By a 3-1 vote, York Township commissioners approved a number of zoning ordinances Tuesday.

The subdivision and land development ordinance, zoning ordinance and map and official township map were previously approved in August by the same vote count, but since the meeting and hearing was not advertised properly, the measures had to be voted on again.

"We are merely readopting the three ordinances," said Steve Hovis, the board's solicitor.

Before votes were cast, resident John Bowders told board members that Tuesday's vote would not meet Municipal Planning Code provisions because a second hearing had not been held.

Commissioner Bob Kessler was the lone commissioner to vote cast a nay vote. Commissioner Paul Knepper recused himself because he has property on Coventry Road that is being rezoned from medium- to high-density residential.

Ordinances: The township's zoning underwent its first overhaul since 1996. Zoning ordinance changes include adding mixed residential-commercial areas and changing commercial/shopping and heavy and highway commercial areas to commercial shopping, commercial office and commercial industrial zones.

Other zoning areas are industrial, residential/agricultural and residential medium.

The ordinance also increases allowed density of residential development for several areas - including Springwood Golf Course - from 4.5 units per acre to nine units.

A number of residents previously voiced concerns about the zoning changes. Residents said changes would lead to traffic congestion and too much development of businesses and unneeded houses.

Liquor license: Also during the meeting, the commissioners approved a liquor license transfer for Mitsuru-Ya Chinese and Japanese Restaurant in Queensgate Shopping Center.

Attorney Larry Heim, who represents the restaurant, said restaurant owners want to transfer a license that was once held by the former Moser's Diner in West York but is now held in escrow by Ultraviolets in York City.

Mitsuru-Ya has been at its Queensgate location for three years and currently holds a bring-your-own license. Its owners plan to offer customers Japanese sake and beer, Heim said.

The vote held by commissioners was needed because the quota of how many liquor licenses that can be in the township has been reached. With its approval, Mitsuru-Ya owners can now go before the state Liquor Control Board to seek the license.

The control board will have the ultimate say on the matter.

If approved, Heim said, the restaurant would not be altered in any way.

"Their operation would not change," he said.

Resident Josephine Dick said a liquor license at the restaurant would bring in more business to the township.

"So, go for it," she said.

- Reach Greg Gross at ggross@yorkdispatch.com.