HARMONY — It's been one year since borough officials decided to formalize the creation of a committee to improve communication with planned real estate developments near the Connoquenessing Creek on Jackson Township's side.

The Creekside Committee consists of: Greg Such, Harmony borough council president; Susie Altemus, parks board member; and Joe White and Chuckk Welsh, borough planning commission members. However, other people may be brought in to help.

While the committee has no legal authority, it serves to inform and set the stage for negotiations through meetings with township officials and developer Don Rodgers, who owns the area on the township's side of the creek.

“I think we've calmed things down in the community,” Such said. “We pretty much know where we're going at least.”

Such said communication has improved between the two municipalities since the committee's creation in April 2016.

While no plans for the creekside area are absolute, townhouses and rental properties are possibilities. Work force housing was previously considered.

“We're pretty much in a holding pattern until the creekside plans are confirmed,” Such said. “Right now, that plan is on hold.”

Chris Rearick, Jackson Township manager, said nothing has been submitted to the township for that area, but the development is planned to proceed.

Rearick also said communication with the borough has improved.

“The committee was a catalyst in understanding our common goals,” he said. “Whatever will be built there (creekside) would reflect what was discussed with the committee.”

Borough officials and residents in the past said developments along the creek could negatively impact the area's floodplain. The borough experienced devastating flooding from Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

Such said there was a “significant” amount of tension between the two municipalities before the committee's formation.

“We have a better working relationship now with Jackson Township and TCDR Associates (Rodgers' company),” he said.

The committee's other goals include having the land be environmentally friendly and having the borough partner and cooperate with the township for the area's recreational use, including maintaining the Harmony Trail.

The one-mile trail was temporarily closed in summer 2015 for safety reasons after Rodgers had work done in the area. The borough has an easement agreement with Rodgers for the trail, which intersects the latter's property.

Such said the trail will be further repaired and improved with grant monies.