Forks Hires New Firm for SALDO revisions

Forks Township has hired a new consulting firm to help revise the township’s zoning and land development ordinances.

On Feb. 3 township supervisors voted 3-2 in favor of hiring SSM Group, Inc. to work on revisions to the current zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances for the municipality.  The Reading-based firm replaces Urban Research and Development Corporation of Bethlehem.

Voting against the proposal were supervisors Erik Chuss and David Billings. 

“ I had a hard time with SSM,” said Billings.

Township officials conducted interviews from three finalists, including SSM.  But Billings and Chuss expressed reservations with hiring new after working with one firm on a project that is in motion.

“I think we should stick with URDC (Urban Research and Development Corporation),” said Chuss. “Going to someone else is a mistake.” 

Chuss said he also didn’t like the idea of hiring someone who didn’t have another job in the immediate area.

“I had a hard time with SSM,” said Billings. “But URDC didn’t have their deliverables on time.”

Township officials have been working at a long-term plan for some time now. Last February, officials adopting the comprehensive plan ordinance to help dictate the future shape of the municipality.