Residents raise questions about Mount Zion Commons apartments and proposed school site springs and traffic

Residents addressed the Springettsbury Board of Supervisors during the public-comment period with two distinct concerns: housing type at a proposed Mount Zion Commons project and geotechnical and traffic issues at a proposed elementary school site.

Gloria Padahobeech of 705 Sundale Drive asked whether the 170-unit Mount Zion Commons (referred to in the meeting as "Mount Zion Commons" on Market Street) would be low-income housing or market-rate. Board members responded that the applicant had identified the units as "market rate" and reiterated that the project is early in the process after a conditional-use hearing; subdivision and land-development reviews must still be completed.

Bridal Enders of 720 Sundale Drive spoke about the parcel behind her home where the school is proposed, asking whether there are springs under the site and whether the school could "be collapsing" because of groundwater. Engineer Mr. Luciani told the board no final plan had been submitted, confirmed there is a substantial pipe on the west side of the parcel and said "there may be a lot of groundwater" and runoff that must be passed under nearby roads. He said the school district will perform a geotechnical evaluation "to see at what depth the water is, and they'll have to deal with that at that time." Luciani also confirmed the township asked the district's traffic consultant (TRG) to evaluate additional intersections, turning movements and potential school-speed-zone changes because local road widths and on-street parking could impede bus maneuvers.

Both residents were told these matters remain in review: the apartment project is not yet approved, and the school district is responsible for geotechnical studies and submitting required stormwater and traffic plans for municipal review. Town staff said any required subdivision, land-development and stormwater management approvals will be handled through the normal township review process.