MIDDLESEX TWP — Township planning commissioners voted to table any approval of the Hawkins Crest plan at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Hawkins Crest is a single-family residential development that would sit north of Route 228 and west of Harbison Road. The plan would convert 61 acres of agricultural land into 50 lots.

Project manager Ed Moore of Sheffler & Company, gave a presentation and addressed notes the plan received from township officials.

“We understand there’s some work to be done,” Moore said.

Specifically, developer Gregg Heinemann is looking to install an earth mound along one part of the development. This would act as a buffer for light pollution from Hawkins Crest traffic affecting the adjacent Brown family property.

The decision to install an earth barrier is not required by the township. Heinemann explained it was a goodwill gesture in response to concerns from residents.

“I’m going to extend (the buffer),” Heinemann said. “I’m going to do the best that I can.”

Planning commissioners said they appreciated Heinemann taking the extra step.

Property owner Melissa Brown told The Eagle after the meeting the extended mound would do a lot to protect her property.

“It would be a wonderful goodwill gesture on the part of the developer,” Brown said.

Other issues to be looked into before commissioners approve the plan are a traffic study and an environmental risk assessment.

Moore said after hearing residents’ concerns about disturbing bald eagles in the area, Sheffler & Company completed a Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory study.

“There were no known impacts,” Moore reported.

Additionally, Moore said a biologist assessed the area and didn’t identify any bald eagle habitats or eagles. The development still needs to complete an environment study.

“It’s going to take a while to address these issues,” said Al Terek, planning commission chairman.

Hawkins Crest representatives said they will be revising some things before returning to the planning commission. After receiving planning commission approval, they will present Hawkins Crest to township supervisors.

“We’re not going to do something half-way,” Heinemann said. “We’re going to do it right.”