ADAMS TWP — Buffer area issues in the Hickory Glen planned residential development have come to the attention of township officials.

Hickory Glen has a controversial history with the township, dating back years. Rob Crouthamel, who lives on Pearce Road adjacent to the PRD, told supervisors at their Monday night meeting that he's concerned about two areas of buffering in the plan. “These are issues that I've been attempting to work with the developer on since the fall of 2019,” Crouthamel said. One of Crouthamel's concerns is that a buffer yard added specifically after the county Common Pleas Court got involved with the PRD years ago hasn't been built yet. “That (area) is meant to buffer the view of the PRD from the existing, long-standing residents on Pearce Road,” Crouthamel said.

In the Hickory Glen development, Crouthamel reminded supervisors that buffer yards are built on individual lots, not on spaces controlled by the homeowners' association.

The lot's house is nearly built, according to Crouthamel.

“My fear is that if this lot changes hands to the homeowner, (the developers) have an excuse not to fulfill this obligation,” Crouthamel said.

His second concern is that a “large portion” of a conservation easement was cleared with an excavator last week. This leveled a mound and plants, according to Crouthamel.

He said he's worried this means the plants will need more time to grow, if they grow at all.

Crouthamel suggested the excavation was done concurrent with a pool being established in the area by the lot's occupant.

Crouthamel said he chose to approach the board after failing to reach a solution with the developer.

“I don't feel like we're making any progress on this,” Crouthamel said. “What I'm here asking for is a commitment from the township to stand up to your approval of this PRD.”

Russell Ford, supervisors chairman, assured Crouthamel the township was made aware of the problem Monday before the meeting and plans to act.

“We are well aware of this situation,” Ford said.

The township plans to schedule a meeting with the township engineering firm, the developer and township leaders to find a solution.

“We're going to address it immediately,” Ford said. “We're not going to sit on this.”