Middlesex zoning board denies Sienna Village density request
MIDDLESEX TWP — At their meeting on Thursday night, Sept. 19, the township’s three-member zoning hearing board denied a request by the developers of the Sienna Village, located along Route 228, to increase the density of homes of the residential portion of their development. If approved, this would have allowed the developer to increase the approved number of townhomes from 49 to 54.
Speaking on behalf of Sienna Village, Steven Victor of Victor Wetzel Associates said the variance request was necessary because of unforeseen complications resulting from the ongoing widening of Route 228.
As plans stand, Sienna Village consists of a commercial portion and a residential portion. But because a chunk of their original land parcel was handed to PennDOT for the Route 228 widening project, the parcel shrank, reducing the number of town houses the developers could build, as Middlesex Township’s zoning ordinance sets a maximum density of four dwelling units per acre.
“We had the ability to have an additional area for the town houses,” said Victor. “But due to the condemnation, it reduces the overall area for the town houses. We’re asking to increase the density from four units an acre to 4.4 units an acre.”
The township’s municipal building was packed with residents, many of whom live in the neighborhood on Weatherburn Drive where Sienna Village would be located. Their primary concern was the possible negative effect an approval might have on traffic on Route 228, which is currently undergoing a massive reconstruction effort in both Middlesex and nearby Mars.
Multiple residents noted the lack of a traffic light in the plans for the development.
“Increasing the density is going to increase the number of vehicles that are going in and out, and my concern is that there is no traffic light shown on here,” said Stephanie Downs. “If you're increasing the density and not putting the traffic light in, I have an issue with increasing the density.”
Frank Pelly, representing Sienna Village 2 LLC, said the developers applied to PennDOT to place a traffic light at the intersection.
Another resident criticized the developers for claiming hardship as a result of the highway widening when they should have known it was coming.
“Anyone that has followed the Route 228 project and gone through the meetings knew that this is what was going to happen,” said David McMaster. “The fact that they did not do their due diligence does not encumber the rest of the citizens of this township for a density increase. The increased density that could potentially affect this entire township on other developments is not in the best interest of Middlesex Township.”
Although the developers’ request for a variance was denied, they are welcome to appeal the decision to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the decision.
