JACKSON TWP — The township supervisors Thursday evening approved a new ordinance for developing vacant land.

The ordinance makes way for a potential housing development in Harmony.

Hurstock Holdings requested the change for the site of the former Miller Animal Hospital on Old Little Creek Road, township manager Chris Rearick said.

“They (investors) would like to construct patio homes essentially, geared toward maintenance-free type living,” Rearick said. “It’s basically a redevelopment of an existing site.

The building that housed the animal hospital was demolished last summer.

Graf Custom Construction owner Curtis Graf said the proximity to Harmony and the ease of transportation make the area attractive for new homes.

“It’s a very neighborly area,” said Graf, a Lancaster Township resident.

The patio homes will be one-floor with the possibility of loft areas. About 14 homes are planned.

They would cost around $450,000 each and “blend in” with existing single-family homes surrounding the four-acre area.

“We’re trying to make it affordable and still be able to attract some middle to higher income families,” Graf said.

The new ordinance limits permitted uses to single-family and duplex units, among other similar developments.

The ordinance does not increase or modify the number of homes that could be built and does not allow for townhouses or apartments.

“The infill development was the best way to approach it because it doesn’t allow for any relaxation of standards on larger properties,” Rearick said.

Some township and Harmony residents voiced their concerns with the planned development and the ordinance.

Harmony Mayor Cathy Rape said the ordinance “favors developers, not present homeowners or taxpayers” and “does nothing to protect the quality of life, health, safety and financial investments for home and property owners.”

She also said Supervisor Ron Lutz should abstain from the vote on the ordinance and future votes on the development due to a conflict of interest.

“He has or has had many acres that will be developed,” Rape said.

However Lutz did not abstain, saying the ordinance does not apply to his property. “It (ordinance) only applies to properties of 10 acres or less,” he said. “It’s an ordinance for the whole township.”

Lutz also said since the ordinance does not apply to his property, which exceeds 10 acres, he is not required to abstain under township code.

Another concern about the development was the reduction in open green space and possible increased congestion.

The ordinance states “no more than 25 percent of common open space may be graded or improved for playgrounds and noncommercial recreation facilities.”

The previous minimum amount of green space required was 35 percent.

Township resident Nick Hewlett suggested that developers eliminate several homes to retain green space.

“It could be a win-win without changing the ordinance that could have ultimately unintended consequences,” Hewlett said.

However Graf said doing that would be more financially challenging.

“The struggle we have is not just with the space itself, but if you do reduce it, the cost with tie-ins make it not really worth it,” Graf said. “The expense simply isn’t feasible.”

Land preserved for common open space will maintain its existing natural character, according to the new ordinance.

Despite their concerns, residents said they are pleased the area will be redeveloped in general. Before demolition, the unoccupied building was littered with refuse.

It is not known when the homes would be built or when developers will present their concept to the township for approval.