Rutter’s offers cash to drop traffic surveys
Rutter’s wants to save time and money by giving the township money to do surveys themselves
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Article RatingMonroe Township supervisors were presented with an unexpected offer of $15,000 Thursday night from Rutter’s, but there was a catch.
Project manager Daniel Thornton, representing Rutter’s, said the company was willing to give the money to the township in exchange for the board dropping nine requested traffic studies near the site of their new store.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen someone come in and offer money right off the bat,” said Supervisor Sam Simmons.
The supervisors want those studies in addition to one required by PennDOT at the intersection of routes 74 and 174, where the proposed Rutter’s store is to be located.
The other intersections are not near enough to the proposed store to see much of a change in traffic volume, Thornton said.
The $15,000 would not have to go to any specific project, he said.
Supervisors plan to speak to the township engineer and solicitor individually about the offer, so they can have an informed discussion at the next supervisors meeting Oct. 23.
If the township accepts the deal, Rutter’s would still have to conduct the study at the intersection where the store is to be located.
The York-based company is currently in the process of filing land development plans with the township for the 2.2-acre corner lot currently occupied by the old Matteson’s/Corner Scoop building.
The township tentatively estimated that the surveys at the other nine locations would cost less than $10,000, said Supervisor Sam Simmons, and the rest of the money would be free.
Supervisors are insisting on the traffic studies because the station is not proposed in a particularly busy area, he said. Many of customers would be coming out specifically for the store, not just dropping by on their way someplace else.
“PennDOT’s concerns are with PennDOT’s roads,” said township engineer Mark Bruening. “Our concerns are a little more far-reaching.”
But Rutter’s President Scott Hartman said he expected the studies to carry a heavier price tag of about $25,000.
The time and money involved in the work are too high considering that the studies are not required by PennDOT, he said.
The project has been a controversial one with some residents fearing that a Rutter’s would bring in traffic and noise and detract from the rural landscape of the township.
Many others have supported the project, as a petition containing more than 150 Monroe Township signatures was submitted to the township’s zoning hearing board in August.
