Jan. 28--Some Amity Township residents are concerned about how their properties would be affected if farmland along Limekiln Road is rezoned for business development.

The township, which is in the early stages of rezoning 262 acres near Route 422, hopes to lower the school tax burden for all Amity residents by luring businesses instead of more housing developments. It's still unclear, however, what type of business uses would be allowed along Limekiln Road.

"We're still debating whether it's going to be limited industry, office complexes or a combination of both," said Joseph Hayik, planning commission chairman.

The land is in two parcels, both of which are currently rented to farmers.

Neighbor Josh Goldman said his 3-acre property is surrounded on three sides by land targeted for rezoning. He worries about noise, storm-water runoff and loss of privacy.

"I'm boxed in," Goldman said.

Goldman and other neighbors said they understand the need to bring more business to Amity, but they want it to be done correctly, and they worry about the impact on their neighborhood.

For example, Thomas R. Kerr, who moved his family to Limekiln Road about a year ago from heavily traveled Maplewood Drive in another part of the township, thought the country setting would be more peaceful.

Now, he worries about the traffic a commercial development would bring to Limekiln, a winding two-lane road.

Hayik said possible road improvements are being discussed for the Limekiln/Route 422 intersection, and any company that wants to develop the land might pay for road upgrades.

Goldman also fears a business development could reduce property values and make it hard for residents to sell their homes if they chose to move.

Amity Supervisor Paul R. Weller, however, said being close to land zoned for businesses would increase residents' property values.

"I'm not saying anyone has to sell their ground, but they surely won't lose money selling their ground," said Weller, who's also on the planning commission.

Henry M. Koch Jr. and three family members own 201 of the acres targeted for rezoning. Koch said he doesn't know enough about the rezoning proposal to form an opinion.

"We're just learning what's going on," said Koch, adding that his land isn't the best place to farm.

Edward W. and Alice L. Graham own the other 61 acres.

"I'm getting too old to keep it," said Edward Graham, 81. "I can't pay the taxes on it anymore."

Neighbor Pete Gaskins suggested the township hire a professional planner for advice on the proposal -- something Weller said might happen.

"Maybe this is an attractive site for businesses," Gaskins said. "Maybe it isn't."

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