The West Penn Township Board of Supervisors has approved a preliminary land development plan for the Tamaqua Congregation of Jehovah's Witness.

The congregation is planning to build on property it owns along Golf Road, according to Edward Dudley, chairman of the West Penn Planning Commission.Ronald B. Madison of Rettew, Inc., the township's engineering consultant, told the board Monday evening that the planning commission had reviewed the plan, which was last revised Nov. 2 and recommended conditional approval.Madison said the congregation plans to use an existing sand mound and well on the site.A traffic study will probably be needed in order to reduce the speed limit so that they can apply for a driveway permit, Dudley related.Madison also noted that the Schuylkill Conservation District had several outstanding issues that needed to be satisfied regarding the erosion and sedimentation plan for the property, which have been made part of the conditions for the plan. The board also granted four waivers requested by the congregation.The supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution providing approval for the plan.Sewer plan updateTownship Solicitor Gretchen D. Sterns reported that she has worked with Madison in issuing legal notices to the property owners of parcels selected for on-site soil borings and percolation testings in regard to the township's Act 537 sewage plan update.Madison said Rettew had completed testing on three of the eight properties selected and are in the process with two more. Weather, Thanksgiving and hunting season have impacted the progress.Sterns said she contacted Walker Township Solicitor Michael Greek via conference call on Nov. 30 and received his support for the sewer project, which will include the Reynolds section of Walker.Last Thursday, West Penn Supervisors Chairman Alfonso Martinez and Madison attended the Walker Board of Supervisors meeting to provide an update on the progress with the plan.The Walker Supervisors directed Greek to issue the same soil testing notice to two Reynolds property owners, so that Rettew can conduct the test borings. Walker also appointed Randall Bensinger as one of its two representatives to the joint sewer commission.In another legal matter, Sterns reported that a settlement has been reached regarding the Dekorte property in Andreas. The Dekorte family are not to use the property for their excavating business and must pay the previous judgement amount, as well as any township and legal fees.Plaques presentedThe supervisors presented a plaque to C. Chester Snyder of Charles S. Snyder, Inc., South Tamaqua, in honor of the business's 70th anniversary this year.The board also presented a plaque of appreciation to Edward Dudley for his 17 1/2 years of service to the planning commission. Dudley, who is also a former West Penn supervisor, is stepping down from the commission when the term for his seat expires at the end of this month.Ag securityThe township's agriculture security committee has reviewed applications it has received from residents and reviewed the locations in question. The committee approved the properties due to the land being mostly woodland.Sterns said the applicants will receive written notification of the committee's decision. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. The session will also be for final approval of the township's 2011 budget.Property problemUnder public comment, Christine Pantella of Andreas asked for an update on what action can be taken on an abandoned, dilapidated property located next to her home. She approached the board about the matter in September.Martinez said the property is now owned by a bank, which Code Enforcement Officer Harry Barron identified as Bank of America.Pantella said a maintenance company has been at the property, dismantling a trampoline and draining a swimming pool on site, but that more work remains to be done. She cited falling bricks and pieces of slate from the building. "It's a danger to my family and my home," she stressed."There's no question about that," said Barron. He said the bank has not sold the property, and it hasn't been put up for sheriff's sale.While Barron said he would contact the bank again regarding the condition of the property, Sterns said she would check to see if new state laws on blighted properties give the township additional leverage in code enforcement.