N. HEIDELBERG TWP., Pa. \u2014 Once a place to ski, a property in North Heidelberg Township could become a place to live.<\/p>\n
A developer wants to build 160 apartments at the former Blue Marsh Ski Area. The project is called \u201cThe Howard.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was concerns about the water supply because the existing supply up here over the last few years has been strained due to droughts,\u201d said Reading Area Water Authority Executive Director Bill Murray.<\/p>\n
Murray came to explain the water supply to township supervisors and a room full of residents.<\/p>\n
The big question at Wednesday night\u2019s meeting: Is there enough water for 160 new apartments?<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were in the process of getting another well permitted, and during that process, we hit a lot of water, and that will solve the long-term sustainability for our existing customers, plus add plenty of water for expansion and easily provide water to that development and maybe even make it available for other people if necessary down the road,\u201d Murray said.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s talking about a third well \u2014 one Murray says the authority needs regardless of the apartments. But first, testing must show it won\u2019t hurt nearby wells.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey measure five surrounding, six surrounding wells, and see if there’s an effect on them,\u201d Murray said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd if there’s a bad effect on them, they’re not going to issue the permit to let you do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Getting that well ready could take at least another year. At the meeting, township supervisors approved a time extension for the apartment proposal.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey’re in the stage of getting their stuff in order, and then they’ll come to us, and they’ll have to meet what we want,\u201d Murray said.<\/p>\n
\nCopyright 2026 Maranatha Broadcasting Co., Inc.. All Rights Reserved.\n<\/p>\n
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