JACKSON TWP — More homes will be added to Jackson’s Crossing.

Phase three of Jackson’s Crossing was unanimously recommended by the township planning commission Wednesday evening. Ryan Homes will build 29 single-family houses in addition to the 107 homes built or planned to be built for the first two phases.

“Jackson Township is a booming area,” said developer Don Rodgers. “It’s highly sought after.”

The planning commission’s lone concern for the development was the lack of successful reforestation for the area. Pine trees were planted for the development’s buffer areas, but have not had successful growth.

“In general, the reclamation and the processes didn’t seem to measure up to what we thought it was going to be,” said planning commission chairman Ed Komoroski. “I know you can’t guarantee things will grow, but there has to be some replacement.”

The developer is responsible to replace dead trees.

Rodgers also said the tree planting was not going according to plan and that he will try planting a different species of tree.

“When I looked for the reforestation, I couldn’t find any,” he said. “When the grass grew, it killed the little trees there. I wasn’t happy with that.”

However, officials said other developments in the township are facing similar issues. The Buncher Company, which owns Jackson’s Pointe Commerce Park, planted evergreen trees that have been more successful.

Two residents expressed concern over a sediment pond near a house that fills with water during rainy days. Jan and Bill Kreuer, who have lived on Jo Deener Road for the past 30 years, said the steep slope of the pond could pose a hazard for children who may venture into it if it were filled with stormwater.

“It would be very difficult for a little person to get out of there if they fall down into it,” said Jan Kreuer, who suggested a fence be installed around the pond.

The township’s ordinances do not require sediment ponds or retention ponds to have fences around them.

Township officials and Rodgers said they have never had issues with ponds being a hazard.

“You have to have a sediment pond,” said Komoroski.

The pond was planned to be converted into a retention pond after phase three of the development is complete. The pond will better handle stormwater.

Rodgers said he is able to change the sediment pond sooner, however.

“There is no reason why I can’t go in there now and have it completed,” he said. “All I have to do is make a phone call.”

The Kreuers said they are satisfied with the discussions from Wednesday.

“As long as it keeps kids from falling into it, I’m satisfied,” said Bill Kreuer.

Rodgers said asphalt for phase three will be poured in about six weeks. The homes will be built after that, which could come as soon as this fall.