Middletown board approves subdivision plans, a stop‑sign ordinance and routine consent items

The Middletown Township Board of Supervisors approved several land development actions, enacted a traffic ordinance and carried routine consent items during its Nov. 13 meeting.

517 Deer Drive: The board granted subdivision and land development approval for 517 Deer Drive (SLD‑23‑06) subject to standard conditions requiring compliance with township subdivision and zoning ordinances, addressing outstanding review comments, and completing sidewalk installation and connectivity to the engineer's satisfaction. The approval followed a presentation by the applicant’s attorney and consultants outlining multiple waiver requests (contour interval, storm‑pipe sizing, side‑yard drive clearances, street‑tree placement, landscaping easement, verge width, and no new streetlights). The board recorded the outcome as "ayes carry" with a 5‑0 voice vote.

Penwoods Village: The board approved an amended final land development plan for Penwoods Village (1382 Langhorne Newtown Road, SLD‑21‑02) that removes previously approved improvements to the health‑care complex. The applicant said the changes reflect post‑COVID operations and will allow release of escrowed funds that were tied to those now‑removed improvements. The motion carried following a second and voice vote.

Ordinance 23‑03 — stop signs: Final enactment was approved for Ordinance 23‑03, amending Chapter 470 to add stop signs at Tall Tree Lane at Zimmerman Lane and Meadowview Court at Oak Ridge Drive. Staff said the traffic commission recommended the change and the solicitor had duly advertised the ordinance; the board adopted it on a 5‑0 voice vote.

Consent agenda and grants: The board approved the consent agenda, which included the township’s application for a $10,000 PECO Green Region Program grant to support a solar project at the Community Park barn and a Pennsylvania DCED Local Share Account request for $1,000,000 toward LED field lighting at Forsythia Crossing Park. Staff noted neither grant requires a local match.

Public comment and process notes: During public comment, resident Helene Ratner urged shorter time windows for political signs (proposing signs be allowed 30 days before an election rather than the current 60, and removed within five days post‑election instead of 10). Staff (Mr. Ennis) advised her to submit proposed ordinance language; he outlined the formal amendment process (planning commission review followed by board consideration).

Outcomes and next steps: Approved plans remain subject to the listed conditions and engineering review. Ordinance 23‑03 was advertised and enacted; grant applications will proceed through the grant processes described by staff.