Springfield Township Planning Commission revisited a sketch plan for Jeff and Jackie Richardson when they met Dec. 23.

The Richardsons own property on Leesburg Station Road and are planning a housing development. When the couple presented their sketch at a Nov. 25 meeting, they asked the planning commission for a modification to allow a longer road entering the development than the maximum 1,000 feet permitted by the township's zoning ordinance. The road would lead to a cul-de-sac. The planning commission granted the modification.

Within the cul-de-sac, however, the plan called for an island which would contain a gas well. The zoning ordinance prohibits islands in cul-de-sacs, but the Richardsons asked for a modification to allow it. The planning commission, however, wanted more information from Atlas, the well owner, as well as to discuss safety concerns with the fire department, before they decided.

A revised sketch presented at the Dec. 23 meeting showed the cul-de-sac being moved away from the well and the island eliminated. Atlas wants a 200-foot radius around the well where no occupied building would be permitted.

The township fire department noted that one lot in the development was too far from the road for firefighters to reach with their 1,000 feet of hose. They wanted to make sure the road into the development could withstand the weight of tankers.

The preliminary sketch met with approval from the planning commission, which passed it on to township supervisors.