BUTLER TWP — The Butler Township commission on Monday approved a land development plan for a classroom addition to Butler High School.

Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the plan after an engineer from Sheffler and Co., which is working for the district, outlined the stormwater system for the project.

He said the district wasn't able to secure an easement for the system from a neighboring property owner, so the system was relocated to the other side of the addition on district property.

The commissioners tabled the land development plan last month because the district didn't present plans for the system.

The district opened bids for the project two weeks ago and is expected to award a construction contract soon. Construction is expected to start in September and take a year to complete.

The 20,000-square-foot addition will house 10 classrooms as well as a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) space, with woodshops, 3D printers and additional technology.

In unrelated business, the commissioners received a $200,000 cost estimate to install a stormwater system to drain water from 16 residential properties on Carrington Avenue and Delaware Drive, and said they would consider the matter at their Aug. 23 meeting.

The township had its engineers prepare the estimate and installation plan in response to residents' complaints about water gathering in their yards and flooding basements from rainstorms.

Dave Zarnick, president of the commissioners, said the township hasn't performed any construction in the area and isn't causing the flooding.

Stormwater swales would have to be installed in the backyards of 16 residences and connected to storm sewers, officials said.

The homeowners would have to sign easements to allow construction and a permanent easment for the swales, and keep the swales clear of debris.

The township would have to hire a contractor to do the work, officials said.

Working on private property to address a stormwater issue the township didn't create could set a precedent leading to other residents making the same request, said solicitor Rebecca Black.