The Kohler tract again dominated discussion at last week’s Upper Milford supervisors meeting.

A number of residents were again present to express their concerns about the proposed development of the 32-acre property.

But the key action Jan. 21 was supervisors’ approval of a pre-development agreement with Kay Builders which would require the developer to include a neighborhood park on the land when it is developed as residences.

That park would have to be approximately 2.5 acres, plus parking and stormwater facilities. It would have to be located in the northeast corner of the property. It would have to include a pedestrian path, a tot lot, an intermediate lot and other amenities, such as multi-purpose courts.

The developer will also be required to construct provisions for future water and sewer connections, in locations to be agreed upon by both parties.

In response to the developer agreeing to these conditions, the township agrees not to acquire the property through condemnation proceedings.

Supervisors said Richard Koze of Kay Builders has already signed this agreement and adopted the resolution approving it. All three supervisors said they support the agreement “unhappily.”

“This isn’t an easy decision for supervisors,” Supervisor Robert Sentner said.

“There was once a time to preserve this property,” supervisors Chairman George DeVault said, but while all three supervisors would prefer to see the land preserved as open space, it is too late for that.

Board members stressed the agreement does not guarantee final approval of Kay Builders’ plans.

Sentner encouraged the residents who are concerned about the future of the property to attend planning commission meetings where the plans will first be presented.

They also had praise for the number of residents who have become involved because of this issue and said more community involvement in the township is needed.

Assistant Township Manager Tim Haas noted there are now 313 names on a petition urging the township to acquire the land for open space and recreation.

In a related matter, supervisors agreed to ask the open space committee to look into putting a referendum on the ballot in 2017 asking residents to approve a small tax increase raising funds for township acquisition of open space.

Sentner said he asked for a discussion of this because he believes township residents want to preserve open space. He said he is thinking of perhaps a tax increase which would be imposed for 10 years, and asking township staff to look into what land is available.

“It wouldn’t hurt to look into it [a referendum],” Supervisor Daniel Mohr said.

In other business, Sentner said he attended the recreation committee meeting earlier last week and would like to invite the committee to the supervisors’ Feb. 4 meeting. He said he thinks there “seems to be a disconnect” between supervisors and the committee.

Supervisors also approved seeking a grant of $187,000 for the Western District Fire Company for the acquisition of new firefighting gear, including air packs, hoses, mobile radios and more.