At its Aug. 15 meeting, Northampton Borough Council was unanimously against a proposal by Willowbrook Farms Trust to build three age-qualified units off Howertown Road. A poll taken of the eight council members indicated strong opposition to the proposed development moving forward as presented.

Bob Dwyer, representing Land Trust Properties for the Willowbrook project, said his appearance before council was very preliminary, meant only to gauge council’s receptiveness to the project.

The proposed plan would have two buildings with 32 apartments each and one with 47 apartments. According to a sketch plan, the buildings would be three or four stories high.

A recreation center for the housing development’s residents is also part of the plan.

The gated community would have its own roads, requiring no subsidy from the borough. There would be no children residing in the proposed development.

Before investing sums of money for engineering and other details to move the plan ahead, Dwyer noted the developer sought council’s comments.

Although Dwyer went before the borough planning commission regarding the proposal, its members advised the developer to address council since a zoning change would be needed via legislation. A much smaller single-home project by Willowbrook Farms is already underway.

Dwyer said one option could be Willowbrook Trust selling the parcel to another developer with its own plans and ideas.

“I take that as a threat,” Councilwoman Judy Kutzler said in response.

Dwyer said his comment was not intended in such a fashion.

“I’m a farmer at heart,” Councilman Ed Pany remarked. “I would rather see a cornfield.”

Pany noted he would not like to see shrubbery and trees near the street removed. Dywer said the developer would do its best to retain the green foliage, taking into account sanitary sewer line and utility work needed to be accomplished.