Tilden Township supervisors have tabled action on a proposed zoning change that would accommodate plans for a 335,000-square-foot warehouse.
The change would raise the maximum building height allowed in the township’s industrial district from to 50 feet from 35 feet.
Developers asked for the zoning amendment to accommodate a proposed distribution center at 462 Lowland Road, officials said.
Officials declined to identify the developers, noting that no plans have been formally submitted to the township.
Supervisors voted 3-0 to table the proposal at a zoning hearing Wednesday.
Supervisor Chairman Gene Schappell and Supervisor Richard Delong appeared open to the zoning change, citing the bills incurred by the township during past efforts fighting warehouse developments.
“We spent $70,000 the other year to fight the other (warehouse),” Delong said. “And we also raised taxes because of it. If we do (deny the zoning change) they would take us to court, and we would probably spend a lot more…and I think we would lose.”
They also brought up a later decision by supervisors to establish a single, remote industrial zone in the township that could accommodate warehouses with minimal impact.
Comments from residents opposing the zoning change eventually led supervisors to question the township’s current rules for warehouses.
Officials concluded that developers may be able to outfit warehouses with spires, water towers and other non-occupied structures that could exceed any height limits.
By the end of the meeting, the supervisors agreed that developers should officially submit their plans to allow for an informed decision on the zoning change.
About 50 residents attended the meeting. Many voiced concerns about the impacts of a warehouse on traffic, local wildlife and the area’s rural character.
Greg Kozlowski noted that township officials and residents had successfully defeated past attempts by developers looking to change the township zoning to suit their warehouse projects.
“I’m wondering why we are revisiting the issue on building heights,” Kozlowski said. “The current (rules) already permit development (in the industrial district). If the developer wishes to gain approval, they should submit plans that follow the established (rules)…It should not rest on the township to suit the developer.”
His opinion was echoed by several others.
Schappell said past warehouse plans aimed to place warehouses next to residential areas.
He said the township listened to residents’ concerns at that time and created the L-2 industrial district away from homes at the township’s northern tip — the only area in Tilden where warehouses are allowed.
Susan Bigelow read a letter from Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
The letter claims that an area that includes the proposed warehouse property is among the most critical zones for wildlife habitation and is a vital water source for surrounding communities.
The area is designated “conservation landscape” by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bigelow said.
The land was also designated “sentinel landscape” by the federal government, Bigelow said, in part because they rely on the area’s rural character to train pilots at night.
“Warehouses, particularly large ones with 24-hour use and extensive lighting are incompatible with the values set by state and federal designation for this area,” the letter said. “Such large-scale developments seem better suited farther south of the (Kittatinny) ridge.”
The letter also warned that a large warehouse and its associated traffic and lighting could dissuade nature tourists from visiting the area.
Kent Himelright, trails director with Schuylkill River Greenways, said the proposed warehouse would border one of the most scenic and heavily used sections of the Schuylkill River trail in the township.
“Tens of thousands of visitors come to Tilden Township (each year) to travel the trail,” Himelright said.
He said his organization had seen the concept plans for the warehouse and had several concerns.
“The structure would be viewable from the trail,” Himelright said. “That trail is very quiet and peaceful. It would also increase noise along the trail…(and) discharge stormwater directly onto the trail.”
Bill Byassee and others worried that a warehouse would obstruct the natural views that many residents moved to the township to enjoy.
“All we’re looking at doing here (is) padding the landowners’ pocket,” Tim Readinger said.
Delong said the proposed warehouse would be built low enough that it wouldn’t obstruct any views and would be far enough from the Schuylkill River that it likely wouldn’t impact the ecosystem.
He noted that plans have yet to be submitted, and the township had no idea how stormwater and other aspects of the property would be impacted until the official review.
Troy Hatt, township fire marshal, noted that without the plans it was also impossible to know whether the warehouse would install spires or other mechanical structures that could go above the height of the roofline.
Joan London, township solicitor, said the proposed zoning change would allow chimneys, towers and other parts of the building not intended for human occupancy to exceed the 50-foot limit.
Supervisors then voted to table action on the zoning change.
“I think we need more time to consider all the points that have been brought up here,” Supervisor Frederick Herman said. “We’re in a good financial situation. I wouldn’t want to waste money on legal fees, but I’m not afraid of it.”
Source: Berkshire mont