'Optimist vs. Realist' at Limerick Township Board

Two recent development projects came before the Limerick Board of Supervisors during Tuesday night's meeting. 

Both projects were the subject of a public hearing, which is a required part of the land development process. 

The first project involves TP Trailers, Inc., a Limerick business that sells and repairs truck equipment and trailers. 

TP Trailers is hoping to expand their business and build a new showroom/office building on their property at Ridge Pike and Airport Road. 

Owner Thomas Perkins said that the new building will help him seperate his retail and commercial sales and service. He'll also be able to hire between five and eight new people to add to his current staff of 20. 

Perkins has already agreed to the stricter streetscaping requirements set up in the Ridge Pike Overlay, even though his property isn't subject to the new ordinance. 

The board was in favor of the project and voted to allow the project to proceed with a few conditions. 

The second public hearing concerned a property on Ridge Pike where the current office of Magisterial District Judge Walter Gadzicki is located. 

Developers Mike Clement and Len DelGrippo are planning a village-style property at that location on the western half of the property. They intend to build a mixed-use retail and residential building with 9000 square feet of retail space and twelve apartments. 

The developers plan to change the entrance to the complex so that it shares one entrance for both buildings. They also plan to connect the sidewalks to the walks leading to the intersection of Ridge Pike and Lewis Road. 

Several residents of Willow Run, the active adult community, spoke up during public comment to explain that they were concerned about the traffic and noise the new center would bring. 

Willow Run resident Paul Auman said he "can't get out of my street (Village Way) in the morning."

Auman was also less than enthusiastic about the retail stores. 

"Why do we need more stores when there are so many empty already? What makes you think you can fill those stores?" Auman asked.

Clement said they hope to fill them because they will have more competitive pricing than the larger retail developers in the area, and the center will be more attractive with the design and landscaping and the apartments above.

"I'm an optimist," Clement said. "We have an excellent site."

"I'm a realist," Auman said. "You ain't gonna occupy them."

The board voted to allow the process to continue through land development. 

Other business

• The board honored the Spring-Ford girls basketball team with a resolution commending them for their great season. 
• Theboard also read a resolution honoring the city of Limerick, Ireland. Supervisor Thomas Neafcy will be visiting Ireland next month on vacation, and while there plans to meet the mayor of Limerick, Ireland and give him a copy of the resolution. 
• The township plans to hire a summer intern from a public adminsitration program and task them with helping the township develop a system that connects all the departments' records. The board voted to approve a budget amendment not to exceed $2500 to hire an intern for eight weeks.