WELLSBORO - A long planned townhouse development got the green light Monday night from borough council here, which approved final plans for Greenwood Gardens to build 40 townhouses on Greenwood Street.
Conditions include approval from the shade tree commission before the organization developing the project, Trehab, plants any trees; a sidewalk must be installed along Greenwood Street near the creek and the project must receive approval from the borough engineer and Borough Manager Daniel Strausser.
Strausser reported a final review for sewer and water capacity has been completed.
Greenwood Gardens will include 40 two- and three-bedroom townhouses on a 16-acre parcel owned by Betty Niles. The $9 million project would offer housing to families for a $500 to $600 monthly rent.
After 15 years, Trehab would begin selling sections of the development to the renters.
The project would include a community building, playground, walking path and two retention ponds for storm water run-off, as well as onsite staff for maintenance, road plowing, sidewalk shoveling and lawn care.
The developers said they plan to pay any property taxes on the development.
Council also approved a conditional-use for the former Acorn Market on Kelsey Street, which has sat empty for several years.
The property is owned by Kevin and Jenny Connelly, who are renovating office space downstairs and will continue to rent a two-bedroom upstairs apartment.
If they are unable to find a business tenant, they will use the downstairs as apartment space.
"That would be a permitted use because it is in a residential zone," Strausser said.
The Connellys plan to have the project completed by late spring.
