The prospect of new business and growth should always be on the mind of local officials. More business means a larger tax base and more money in the coffers to make their respective municipalities attractive to more potential businesses and residents.

However, when that business simply doesn’t jibe with the makeup of a particular area, or receives general negative feedback by those affected most, it is also the responsibility of those government officials to listen to the will of the people and make a decision that goes against more business.

Earlier this week, that scenario played out in Adams Township, where supervisors voted 4-0 to deny an application from a business known as The Dog Stop, a kennel and store, that was proposed for a shopping plaza along Route 228. It would have included a turf yard behind the building, allowing dogs to roam both inside and out while still enclosed on the premises.

The business would have required a conditional use approval, with a hearing on that matter held earlier this month.

During that hearing and during other public meetings dealing with the matter, residents of the nearby Adams Ridge housing development voiced vehement opposition to the business. They shared concerns about noise as well as smells that could emanate from the property.

Residents encouraged supervisors to listen to “the constituents” and vote against the conditional use plan.

This week, they did just that.

Certainly, supervisors had to consider a number of things before denying the request. New business is rarely, if ever, a bad thing. This particular business would have brought up to 20 jobs to the township, and occupied a vacant space in a high-traffic area.

However, throughout the process, supervisors and residents were quick to point out they found the plan to be interesting and an attractive proposition, but one that simply didn’t suit the specific area in which it was proposed. Many suggested finding another place in the township for the business to set up shop.

The potential owners who proposed the business indicated they had looked long and hard to find a suitable space, spending nearly five years on that part of the process. They said they were attracted to the “booming” atmosphere Adams Township offers.

We hope the denial doesn’t spell the end of the potential relationship between this business, the township and its residents, and all can come together to, perhaps, find an alternative location that will bring a new business to the area.

However, this was simply a case of wrong place, wrong time and a local government listening to the people it represents.