The housing boom in North Huntingdon has prompted Commissioners Lee Moffatt and Tim Hondal to suggest a review of the township's 6-year-old comprehensive plan and subdivision ordinance.

Last week, the board reversed its previous 6-1 denial in May of an application by developer Fred Crack to rezone 30 acres of industrial land to residential. In companion action, the board approved conditional use for the property by a 4-3 vote.

Mr. Moffatt, Angelo Furlin and Don Austin voted no on both motions. George Fohner, Tom Kerber, Richard Gray and Mr. Hodal voted yes.

The reversal, which was unanimously recommended by the township planning commission, paves the way for construction of a 198-unit Willow Estates planned residential community.

Mr. Moffatt said overwhelming residential construction eventually would stifle potential industrial growth.

"I'm not against residential development," Mr. Moffatt said. "But we have to look at long-term concerns that will wind up costing the township a great deal of money with little return. Industrial and commercial development isn't as costly."

The 73 housing starts through May are 20 ahead of last year. A report by outgoing Planning Director Allen Cohen, who resigned effective July 21, indicated the 24 single-family-dwelling building permits issued in May totaled $5,866,181.

"That's my point. The township is moving too fast," Mr. Moffatt said. "This board needs to look at things. I feel the comprehensive plan is one of them."

Willow Estates will be the 14th recent housing development in the township. It will include 134 single-family homes in the $250,000-$350,000 range and 64 "patio" units. It is an expansion of the existing 200-unit Willow Glen and Willow Heights developments.

Plans include the construction of walking and bike trails throughout the development and renovation of the nearby township-owned Markvue Manor Park.

"I hope to have a detailed site plan for the township to consider in about two months," Mr. Crack said. The site plan must be approved by the planning commission, then the township commissioners.

At the commissioners meeting, several people from the new Lincoln Hills development voiced concern about developer Robert W. Shuster's plans to plant trees throughout the plan of $370,000-$500,000 houses. Mr. Shuster is bound by the township subdivision ordinance to plant trees and build sidewalks.

People say trees would block the view of their houses and could uproot sidewalks. They worried about a homeowner's responsibility and expense to maintain the trees.

According to Mr. Cohen, the township's subdivision ordinance calls for one tree to be planted on a lot for esthetic value and traffic calming. The issue is location.

If a tree is planted within the township right of way, it is the municipality's responsibility to maintain it. Mr. Cohen said the proposed trees in the development would be outside the right of way.

Solicitor Bruce Dice suggested a review of the subdivision ordinance. The board directed Mr. Cohen to meet with the developer and residents to work out a solution before changes are considered.

"It might be time to take a look at the comprehensive plan, too," Mr. Hondal said. "Issues are cropping up with developments that this board could not predict."