Development Threats Along the Lower Gaps
Three developments have been proposed within the lower Water Gaps that threaten the beauty, water resources, congestion and overall quality of life of the region. One is moving forward (Marysville), one has been discontinued (Cove Mountain), and one is on the back burner for now (River Ridge/Second Mountain).
Details on the proposed developments:
Rockville Estates -- Marysville Borough
The developer is Yingst Homes. This project will build more than 300 single family homes on the north-facing slope of Blue Mountain, and will result in large swaths of forest removal and an extensive road system. Construction began in the summer of 2009 for a road entrance just north of the Rockville Bridge, and the Senior residence section near the north-facing base of Little Mountain.
Issues still being discussed between the developer. the Marysville Borough, and adjacent landowners include: stormwater runoff concerns, natural areas left as open space, a hiking trail connection to the Darlington Trail on top of Blue Mountain, and the extreme safety hazard of the abandoned quarry wall next to Route 15.
Cove Mountain - Penn Township, Perry County
The Windsor Companies LLC of Freehold, NJ (www.windsorcos.com), announced their intention at the January 2006 Penn Township Supervisors’ meeting to construct a development on Cove Mountain. The property, which contains 1155 acres, currently belongs to J. Nevin White. The property borders on State Game Land 170 above Perdix.
Much of the property is covered by steep slopes (over 25% grade). Windsor’s original concept was for a Planned Residential Development (PRD) of 949 housing units. However, Penn Township does not have zoning for PRDs, and was unwilling to accomodate the developer by changing to a more dense development pattern. The developer withdrew plans in early 2009..River Ridge – Middle Paxton Township
The Vartan Group has proposed to build hundreds of homes on the south-facing side of Second Mountain in Middle Paxton Township. This is the mountain that is located just north of Blue Mountain. Second Mountain is bordered by Routes 22/322 and the river to the west, and by Fishing Creek Valley Road to the south and east. The top part of the mountain is within State Game Lands Number 211.
Ralph Vartan, son of the late John Vartan, is presently running the Vartan Group, and is very much interested in developing the property in such a way as to dramatically minimize ecological and aesthetic impacts that often result with housing developments on forested slopes. His vision is to create a model that would attract notice from other states and serve to inspire more ecologically-sensitive home building.
No specific plan has been developed yet, but CPC and other members of the Susquehanna Water Gap Coalition will continue to meet and work with the Vartan Group and assist in any way possible to help minimize impacts to this very important part of the Susquehanna Water Gap viewshed.
