CENTER TWP — The township board of supervisors on Wednesday repealed an ordinance deemed detrimental to local businesses.

The township’s impact fees ordinance, originally enacted in June 2006, was instated to charge developers a fee for work done on projects in the township, with proceeds going directly to road improvements, according to supervisor Chairman Tom Schiebel.

The fees were based on a complicated formula, but primarily based on the impact development would have on traffic.

“Rather than hit the developers, as we had hoped, it has stifled our (current) businesses,” Schiebel said.

In addition to new development, the impact fees had been affecting existing businesses looking to make improvements or expand, he said.

“Effectively, it was an extra tax on the business community, which already paid property and all other applicable taxes,” said Supervisor Ron Flatt.

Although the repeal passed Wednesday, suspension of the former ordinance’s fees is retroactive to May 1.