Board wants escrow on Symphony West sales

By KRISTA GROMALSKI

SHOHOLA — Progress on the Symphony West development on Route 6 near Sagamore Estates appeared stalled as owner Jeff Stoddard sought permission from the Shohola Township Board of Supervisors to sell three of his five lots to gain capital to continue.

“Legally, you’re not supposed to sell anything before the project is completed,” said supervisor George Fluhr.

Having no problem with Stoddard’s construction plans, however, the board granted permission for him to sell the lots as soon as an escrow agreement, in compliance with the township’s zoning ordinances, is approved by the solicitor.

The agreement, according to Fluhr, will protect the township from financial responsibility in the event that construction is not completed as planned.

The Symphony West development was named for its location near the proposed site of a controversial performing arts center on Twin Lakes Road that never reached construction. Stoddard’s request to the board on January 11 marked phase one of his development.

In other Shohola Township business:

• For county recording purposes, the board resigned maps for a lot consolidation in Sagamore Estates for George and Georgia Zell.
• The board approved the township’s bulk road salt contract for next year.