Cumru Town Council members have unanimously voted to initiate an appraisal of 7.8 acres of township land with frontage on Poplar Neck Road near Titus Station to attract potential developers.

The move was prompted by a zoning presentation by Commissioner David Batdorf. Batdorf later said he chose municipal land to attract a less controversial development, given ongoing litigation and public protests over a proposed warehouse along Route 10 and roadblocks that make development on land elsewhere in Cumru, such as along Route 222, difficult.

“The main reason for this is that 40% of the traffic was diverted from this area when PennDOT built the new PA Route 222 in 2000,” Batdorf said.

Batdorf said the property is zoned for general industrial use and has open, level land with frontage along Poplar Neck and the Schuylkill River.

He said the property has served as a park and is permitted for use for boating, canoeing, kayaking and picnicking. The property directly adjacent to the property has a gazebo, boat ramp and fire pit.

Batdorf said permitted commercial recreational uses include a theme park, casino, restaurants, retail, lodging, baseball stadium, fitness center, water park, zoo, and miniature golf and driving range.

“The location of the property is excellent,” he said. “It is located between Route 422 and the Morgantown Expressway to the PA Turnpike. The property turns off of Route 724 onto Poplar Neck Road and is very secluded from homes and traffic. It is also possible that this location could be further enhanced if the proposed PA Route 422 road widening project goes ahead, which would make the location of this property even more attractive. This area is excellent for development.

“First, the value of the property must be determined by a certified appraiser at a cost of $800. At this point, we will have a better idea of ​​the potential users and what they would be willing to pay for this property. We can also better determine whether it is better to rent it or sell it, or vice versa.

“My final recommendation would be to try to negotiate public water and sewer connections directly with the adjacent property owner to obtain public water and sewer. Both properties would benefit, which in turn would increase the property value and marketability of both properties.”

Batdorf said he and Commissioner Bill Miller have met with Joseph D. D’Ascenzo, owner of Titus Station, to discuss the possibilities, and D’Ascenzo is open to these

D’Ascenzo purchased the property in 2021 and plans to build a carbon-neutral energy community that uses methane from garbage to generate electricity.

Although everyone in the room seemed to be in favor of the idea Tuesday, Township Manager Jean E. Johnston said the neighboring, closed Western Berks Landfill could be an obstacle.

“Cleaning up the landfill can take a long time,” Johnston said. “Western Berks could try to reopen or expand the landfill, but that would require a public hearing in the community.”