The 228 Times reporter Ian Schauble contributed to this report
A proposed 21,000-square-foot retail center at the Quincy Heights development along Route 228 moved one step closer to construction Wednesday after the Adams Township Planning Commission unanimously recommended preliminary and final land development approval.
The proposal, submitted by the Glimcher Group, calls for two retail buildings totaling approximately 21,000 square feet on the portion of the Quincy Heights development located between Route 228 and the future Quincy Lofts apartments. The recommendation now advances to the Adams Township Board of Supervisors, which has final authority over the land development application.
Michael Moidel, chief operating officer for the Glimcher Group, said the approval establishes the development plan for the project, although additional grading permits, building permits and other approvals will still be required before construction can begin. He said the company is not yet announcing prospective tenants.
“We’re going to have first-class retail for Adams Township and the region,” Moidel told The 228 Times.
During the meeting, John Kamin, legal counsel for the Glimcher Group, told commissioners the retail component represents the next phase of a master-planned development that has been in the works for years. The commercial area will serve as the gateway to the larger Quincy Heights project, which also includes apartments, townhomes and single-family homes.
One of the more unique elements discussed during the meeting involved landscaping along Route 228. Rather than installing a traditional tree buffer, developers proposed planting wildflowers on the hillside overlooking the highway to preserve visibility for future businesses while creating a more attractive entrance to the development.
Planning Commission Chairman Marty McKinney said the board’s role is to review development proposals for compliance with township ordinances before making recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, which has the final authority on land development approvals. Wednesday’s vote represents another step in that review process before the project can move forward.
In other business, the commission unanimously approved a final minor subdivision for Quincy Heights Lot 5, allowing townhouse parcels to be divided into individual lots, as well as final land development approval for a proposed Flynn Tire Service Center and the reapproval of Sienna Village Phase 2.
If the Board of Supervisors grants final approval, the developer will still need grading permits, building permits and other required approvals before construction can begin.
