MIDDLESEX TWP — Township leaders and residents are looking to see how the future plays out for Grey Hawk following a consent order signed in April by Butler County Common Pleas Judge S. Michael Yeager.

Seen as a compromise by the parties involved, the order strives to balance Grey Hawk's development intentions with the wellbeing of Glade Run Lake.

It stipulates the township must consider Grey Hawk's application for final planned residential development (PRD) approval. In turn, plans must be made to divert potentially harmful runoff away from the lake.

“The big change is going to be with the storm water,” said Michael Hnath, township solicitor, at Wednesday night's supervisor meeting. “It's going to end up being dispersed downstream of the lake.”

Specifically, Hnath said storm water is expected to be directed along Overbrook Road toward Route 228.

The order also says Grey Hawk is entitled to construct 111 dwelling units, versus the original 108 units.

As previously reported by the Eagle, the three extra units were offered as a compromise to cover the added costs of rerouting potential runoff.

Hnath said there are a few things that need to be resolved when Grey Hawk returns to the township for final PRD approval, including the configuration of a rain garden and what percentage of the water will be diverted.

“They do want some of the water to go into the lake,” Hnath said. “(They're) just not sure how much.”

David McMaster, a township resident, asked about a property near the proposed run-off alternative that experiences regular flooding.

“We're going to add more water to the system,” McMaster said. “Is there any consideration?”

Michael Spreng, supervisors chairman, said any plans will be worked on in coordination with township engineer Jeff Mikesic.

“He's here to do that calculation,” Spreng said.

Glade Run Lake Conservancy joined the suit last year as an intervenor on behalf of the township.

Susan Salter, a resident and board member of the conservancy, suggested Wednesday this might be a good time for the township to review zoning considerations that affect water runoff in an effort to be “proactive.”

“I think this is a really good learning experience,” Salter said.

Grey Hawk's plans will need to be resubmitted to the township before moving forward. It wasn't resubmitted as of Wednesday night.