Cecil Township approves residential development along Montour Trail

David Singer
Observer Reporter

Cecil Township supervisors voted 4-1 Monday to give tentative approval to NVR Homes for a 104-acre townhome plan on McConnell Road along the Montour Trail.

Supervisor Elizabeth Cowden voted no, citing earlier concerns about road improvements and traffic on Burnside Road, which were part of attached conditions for approval that included $25,000 per mile bond agreements. The plan would have 291 homes or duplexes.

In other business, Colin Otis, of Hickory Grade Road, forced the board to reschedule a public hearing on a proposed cell tower at 455 Hahn Road. Otis, who is purchasing property at 38 Hahn Road, said at the hearing before the supervisors’ voting meeting that it was not legitimately advertised because a full application from Crown Castle was not submitted. He said a letter dated May 2 detailing proposed changes was only received by township officials June 3. Township officials confirmed they had only just received updated plans Friday.

“I brought plenty of documentation showing at least nine violations of ordinances,” Otis said, “I’m from this area. I’m moving back to take advantage of Cecil’s natural setting … the tower completely disrupts (that setting of woods).”

Otis said he tried to have township officials postpone the meeting because the tower is not planned outside 1,000 foot setbacks of subdivisions – it’s 850 feet away from the closest property line – and that Crown Castle did not provide evidence it attempted to make upgrades to existing towers instead of building a new one.

Also, Cecil police Chief Shawn Bukovinsky announced the department had set up a “safe exchange zone” in the municipal building parking lot. It is two dedicated parking spots with signs and around-the-clock camera monitoring for exchanging items purchased on the internet.