Peters Residents Frustrated Over Handcuffed Council

The Peters Township Council was met with a nearly full house of residents that were interested in a subdivision. That subdivision was applied for by Smith Packet. They intend to build a 136 resident assisted living and memory care facility on a parcel of land on East McMurray Road just west of the township’s Fire Station #1. The subdivision would dedicate an area for the construction of a new public road. Jim McLaughlin is a neighbor of the facility and he spoke about the geological deficiencies of the land as a reason the facility should not be built. Michael Bane spoke to council about the need to have road specifications outlined before a vote was taken. Both men were frustrated with the process because the item up for vote only provided for a subdivision showing where the road would be built. Council continually explained that any of their concerns cannot be voted on tonight as those concerns would be addressed in future planning stages. They were further frustrated in the fact that legally, the subdivision met all ordinance criteria and council was obligated to approve it. If denied, council would be sued for their lack of performance. Because the item was on its final day for approval, if council tabled the matter, the subdivision would become effective anyway. Council approved the subdivision. The Planning Commission cancelled a September 10 hearing concerning the development of the facility. A rescheduled hearing will take place on October 8.