Linglestown Gazette

SWAN/Centennial Acres Residents Consensus

September 09, 2008

Position Statement: The following defines in priority order the consensus of Lower Paxton Township residents having interest or properties abutting the proposed McNaughton Estates
of Autumn Oaks development with regard to issues previously discussed with both the township and the McNaughton Corporation.

1. Increase Buffers - Increase buffers around affected properties where detention basins and supporting swales are proposed to a minimum of 100 ft. This will serve to retain existing tree lines and function as a safety barrier between the Centennial Acres properties and the basins. Clear-cutting, especially directly behind residents properties, will greatly increase hydrostatic pressure, creating the potential for flooded basements, etc.

- At a minimum, since the western property line abutting Forest Hills is 30-feet, we believe that for consistency there should be a bare minimum buffer of 30-feet between all Centennial Acres properties and the McNaughton proposal, which would retain trees and vegetative buffers.

- We question why two wetlands studies would vary so much, the latter used by McNaughton Corp. that would site lots over previously identified wetlands.

- Did the developer or HRG analyze bedrock and other geologic features that would assess infiltration around contiguous properties? Where does up to 1-million gallons of water go after a major storm event if the ground is already saturated around these adjacent properties and the basins drain in 1 to 1 ½ days as mentioned by Mellott Engineering? This requires much more analysis.

- There is also consensus that a 'Homeowners Association' would not be equipped to handle the engineering maintenance of these basins, and consequently, we propose that the Township function to maintain these stormwater basins.

2. Escrow - Require the contractor, given past history of water issues with other recent developments, to establish an escrow account sufficient to remedy any water issues resulting from the failure of design or failure of these structures.

3. Security - Require a safety review and safety features around the basins to assure the safety of all residents.

4. Health Issues - We submit our concerns that standing water will drain after 1 ½ to 2 days after weather events. Please refer to the Township's environmental ordinance pertaining to insect borne diseases.

5. Lighting on the Mountain - Eliminate the proposed lighting within and around the proposed development. There is no lighting presently in Centennial Acres, Forest Hills, and Mountaindale, and moreover, we are not aware of any existing safety issues that would require this additional expense to the new development.