Township gives conditional approval to Country Gate subdivision with maintenance and legal conditions

West Hanover supervisors granted conditional approval to the Country Gate preliminary/final subdivision and land development plan (agenda item 25.005) after the developer addressed prior review comments and agreed to add plan details the board requested.

Developer representative Chris DeSanto (self-identified on the record) said the team had addressed previous comments and that the basin on an adjacent parcel was shown on the plan as an existing condition rather than part of their construction. Board members and staff pressed for clarity on maintenance responsibility for the basin and access to an existing recorded access easement; the developer said the easement exists and that maintenance obligations would be clarified.

HRG (the township reviewer) noted trees on the plan and observed that the ordinance directs preservation "to the furthest extent possible" but does not strictly mandate absolute preservation. The board read a list of conditions that must be satisfied before plan recording, including compliance with Chapters 168, 173 and 195; preparation of required legal agreements to the township solicitor's satisfaction; posting financial security in an amount acceptable to the township engineer; payment of a fee-in-lieu for recreational dedication under Chapter 173-39; dedication and correction of public improvements per the engineer's list; and reimbursement of township inspection costs under Chapter 173-72.

Supervisor Jim moved the conditional approval and Bill seconded; the motion carried by voice vote. The developer will provide an O&M identification for the basin on the plan and satisfy outstanding review comments before the plan is released for recording.