ADAMS TWP — In a 3-1 vote with one member absent, the township supervisors rejected the final plan for the proposed GetGo development across from Mars Area High School at the intersection of Three Degree Road and Route 228, after hearing comments from residents and the project's developer.

Supervisors voted with a roll-call vote and shared their reasoning for their decision.

“We had a public hearing, and numerous sessions to talk about this subject,” said Supervisor Darryl Brandon. “I still have a concern about the public health and welfare, the children and that school. We talked a little bit about the crossings from the school to that site. I have reservations and concerns; my vote is no.”

Supervisor Linda Lees said that she also had concerns and was “positively” voting against the proposed development.

“For the health of the kids, I'm concerned that kids need guidance,” she said.

Supervisor Edward Vogel voted no and cited concerns about students crossing the intersection of Three Degree Road and Route 228.

“I just think that really, for the future, as far as the kids getting from one school to the other, to get across that intersection is going to be a real problem to start with,” he said.

Ronald Shemela was the lone yes vote. He pointed to the existing planning processes that have been laid out and completed for the project.

“No matter what decision we come up with, we won't be popular with everyone,” Shemela said. “We have a zoning plan in place. Whether that plan needs revision or not is not the question: it's in place now. My position, though I guess it's in the minority, is that I think the people have gone through our processes and fulfilled the needs that are directed by our administration.

“I think they've followed those rules.”

The parcel of land planned for the proposed development currently belongs to MHY Family Services and was split off from the main property.

Supervisor Chairman Russ Ford was absent.

A number of residents and community members spoke at the meeting to express their concerns about the proposed GetGo development, directing their questions on traffic, safety, and interaction with the school to Giant Eagle real estate developer Pat Avolio.Valencia resident Kelly Matheis pointed out her concerns about traffic at the intersection of Route 228 and Three Degree Road.“The traffic pattern is already bad enough, and it's only going to get worse,” Matheis said. “Nobody is going to want to bring their kids here with the safety.”Mars Area School Board member Anthony Depretis reminded the supervisors of a letter submitted to the planning commission at a previous meeting Aug. 10 detailing questions and concerns about traffic and potential alcohol sales.Alcohol sales were not discussed at the meeting, as they would be under the jurisdiction of the Liquor Control Board if the plan were to be approved.

Other residents spoke broadly to ask that the township reexamine its long-term plans for development.Resident Chris Grove asked if the township had long-term plans to preserve a “beautiful community,” and to “not have just endless, repetitive, sometimes unsightly businesses” along the Route 228 corridor.“I don't want to become another McKnight Road or Route 19,” she said. “I'm not anti-development. I'm pro-careful, thoughtful, good-looking development. We have this beautiful area that has such good potential, and we don't want it to be ruined.”Resident Jennifer McAfee asked the township to consider reserving more land for community use.“I think that long term, you're cutting off your nose to spite your face if you don't preserve enough of these areas for community use,” McAfee said. “There's a lot of kids that live in this township, and a lot of grandparents who live here who enjoy coming up to watch these kids (at sports fields). Let's not lose sight of that.”Township manager Gary Peaco pointed to the existing township comprehensive development plan, which is available online.“We are 90% residential, and it's a huge burden on the taxpayers if we do not have some kind of commercial tax base,” Peaco said. “If we don't get some kind of commercial tax base, it's going to mean raising taxes and it will be difficult for the school district.”Township solicitor Michael Gallagher said the board is required to give formal notice of rejecting the plan to Giant Eagle within 15 days, and GetGo will have 30 days to respond if they choose to appeal the decision.