Work Zone Fitness plans a major expansion, but Penn Township supervisors say not so fast because streets in the area south of Manheim Borough date to travel by stagecoach.

The contractor representing owner Jeff Sweigart has asked for a waiver from making road improvements as required by the township's zoning ordinance. At the July 11 township meeting, supervisors said improvements were required but added they were open to ideas on how to proceed.

The meeting resulted in supervisors directing the contractor to provide a conceptual design showing proposed improvements and costs by Monday.

At the upcoming meeting, supervisors said they would discuss waivers and/or a fee being paid to the township in lieu of improvements.

Dave Sarley, chairman of the supervisors, said July 11, "We have a situation that is terrible. (Work Zone Fitness) took a difficult property and made it viable. Unfortunately, we're stuck with stagecoach roads, and so are you."

According to the website for Work Zone Fitness, Sweigart is the former owner of McMinn's Asphalt Co.

The expansion is driven by rising membership, reportedly now at 900 members and expected to climb to 1,000.

The business at 700 Lancaster Road (Route 72) plans to add a three-lane swimming pool, restrooms, an elevator and a sprint track and create "a larger cardio room with glass windows facing East Petersburg."

The proposed addition would increase the facility by 10,470 square feet and be completed by 2012.

The property is bordered by Lancaster and Sun Hill roads and Conestoga Avenue.

Conestoga Avenue was characterized as not much wider than an alleyway, and on-street parking is permitted.

The contractor, Dave Christian with DCA Inc., asked for a waiver for road improvements on Conestoga Avenue, which provides an exit from the business.

Christian said, "We're struggling with costs. We don't want to hold up this building expansion."

Penn zoning standards call for street widening and a fee in lieu of curbing, street trees and an evergreen buffer for the property.

Dave Kratzer, township manager, questioned the request to waive the burden of making traffic improvements. He said, "As part of that, (the contractor) should have some fee in lieu of waiving all those subdivision ordinance requirements."

Supervisor Ron Krause said to Christian, "You're adding to the traffic situation, but you don't want to make any improvements."

Officials discussed the need for improvements along Conestoga Avenue and Buchdale Drive, including widening, curbing, sidewalks and drainage.

Use of roadways and direction of travel also was discussed.

"I think this board is not opposed to closing Buchdale, but it may not be up to us," Supervisor Daryl Lefever said. "We could shut down the road, but the residents would have to sign off on it."

Closing Buchdale Drive would allow moving the entrance to Work Zone Fitness and improving the exit for northbound traffic.

Krause said, "Let's not close Buchdale at all, period. Just one-way it."

Other ideas included widening Conestoga Avenue or making it a one-way street, posting the street for no parking and closing exits from the business to the road.

Kratzer said, "They need to come up with two alternatives to roadway improvements if you're going to give them the deferment. I think (the contractors) need to come back with something."