ADAMS TWP — With a full room as an audience, members of the township planning commission granted preliminary approval for Amherst Village Phases 5 through 7 Wednesday night.

As it now stands, Phases 5 through 7 include 142 acres for 288 single- and multifamily housing units north of Route 228 along Mars-Evans City Road.

Planning commission Chairman Martin McKinney explained that preliminary approval of the phases was tabled last month due to “some complications with some property.”

Representing the plan, project manager Allan Beechey of the engineering firm Sheffler & Co. said Amherst in August adhered to suggestions made by township engineer Ron Olsen and already secured conditional use approval from the supervisors.

“We had addressed the majority of the comments for the preliminary plan,” Beechey said.

Beechey reminded the planning commission that the plan was tabled at an August meeting after resident Ruth Jones explained she owns a little more than an acre of land within the plan. In August, Jones said she didn't know what would happen with her property.

“There was a handshake agreement,” Beechey said Wednesday. “But there was some miscommunication.”

Beechey said developer Chris Kaclik has since established a formal agreement with Jones. Sean Gallagher, township solicitor, said he received copies of the paperwork. Jones, who was in attendance, verified the agreement was clarified.

Gallagher asked if there were any other parcels represented on plan documents that weren't under agreement with the developer. Beechey said there aren't.

“The whole 142 (acres) is under agreement,” Beechey said.

Tim Stack, a resident, asked if the plan had to go back through the approval process since the information presented at the last meeting wasn't properly detailed. Gallagher said it didn't.

McKinney said according to the township's planning officials, the development now complies with development regulations. Supervisors unanimously granted preliminary approval for the phases. The plan moves to the supervisors for approval.

At the end of the meeting, township manager Gary Peaco said the township plans to organize an informal public roundtable regarding development and development procedures.

“To help you understand,” Peaco said. “It might be helpful for all of us.”

McKinney said a roundtable is a good idea and a time to “sit down and have a conversation.” The event is expected to include input from township officials.

The township will share information about the forum when it's organized.