Blair County Planning Commission members Thursday rejected a proposal to develop another section of the former Matterns Holiday Hills Orchard.

Graystone Hollidaysburg LLC is proposing to divide an undeveloped 22.02-acre parcel for development of 13 lots for detached single family development. The existing site maintains frontage on Newry Lane, Peachdale Lane and Robertdale Drive. All new lots will have direct access to these roadways.

The site is currently undeveloped and vegetated. The surrounding area is primarily single-family residential to the north, west and south. The Winds at Mattern Orchard is located on Newry Lane immediately to the east of the site, said Tom Gissen of Stuart Group Consulting.

Board members rejected the proposal because it did not include a stormwater management plan and may not be consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan.

“A stormwater plan should have been submitted with a major development. More details are clearly needed,” said Regional Planner MacKenzie Caron.

Although the proposed project is in Blair Township, it would likely have an impact on nearby Hollidaysburg Borough, especially the flood prone Gaysport area.

During public comment, Regis Nale, Hollidaysburg Sewer Authority chairman, expressed concern about the project.

“Gaysport recently had severe flooding. For the people of Gaysport, pay special attention to the stormwater management for Mattern Orchard. Flooding in Gaysport has been a lot more frequent and more severe. Stormwater plans for developments there have not been adequate,” Nale said.

Board treasurer Rodney Estep wants to see a stormwater management plan for the project.

“In my opinion, we need more information. I would like to see more information on the stormwater plan management. Gaysport residents deserve to see a clear plan. We need to add strong language, there needs to be a significant study of stormwater and its impact,” Estep said.

The planning commission’s vote cannot stop the project.

“If we reject this, it does not prevent Blair Township from approving it,” President Todd Lewis said.

The developer could resubmit the plan for review, Caron said.

“It is important to advocate for intermunicipal cooperation on something like this,” Caron said.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.