At the Feb. 13 meeting, Allen Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the preliminary final plan for the Stone Ridge commercial development. The development, which includes nearly 100 additional residences, a retail store and a fast-food restaurant, is located along Route 329 by Savage Road and Horwith Drive.

Supervisors voiced concerns about sidewalks in the development. Sidewalks are proposed along the entire frontage of Route 329 and Horwith and Stonegate drives.

The commercial association will be responsible for sidewalk maintenance, until it hits Horwith Drive, at which point the residential homeowners association will resume responsibility.

Chairman Dale Hassler questioned if sidewalks were necessary west of Stonegate Drive. If sidewalks are installed on Horwith Drive, there would be about 600 feet of empty space where the township’s sidewalks end and Northampton Borough’s begin at Hollow Lane, he said.

Hassler was concerned about the township’s maintenance of the sidewalks and the potential of a resident taking a walk outside the development.

Solicitor Lincoln Treadwell proposed removing the sidewalk requirement for Route 329 and Horwith Drive and replacing it with the ownership of the new sidewalks on Savage Road and John Drive.

Tim Livengood, project developer, said he would have to vet the proposal with Wawa and the homeowners association but thinks it is possible.

Supervisors unanimously approved the preliminary final plan with eight waivers, as well as the major subdivision plan.

In other business, the board approved upgrades to multiple parks across the township including the Savage Road dog park, Howertown Road park and Kreidersville Covered Bridge Park.

Additional gates will be added to the dog park following multiple complaints of aggressive dogs. The gates will provide an additional entrance and exit and will serve to separate the aggressive dogs.

The other two parks will see shade upgrades, new seating and new picnic tables, totaling about $127,000.