JACKSON TWP — Supervisors on Thursday approved a plan to build a new housing development on Zehner School Road.

The Villas at Spring Valley will contain 25 patio homes with 98 units and a clubhouse. Spring Valley Partners L.P. submitted the plans.

The new development has been the topic of public hearings at the last two township meetings with residents raising concerns about the environmental and traffic impacts of such a project. Residents also expressed hopes that the development would increase water and gas line options for communities around Zehner School Road.

Company representatives said they will preserve as many trees as possible.

The board also opted out of bringing Category 4 casinos to Jackson Township, an option that recently became permitted by the state. Municipalities have until the end of the year to opt out of permitting the smaller casinos.

The board also approved an ordinance to decrease the speed limits on Jo Deener, Evans, Magill and Ridge Roads from 35 to 25 mph. It also decreased speed limits on recently adopted residential streets to 25 mph.