ALBURTIS, Pa. — Alburtis Borough Council has rejected a plan by Jaindl Land Company to build 22 townhouse units following outcry by residents on social media.
Representatives for Jaindl this week approached the borough about extending residential zoning to two lots currently zoned as industrial for the project.
The change would have converted two parcel lots spread across three addresses at 386 Scenic View Drive, 380 Church St. and 381 Church St. to high-density residential zoning.
- Alburtis Borough Council rejected a request by Jaindl Land Company to change zoning to allow for 22 townhouse units
- Council members and residents voiced worry over density, flooding concerns and preference for potential development, such as a convenience store, offered by the current light industrial zoning
- The lots are at 386 Scenic View Drive, 380 Church St. and 381 Church St.
Council voted unanimously to reject the change. Some council members said they preferred keeping the area zoned light industrial in hopes of retaining green space or luring a convenience store to the lot.
Councilman Mehmet Birtek brought public attention to the proposal on the community's local Facebook group, created and moderated by Councilman Chad Atkins.
'Change the map from gray to red'
Many residents voiced concern over not only the potential building of housing on the lot, but frequent flooding issues there.
Representatives for Jaindl argued that current zoning would allow for commercial uses such as a convenience stores, public storage or a bank.
They also noted that manufacturing and warehouses are legal uses for the lots presented, but would be too small for that use when considering parking.
"It's been 20 years, none of those uses have materialized."John McRoberts of the Pidcock company
"It's been 20 years, none of those uses have materialized," said John McRoberts of the Pidcock company, representing the proposal at the meeting.
He stated that the new zoning "would set the industrial boundary as the railroad tracks, with everything south of them being primarily residential."
Jaindl previously developed the Hills at Lock Ridge in the borough. Applicants pointed out that this development was also previously was on a light industrial zoning until a change was made in 2004 at the company's request.
Applicants also argued that developing those lots would create a contiguous look and feel for the neighborhood.
Discussions acknowledged that the project would have needed further steps and reviews to reach approval — such as a land development process from the borough engineer to determine, based on flooding concerns and other restrictions, what can go on the land.
"All we're looking for now is to change this map from gray to red," McRoberts said, referring to the zoning change.
'Worried about my neighbors'
The representatives said no development would occur on the 100-year floodplain included in parts of the lots. Residents and council members raised concern over the potential to worsen flooding and wanted to hear more on potential water management.
"I've seen those places flood," said Birtek, who said he lives near the site, and spoke of challenges he has faced with flooding in the past and the impact it can have. "How do you guys address that issue?"
He likened such a development on that space to a cup of water that, when objects are added to it, would eventually spill over.
"I'm worried about my neighbors. I'm worried about my house. Because when it rains, water comes 20 feet to my house. When you put another pen in that water, that water is in my basement, and that's where I live."
Birtek also spoke of preferring a convenience store or something consistent with the light industrial usage.
"From my perspective, I'd rather see some kind of a business come into my community when Alburtis is losing business, and we need to bring more business into Alburtis," Birtek said.
"I definitely want to see more businesses, as I want to bring my own business into Alburtis as well."
He said nearby residents "like the open green area, and I don't think anybody would mind having a little convenience shop there because I would love it to walk to instead of going to Weis to buy a small jar of milk and come back."
No previous plans
Councilman Hector Moss agreed with concerns about the water and potential flooding.
"I've been here 22 years, and I haven't seen any advertisements for that lot. Have you?" Moss said. "I haven't seen any public notices. I haven't been on for sale sign.
"I haven't seen any sign saying this is zoned for commercial, lots available, square footage available."
"From my perspective, I'd rather see some kind of a business come into my community when Alburtis is losing business, and we need to bring more business into Alburtis"Borough Council Member Mehmet Birtek
McRoberts said the Jaindl Company works with many brokers, and none has moved forward for a plan on this lot.
Council President Ron DeIaco initially suggested taking the project under advisement before a motion was made to not take further action regarding the zoning change request.
Birtek thanked the applicants for their consideration and encouraged further consideration for a business on the lot.
