater impacts

The Middletown Township Board of Supervisors meeting held on November 15, 2021, addressed several key topics concerning community development and public access. The meeting began with discussions regarding the use of private trails and roads within new developments. A board member clarified that if a public access easement is recorded in favor of the township, residents would be allowed to use these trails, albeit with reasonable restrictions, such as limited hours of access.

The conversation then shifted to concerns about residential modifications, particularly regarding the construction of patios and their impact on stormwater drainage. A representative explained that in developments like Squires Ridge, homeowners are granted limited common easements that restrict the size of patios or decks. Specifically, residents can extend their patios up to 14 feet back and 16 feet wide. This limitation is designed to manage stormwater effectively, as the calculations for drainage already account for these potential changes.

The meeting concluded with public comments, including remarks from resident Jeff Miller, who introduced himself and indicated familiarity with the board members. Overall, the meeting focused on balancing community development with environmental considerations and resident access to shared spaces. Further discussions and decisions on these topics are expected in future meetings.