MIDDLESEX TWP — More than 60 residents on Wednesday night heard the township supervisors approve an ordinance that would add commercial zoning to 59 properties along the new Route 228 alignment.

John Trant, the township’s planning consultant, explained during the public hearing that the property owners affected by the overlay zoning can continue to pursue uses permitted in their existing zoning district, and the overlay zoning will be added to those properties.

Township solicitor Michael Hnath said as an example, a farmer in the overlay district could continue to farm his property even though it is now zoned commercial.

Trant said the overlay district zoning would prevail in any conflicts between the old and new zoning.

The overlay district mandates that residential development must be 500 feet from the new alignment of Route 228 or 200 feet from commercial development along the highway, Trant said.

The purpose of the overlay district, Trant said, is to allow commercial and office development while preserving the rural character of the township.

He said the overlay will create a gateway from Route 228 outward to other uses enjoyed by the community. It will also introduce new uses where they were previously not permitted.

The overlay includes requirements for facade type, lighting, signs, slopes, landscaping, doors, windows and other features for development along Route 228, Trant said.

No billboards will be permitted in the overlay district, and grocery stores and hotels must be part of a multiuse development.

Several residents commented or asked questions during the public comment portion of the hearing.

Richard Riley asked if the 500-foot setback from Route 228 for residential uses applied to existing houses.

Hnath said existing homes are not required to comply with the setbacks.

Michelle James of Point Drive asked why the Levere property at the end of her cul-de-sac was included in the overlay. The property is in a small point included in the southern part of the overlay.

James said the Levere parcel is part of a residential neighborhood where children catch their bus and ride bicycles.

Tara Levere said after the public hearing that her family just moved three months ago to their house on Point Drive.

She said while she is disappointed that her parcel was included in the overlay, she understands the reasoning for the entire project.

“Route 228 needs to be changed to support the growth in the area,” Levere said.

Her property was changed from residential to commercial in the overlay ordinance.

The supervisors removed the Levere property from the overlay district when they voted unanimously to approve the ordinance.

The state Department of Transportation is expected to begin work on the new alignment in 2021.

PennDOT’s $24 million project would dip south of Allemande Drive as it crosses Harbison Road to eliminate the sweeping curve there.

The new route would then eliminate Balls Bend and reconnect with Route 228 on the western end of the bend.