MARS — Discussions on a proposed housing development are ongoing, with officials saying no decision has been made about the borough's contribution of water service.

The development at the end of Pine Avenue — dubbed the Howells Plan — would consist of eight homes in the $500,000 to $750,000 range. The plan is being considered by Adams Township Planning Commission, as it sits on the border of the borough and township.

However, the matter has been tabled after extensions were filed to allow the property owner, Russ Howell, and officials from Sheffler and Co. to determine whether water could be provided by the borough for the homes.

Two options were being considered, one calling for the borough to provide water using booster pumps paid for by the developer. A cul-de-sac would be implemented to limit connection to future developments. The other option calls for water wells drilled for each residence, and a stubbed road would allow for future connection to other developments in Adams Township.

A letter to residents outlined concerns borough officials have with the plan, including whether the connection would create a throughway on Pine Avenue; damage done to borough streets; increased storm sewer run-off and flooding potential on Grand Avenue; and whether the placement of a retention pond on Stanton Avenue would impact property values.

During a December council meeting, officials said they heard from more than 40 residents expressing their opinion on the plan. At that time, they said they would review the feedback and continue discussions with the developer.

Last week, Council President Michael Fleming said a meeting was held with the developer to discuss the concerns. He said the focus was on two specific issues: water and fire service.

Fleming said a flow test would be needed to determine whether the borough could adequately provide water for the development. He said with the current size of homes in the area, the borough can meet the need, but larger homes may provide a demand for additional pressure and volume.

“The reality is up in that section of system we are just meeting acceptable fire service levels now with volume and pressure,” he said. “I made it very clear that the borough would not even consider extending our system if we didn't have provisions for fire service that were acceptable not only for any proposed new homes in the area but would be bilateral to increase service into our system for our existing dwellings in that area as well.”

Fleming said a well or reservoir could be needed to ensure there is enough water on hand and that stormwater discharge could be handled. However, he said such a thing could create additional issues, namely who would be responsible for upkeep and ongoing costs.

“We would want a clear understanding of how that would be addressed,” he said.

Fleming added the runoff could create issues on Grand Avenue, and that the railroad company has been notified about the potential for an influx of additional storm runoff. He said a review from the Department of Environmental Protection would likely be needed.

Until those questions can be answered, Fleming said the borough will remain in the “discovery phase” on the project.

“We haven't committed to anything yet,” he said. “I think we're going in on a cautious approach, I think we're trying to cover as many what-ifs as we can and right now everybody is agreeable and getting along.”