By Anty Caswell

Tneditor@tnonline.com

Development updates, zoning considerations and community announcements took center stage at the recent Ross Township Board of Supervisors meeting.

Newly elected Township Treasurer Ricky Santee presented an update on the final development plans for Sanders Properties at 140 Elmer Road. Santee told the board that nearly all conditions tied to the project have been met.

“I’ve spoken with the engineer, and all conditions except for the payment of consulting engineering fees have been satisfied,” Santee said.

He added that property owner Dan Saunders is believed to have paid those fees, though the township has not yet issued a final invoice for services provided since August 2025.

The supervisors continue to review the land development application submitted by Catherine Andrews and Saunders. The property has been a recurring topic for the board, as it has been deemed a dangerous and dilapidated structure in violation of township ordinances.

Engineer Mark Leuthe also provided updates on plans for Hemlock Lane, requesting an extension to address minor revisions.

“This is just housekeeping,” Leuthe said, noting the changes would not significantly alter the approved plans.

The site had previously been abandoned and subject to illegal dumping. With final plan approval in place, township officials said they expect to close out the matter. Leuthe also spoke on behalf of Russ Kresge of Keystone Consulting Engineers regarding the current status of the Hemlock Lane development.

Data centers

The board also discussed potential development related to data centers and solar farms. Santee referenced feedback from the Monroe County Planning Commission.

“There were extensive comments, and while I didn’t receive a copy of CJERP’s response, I understand they approved the plan,” he said.

Chairman Dave Shay raised zoning concerns, suggesting any proposed data center should be located in a commercial or industrial district. The Monroe County Planning Commission has recommended classifying the associated power source as a second principal use, allowing conditions to be imposed to address safety and infrastructure impacts.

Shay said the township’s seven-member planning commission currently has three vacancies and encouraged residents to get involved. The commission meets on the third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the municipal building.

Supervisors welcomed the township’s new receptionist and recording secretary, Karen Orlando.

Shay spoke about the township’s phone system, noting that Frontier currently owns the equipment and that upgrades would be costly. Officials are awaiting a quote from Blue Ridge, which may offer savings over Frontier’s nearly $300 monthly fee.

Vice Chairman Greg Gill noted that Frontier is now owned by Verizon and that the township missed the deadline to switch providers.Plans are still underway to purchase new phones. Shay said the board could move forward once costs are finalized.

The township office will be closed Feb. 16 in observance of Presidents Day.

Shay praised road foreman Ethan Brewer and the road crew for their response in the Jan. 25 snowstorm.

“There wasn’t a single road that was as good as our township roads,” Shay said. “So that’s a testament to you guys really doing a great job. ... We haven’t had a storm like this. You guys did a great job.”

Martha Rezeli of the Ross Township Historical Society shared that the society’s popular doll exhibition and antique Valentine display will be open to the public. The event will feature cookies and candy, and on Saturday children will be invited to make Valentine’s Day crafts.