EVANS CITY — Council approved its part of a housing development proposed for Maple Avenue.

Much of the 53-unit development lies in Forward Township. Just five properties lie in Evans City — three single-family homes and a duplex.

Council member Shelley Natali said the planning commission worked with the developer and sewer and water authority to work out some conditions to approval including the placement of fire hydrants every 500 feet.

Council approved the development unanimously.

Representatives for the developer said they anticipate Forward Township to approve its portion of the plan and for Jackson Township to follow suit.

Municipal ordinances will apply to units based on which borough or township they fall under and property tax revenue will be split accordingly.

“This will be a nice addition,” said council President Lee Dyer. “New neighbors, but a bit more traffic.”

Natali said a nearby bridge used to access the plan may need some upgrades or repairs, but only the county has the authority to do that.

The borough also approved an agreement with Verizon to outfit three street department vehicles with GPS devices. The devices will keep track of vehicles' position and maintenance schedules, alert codes and service records.

Dyer said this purchase will make the department safer and more economical. It will also allow the department to keep closer track of the plowing schedule, where its plows were and when.

The borough will pay $682.20 annually for the service, plus $285.69 in a one -time installation charge.