More work on plans for a proposed 74-home development in Kidder Township is needed before Carbon County could recommend approval.

During the last meeting of the year for the Carbon County Planning Commission, the board reviewed a proposed subdivision called Graystone’s Preserves, a 3,916-acre site located at 641 Greystones Jera’s Road, Kidder Township.

Ivan O. Meixell, county planner, told the board that this has been in the works since June 2022.

The plans call for creating 59 12-acre lots and 15 3-acre lots on land in both Kidder and Penn Forest townships. The site is accessed off Route 534.

However, Meixell outlined several areas of noncompliance with township ordinances, as well as other issues, including a previous state report that indicated two threatened species - Allegheny wood rat and timber rattlesnake - habitats may exist on the site.

In addition, there were missing pieces including easements, road locations and other plan requirements.

Meixell pointed out that the proposed tract is currently in the Clean and Green program and changing the use of the property will trigger a rollback from the program and seven years of taxes at 6% interest per year would be required.

The planning commission took no action on a recommendation based on Meixell’s review, staying that the plans “precludes any recommendation for approval of this final subdivision plan at this time.”

The notes were sent off to Kidder Township Planning Commission, supervisors, the township engineer and Hanover Engineering Associates for further discussion on this matter.

In July 2022, Kidder Township supervisors approved an extension for the project and also approved 12 waivers.

In September 2022, the township gave preliminary approval to the developer, Preservation Graystones LLC.

According to a report from that meeting, the Vermont-based developer purchased the land south of Hickory Run State Park, which was used as a private fishing preserved for 85 years, at a cost of $9.2 million.

According to the preserve’s website, the homes would share amenities, including hiking and ATV trails, fitness center, pools, gardens and other attractions.