Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

Warwick delays housing decision

nDeveloper seeks conditional-use approval for a 55-plus housing development south of Lititz.

A decision on a conditional-use request for a 55-plus housing development in Warwick Township has been rescheduled for Feb. 20.

The delay in rendering the decision for the proposed Traditions of America community on 60 acres south of Lititz was initiated by the developer, according to township manager Daniel Zimmerman.

The new date was announced by Logan Myers, supervisor chairman at the start of the Jan. 16 meeting. He also said that discussion on vacating a portion of Hess Lane related to an access road to the development will be tabled for a month.

The proposed Traditions of America community cleared its first hurdle in November when the land was rezoned to allow for a moderate density, age-restricted residential development. The tract, part of the Buckwalter Farm, was rezoned from Agricultural to R-1 and R-2 Residential Zoned District at that time. Then a conditional-use hearing was held in December.

If conditional-use approval is granted, that would make way for storm water, preliminary and final plans for the age-targeted development.

The proposed development would have about 255 new homes intended for retirees and working professionals. It will include a community center, fitness center, pool and walking trails.

Also, supervisors reviewed a proposal relating to another portion of the farmland located on the east side of Lititz Pike. Developers from R.G. Waters are asking that supervisors consider modifying the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map and Growth Area Map.

They are suggesting that zoning be modified to Community Commercial zoning in the area directly across from the existing Shoppes at Kissel Village and Target store.

According to Alex Piehl of RGS Associates, the 32 acres that is now part of Buck hill Farms has potential to be developed into an extension of Shoppes of Kissel Village.

He suggested that it would offer shops and four pad sites, which might be used for restaurants, banks or other free-standing businesses.

Because Lititz Pike already has been widened and traffic signals are in place, the area has the infrastructure to accommodate what would be called Shoppes at Kissel Village East.

Piehl said rezoning would help to define an area that would be ideal for continued commercial development and would fit in with urban growth planning to cluster areas for commercial uses.

"This is something that fits into the economic development planning," said Piehl, adding that modification of the zoning map would allow for what developers hope to do within the next five years.

The IMPACT 2017 Joint Strategic Plan for Warwick Township, Lititz Borough and Elizabeth Township is currently under way and is intended to take the region into the next five years.

The plan involves the region's downtown, historic preservation, tourism, transportation, growth and development, the natural environment and recreation.

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