The Jackson Planning Commission approved an alternate plan for the Jackson Ridge residential development near Evans Road Wednesday — and held a public meeting to discuss the comprehensive plan for the township.

The new Jackson Ridge development plan calls for a new road, Ellis Way, to be constructed parallel to Evans Road. Residents of the new units will use Ellis Way to access their driveways rather than Evans Road.

The plan is to construct 119 single family houses to be accessed by Ellis Way.

The alternate plan was drawn up when residents raised concerns about the effect it would have on traffic.

The commission said the alternate plan alleviated their concerns about traffic problems.

Along with the construction of Ellis Way, Evans Road will also be widened. The development will also feature extensive landscaping.

The commission also discussed the comprehensive plan to guide development of the township.

The discussion centered on possible collaborations with other townships and boroughs; recreation and transportation; and the role this plan will play in future deliberations. They did not vote on whether or not to approve it.

Research shows that the township is “in the path of growth.”

Salaries and employment rates are increasing and the population is expected to exceed 6,000 by 2025.

The plan hopes to guide the township in areas where development should and could be encouraged and how to make sure the township’s infrastructure can handle the strain of future development.

The plan is not an ordinance or a legally binding document. It is a guide for planners and supervisors and to give future ordinances a sense of continuity.

The planning commission expects to vote on the plan at their meeting on June 28.

A dollar cost for the plan is not available because it does not enact any policies and any ordinances based on the findings in the plan will have to priced on a case-by-case basis.

Anyone interested in reading the full 124 pages of the plan can find it at jacksontownship.com.