ADAMS TWP — Supervisors eyed darkening skies Monday as they put down a collective foot regarding the Cypress Fields development because of the township's stormwater concerns.

“We have taken the position that the water at the bottom of the hill where it ponds is a safety concern,” said Ron Olsen, the township's engineer. “Right now, the safety of the traveling public trumps the erosion and sedimentation controls that are out there that aren't really working properly.”

Supervisors kept an eye on the darkening sky outside — the National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning minutes before — as they voted 3-1 to halt the issuance of any new building permits toward the development, with Linda Lees and Ronald Shemela advancing the motion respectively.

“Do you realize how many times people have come here about the water?” Lees asked. “It's very old to me right now.”

Township resident Teresa Sirianni said she was glad the supervisors stepped in because the problem has existed since the developer began building last spring.

Sirianni said there are times when she can't enter her driveway due to flooding.

“Something needs to be done,” she said. “I'm pleased that there's been an ultimatum given.”

Shemela said he believed by halting new building, the Bove Development Corp. will act with more urgency in rectifying stormwater concerns. He said the stoppage will not affect permits already issued, so the building will continue for those homes already under construction.

Supervisor Edward Vogel voted against the measure. He said his main concern was for the residents who have done nothing wrong and who may now have to wait to have their homes built.

Vogel said he also sees the developer is making an effort to rectify the problem.

“I was opposed to shutting it off, just like that,” Vogel said.“I just hated to hold them back. That's all.”

Before issuing this ultimatum, the supervisors allowed Terry Bove, president of Bove Development Corp., to explain the progress made so far.

“We are acutely aware of the problems that exist during the heavy storms,” Bove said. “We have continued and will continue to work on additional measures.”

Bove said since the last meeting his company performed additional grading, seeding and silt fence installation at the property.

He said these improvements were handed down by the project engineers, and he has already seen some improvements in the conditions, shown by the development's inlets which catch excess stormwater.

“Some of those additional measures have had some positive effects,” Bove said. “A much higher percentage of the water is heading into those inlets and not down into the street.”

At one point during the meeting, a loud crack was heard and the lights flickered.

“I apologize. It was not a good situation, especially with these heavy, heavy storms,” Bove said. “If you would go to this site this evening, you would see the dollars that have been spent.”

As the supervisors passed down their decision, Bove responded by saying he will see them at next month's meeting with more progress.

“We're determined to solve the situation,” he said.