Linglestown Gazette

Neighbors win Autumn Oaks delay

(Lower Paxton Township) - On Friday, August 29, 2008, Bill Hawk, Chairman of the Board of Lower Paxton Township asked McNaughton Homes to temporarily withdraw their request for the Autumn Oaks Project. McNaughton Homes agreed, and dropped off a letter shortly after noon at the Township's office on August 29, 2008 requesting a continuance until November 10, 2008.

There will be no hearing on this plan at next Tuesday’s Supervisors’ meeting based on the McNaughton extension.

Residents of Centennial Acres expressed relief upon hearing the news and thanked both Lower Paxton Township and McNaughton Homes for the extension. Darwin Aurand, a local leader, said, “We hope this window of opportunity will allow the developer to address concerns raised by neighbors.”

Residents have asked McNaughton Homes to increase the size of buffers, establish an escrow account in the event of water damage to their homes, provide security around the large retention basins, eliminate light pollution, and in general design the new development so that it does not impact property owners’ property values, and to respect the sensitive environment by minimizing clear-cutting on the mountain.

Darwin Aurand also thanked the SWAN (Stray Winds Area Neighbors) for the group’s efforts and support.

Mr. Aurand stated, “This is only a temporary delay, and issues relatedto the project will come up at the Board of Supervisors workshop session scheduled for September 9, 2008 at 6:00 pm.”

McNaughton Homes has requested the opportunity to make a presentation at the Workshop Session. Centennial Acres, SWAN, and other township residents are encouraged to continue to support these necessary changes by attending these public meetings.