Hampton council set to rule on Windmont Farms Development
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A decision must be made by Hampton Council at its next meeting regarding the Windmont Farms preliminary planned residential development proposed to be located off of South Pioneer Road, according to discussion at council’s April 10 meeting.
Applicant Crossgates Inc. is proposing to develop approximately 63 acres at the intersection of West Hardies and South Pioneer roads, consisting of 14 duplexes and 40 single family homes for a total of 69 units.
Hampton Township Council’s voting meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., April 24, at the council chambers off McCully Road.
Two lengthy public hearings on the proposed development were held last month as a group of Hampton residents living near the site expressed concerns, even providing expert testimony. Applicant Crossgates also provided testimony.
Martin Orban, land use administrator for the township, said at last week’s meeting that by law the council must make a decision regarding the development.
“You must take action at your next meeting,” Orban said.
Crossgates submitted its application last fall. Revisions and extensions have been ongoing for a variety of reasons.
Four modifications have been made since the hearings last month, according to Orban.
One is a request to not connect to Crestview Drive, near the proposed development. Residents of that road do not want the connection and, therefore, developers are requesting not to do so, according to Orban and Township Manager Christopher Lochner.
Another is a modification to township’s current regulations regarding the pond setback. Lochner said this will address the structural integrity of the lake located on the site, and it will be examined prior to approval “if it even goes there.” Also, the stability of the lake will be examined.
The developers are also asking for extension of the length of a cul-de-sac to be more than 800 feet.
The other modification has to do with the open space requirement with the developer requesting the pond and trail to be considered active recreation areas, said Lochner.
During last week’s meeting, council President Mike Peters gave opportunity for public comment and none was made.
The property is being sold by the children of the owners, the late Charles and Margo Chalfant. At a February hearing, the daughters said it was their parents intent to have the property developed.
Lochner said if council votes to move forward, there will even be more meetings in the future regarding the development as it proceeds to final planning stages. He said a lot of the final approval has been made in this preliminary process. Nonetheless, he expects it will be reviewed again by the Environmental Advisory Council, the Planning Commission and the Zoning and Hearing Board.
The application under review is for tentative approval of the plan. If approved the applicant would be required to submit another land development application for final approval which would include public meetings with the Township’s EAC and planning commission as well as with township council, according to Orban.