MIDDLESEX TWP — The state highway department has come up with two alternative routes to eliminate a dangerous road curve on Route 228, and will form a committee to help it decide the best path for the road realignment.

The latest developments in the project to make the road safer, particularly at a sharp curve known as Ball’s Bend, were presented by PennDOT to about 50 people who filled the municipal building Wednesday evening.

The option originally released by the state last year saw the new stretch of highway run in a straight line from Route 8 to Quality Gardens.

However, that plan proved unpopular with many residents because of the impact on Harbison Road and Allemande Lane property owners.

On Wednesday night, PennDOT District 10 engineers displayed two other options. All options would widen the busy two-lane road to a four lane highway with turn lanes added where necessary.

All options also would remove Ball’s Bend from the highway.

One of the new options would have the highway remain in its current location from Route 8 to Ball’s Bend, where it would drop to the south and reconnect with the existing road just east of Officer Ed Brooks Drive.

The other option would follow the current path of Route 228 from Route 8 until the first bend begins to dip south, and place the road to the north of the existing highway up to Ball’s Bend.

That option also would reconnect with the existing Route 228 east of Officer Ed Brooks Drive, thereby removing Ball’s Bend.

Mark Rozich, the PennDOT project engineer for the Ball’s Bend realignment, gave a presentation before a lengthy question-and-answer session.

Before the presentation, one resident became violent and was escorted out of the building by a state police trooper as he shouted obscenities.

Rozich pleaded with the audience to leave their emotions at the door.

“I’m a homeowner. I built my own house. I understand some of your issues,” Rozich said. “Hopefully you can understand that something needs to be done (with Route 228), it’s just how do we go about it?”

Rozich said that because of the community’s vocal opposition to the original option, a committee of affected residents and business owners, Mars School District representatives, trucking company owners, elected officials and emergency services personnel will be formed.

Rozich said the group of about 25 people would provide input, feedback and local knowledge to help PennDOT officials determine the best alternative. The group also would report back to their neighbors regarding their meetings with PennDOT.

“We’re revising the way we’re involving the public as we move forward,” Rozich said.

Interested residents filled out forms indicating they would participate in the committee, and a consultant hired by PennDOT will interview the residents to select about six, Rozich said.

While Rozich said 10 or 11 properties could be taken in the original alternative, he said he did not know how many would be taken in the other options.

Dave King of Harvest Valley Farms told Rozich he rents the Hawkins Farm off Harbison Road, where he grows 20 acres of sweet corn and 10 acres of green beans each year.

He said about 80 percent of the corn and 50 percent of the green beans are sold locally, and 20,000 pounds of the produce last year was donated to a food bank.

He said the original alternative would eliminate much of the Hawkins’ best soil.

“I understand that something needs to be done with Ball’s Bend,” said King, “but I feel (the widening of the existing road) would be the best thing.”

King’s comments were met with applause.

“Agriculture is very significant,” Rozich said. “My grandfather farmed, and I baled hay.”

Nana Carr, who lives on Ball’s Bend, asked Rozich if PennDOT could use eminent domain rights to take a property from a resident who does not want to sell his home to PennDOT to make way for the project.

“Yes, we have that ability,” Rozich said.

After the presentation, many residents remained to ask more questions, fill out comment cards provided by PennDOT, or discuss the realignment plan with their neighbors.

Ellen Hawkins Flemma and Jane Hawkins Peterson, two of the owners of the farm rented by King, said they found the event very informative.

“We are thrilled with the new alternative,” Flemma said of the option that would widen Route 228 in its existing path up to Ball’s Bend.

“We are also pleased about citizens serving on the committee,” Peterson said.

Dennis and Julie Detar said their house is on Route 228, about 150 yards west of Route 8.

They said they are anticipating being bought out by PennDOT because they cannot sell their starter home with the project coming through.

“Now we’re stuck with the house and we’re in limbo,” Dennis Detar said. “If we sell, we would be required to disclose that this project is coming through.”

They also hesitate to spend on home improvements if the house is just going to be taken in the realignment project.

Rozich said the project is not yet funded, and will likely begin in 2020 or later.

He said meetings with the stakeholders committee could begin in August or September.

Another public forum would be held later to announce the option selected, Rozich said.