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On Thursday, the supervisors approved a conditional-use application for the project, which is slated to include a convenience store and a fast-food restaurant.
The township's approval came with 15 conditions that must be met before the project can move forward.
Speaking on Oct. 2, Drumore Township zoning officer Mark Deimler said that the project's developer, Richard Wenger of East Drumore Township, has 30 days to appeal the conditions.
"Supervisors have heard expert testimony about issues such as how the new shopping center might impact sewage, local traffic, and the area water supply," Deimler said. "If the developer agrees to the conditions, then the next step is to begin working on a land-development plan for the new shopping center."
Although the new center is slated to contain retail shopping space plus room for a fast-food restaurant and a convenience store, Deimler said that "it's not yet indicated" what specific businesses will be included.
"Big companies usually don't like to commit at this stage of the game," Deimler said. "They prefer to wait until the developer has obtained all the necessary approvals. After the land-development plan gets approved, we'll probably find out what will be going in, whether it's a Sheetz, a Wawa or another Turkey Hill."
To be built at the Buck along the west side of Route 272 on the site of a former Pontiac dealership, the new shopping center, according to published reports, might also contain a furniture store or a greeting card store, and possibly a bank with a drive-up teller window.
Wenger submitted an application for the new shopping center in March, and elected officials held hearings on the matter on May 28, July 21 and Aug. 19.
Speaking at Thursday's meeting, Brian Wilson, a lawyer for the township, outlined the 15 conditions with with the developer is being asked to comply in order to move forward on the project.
The conditions include providing six horse-and-carriage parking spaces for members of local Plain sect communities and providing signs for trucks to make deliveries from a second entrance along Route 372/Holtwood Road.
Also, supervisors said, the shopping center will be prohibited from allowing cars to make left turns to head north on Route 272. Instead, drivers must be directed out to Route 372/Holtwood Road.
"But of course PennDOT (state Department of Transportation) has the ultimate authority," said Wilson, who is with the Lancaster law firm of Blakinger, Byler & Thomas.
The developer, he said, also will be required to submit a lighting plan, plus take steps to implement post-construction stormwater-management practices to protect nearby Fishing Creek.
If Wenger wishes to appeal the conditions, Deimler said, he must do so in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas before the start of November.
"But if he chooses not to appeal, then the next step is for Mr. Wenger to get started on the site drawings," Deimler said. "Then those must be submitted to the township for approval."
For more information on the project, contact the Drumore Township office at 548-2660.
