DUBOIS – On Monday night, the Sandy Township supervisors voted to approve Aqua PA’s request to construct a new water storage tank in Treasure Lake.
The request was necessary as the property, owned by Aqua Pennsylvania Inc., was zoned residential. The tank will hold a half-million gallons of water.
Michael Daschbach of Entech Engineering detailed the reasons for the tank’s placement.
According to him, engineering plans require that the new and existing tanks be the same height. It will also make having one out of service for maintenance easier, as there will be a back-up system.
“I don’t see why we need to prolong it. There is no dissention and it is needed,” said Supervisor Dave Sylvis.
Sandy Township had 45 days after Monday night’s public hearing to make their decision. However, the supervisors proceeded and approved the request during their regular voting meeting.
In other business, the supervisors tabled action on the township’s proposed Elder Cottage Ordinance.
The supervisors anticipate Township Manager Dave Monella and his staff to make amendments to the ordinance in the near future.
Elder Cottages are tiny homes for seniors. The tiny homes can be placed on properties belonging to family or friends. They allow seniors to live independently but near loved ones who can assist them.
Resident Donald Robertson would like an Elder Cottage for a member of his family. He said that he hoped the supervisors make some progress with the ordinance soon.
Robertson said that 18 percent of seniors require care, and the average person pays $116,000 annually for a patient in a nursing home. Also, he said there are 333,000 citizens over the age of 85 years in Pennsylvania.
Robertson said an Elder Cottage in Sandy Township could change the culture, and it would offer seniors an alternative option to a nursing home.