Penske asks Bern Township to allow motor vehicle rental in Town Center overlay; supervisors request more data

Representatives for Penske Truck Leasing asked the Bern Township Board of Supervisors on Sept. 7 to consider amending the Township's Town Center Overlay District to permit motor vehicle rental facilities.

Attorney James Gavin, representing Penske Truck Leasing, outlined the request and John Weltanger, Penske’s senior regional facility manager, described the two intended uses shown on a submitted sketch plan. A land planner from Stackhouse Bensinger explained how the plan was designed as a unified development. Township Solicitor Timothy Dietrich and several supervisors asked detailed questions about traffic impacts, the condition of Van Reed Road under heavy truck traffic and potential property‑tax implications. Attorney Dietrich specifically cautioned that Van Reed Road might not withstand heavy truck use and suggested the company and the township consider ways to address road impacts.

Supervisors said they needed more time and asked the applicants to provide additional materials, including visuals of similar facilities and more data on traffic and tax impacts, before the board would consider amendments to the overlay district or related zoning adjustments.

No motion was made at the Sept. 7 meeting; the board left the matter open for further information and review.