Open space can be a deal in Dingman

DINGMAN — Instead of having to set aside 10 percent open space for recreational use subdivision developers can opt to pay the township a fee going to the development of a township park on Log Tavern Road. The Dingman Supervisors approved an ordinance for the land/fee exchange at their last meeting. “This ordinance is very general and unclear,” said Robert Ramagosa part owner of Sunrise Lake. Ramagosa is planning an additional 49-lot subdivision within his already developed 850-lot subdivision. Supervisors Chairman Tom Mincer told Ramagosa the ordinance is very clear and gives developers an option. “Some subdivisions which are close to the new park will benefit from this ordinance,” Mincer replied. Sewage Zoning Enforcement Officer Chris Wood told the Courier the Department of Environmental Protection is slow on approving storm water runoff plans for the park and construction has not yet begun. He said the permits could possibly take as long as two years. Mincer said township recreational facilities are needed and in building the new park those needs will be met. It allows developers to construct their own facilities or buy into what the township is constructing. This might prove to be financially beneficial to some developers. It will help offset the costs for the new park. The fees will help funding for the park rather than all the money coming from the residential tax base. Mincer also said most developers were positive about the plan. The park will be constructed in several phases with the final stage expected to be completed in 2018. In other business Pike County Humane Society Executive Director Barry Heim gave a report on how the animal shelter has managed to fund raise in a time of financial crisis. “In just over two months we have managed to raise $65,000 to keep the Pike County Humane Shelter open and funded,” said Heim. The Humane Society has many fundraising events planned for the next few months. Legislative District Representative John Siptroth of Pike and Monroe counties helped the Humane Society get a $20,000 grant. Heim said the money will be used for new winter heating units for two of the buildings which house pets waiting to be adopted. Some of the money will also go to replace outside kennels which were constructed in 1999 and are now antiquated. “We provide a very needed service and we are the only animal shelter in all of Pike County,” reported Heim. Heim told the supervisors the Dog Warden for Pike County only works 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. “Most of the calls come in the evening and sometimes late at night and we are the only one available to answer emergency calls,” noted Heim. He went on to say, “We have to keep adoption fees and charges for other services reasonable so we just break even. We have to do fundraising all the time. “You need to get the word out early when funds are needed. The community wants to help but we have to be made aware of the problem. You can see we have plenty of press coverage here to help make the public aware,” Mincer told Heim. “Sometimes financial problems sneak up quickly and we thought things were okay. It happened so fast and we were surprised,” commented Heim. Plans were also submitted for a reconfiguration of the Wachovia Bank parking lot on state Route 739. “An expansion of the bank building is not expected. All they want to do is add 10 more parking spaces. This will prevent cars from cutting through the parking lot to get to Log Tavern Road by not making the lawful turn at the stop sign,” said Mincer. The Dingman Township Planning Commission recommended approval and the supervisors confirmed the approval. Engineer Jeff Jerome of Burkavage Design Associates showed the supervisors a map detailing an expansion for the Delaware Valley School District building. The plan was for an 1,100 square foot storage addition to an existing structure. Director of Support Services Marvin Eversdyke told the Courier the new room would be used for the storage of athletic equipment. “We know public money is going to be used for this new storage room and we will do everything we can to move the project along as quickly as possible,” Mincer told Jerome. The new storage room is expected to be started when the school year ends in June.