A Lower Towamensing Township resident has expressed concerns over plans for a Tractor Supply proposed to be built in the township.

Ed Sikorsky asked township supervisors on Tuesday about the results from last month’s zoning hearing board concerning the variance requests.

Sikorsky said he was concerned about the variance about the water issue, and added that the water comes straight down in a heavy rainstorm.

Sikorsky said he went to take pictures of the two ridges, which he had on hand Tuesday.

“I’m the only one complaining about it,” Sikorsky said. “That’s a high-speed commuter roadway.”

Sikorsky then asked if they were going to get a highway occupancy permit.

MSP Development has proposed to subdivide property to construct a Tractor Supply store at 780 Little Gap Road in the township.

Nicholas Urbanowicz, permit coordinator of MSP Development, discussed store signs, one of the variances sought.

A free-standing sign would be at the entrance of the property, though Urbanowicz noted that the township only allows 50 square feet and MSP Development is requesting 147 square feet for a free-standing pylon sign.

A variance for two signs that would be mounted on the side of the building was withdrawn after it was determined those signs would be within zoning requirements of 15% of the square footage of the front of the building.

Sarah Ritsema, project engineer from Widmer Engineering Inc., addressed the three main variances being sought.

One is that the store is looking to be built in an industrial zone, which does not allow retail stores.

A section of the township’s zoning ordinance requires a maximum lot coverage of 35%, and minimum front yard setback of 50 feet.

During that meeting, it was brought up that instead of 50 feet, the front setback would be 80 feet, as PennDOT issued a “future right of way.”

Therefore, the encroachment will be 35 feet instead of 8 feet.

The other part of the variance being sought has to do with a maximum lot coverage, as Ritsema noted that per ordinance, they are allowed to have 35% of the site covered, which includes the building, parking,

Ritsema said the site they are proposing would cover 55% due to their need to have additional parking to meet the parking requirements.

Typically, Tractor Supply needs 70 to 80 parking spots, but, it has to provide 120 spots under the ordinance.

James Ord, board chairman, asked if the free-standing sign would be lit 24 hours a day, or would it be off when the store is closed.

Urbanowicz replied that he believed the sign is turned off when the store is closed. Ord asked if the company would consider making it a requirement that the sign should be turned off when the store is closed.

Urbanowicz also pointed out that the photometric of the sign and the other lights on the property would keep the lights from exceeding the property limits.

The engineers still need to do a survey of the property and work with PennDOT on several issues.

After a recess, the board reconvened and voted that it will render a decision on April 15.