The Alder Top Village subdivision is slated to bring 20 new residential lots to the community in its first phase, hopefully by 2024. Borough officials are optimistic that the additional lots will alleviate the community’s housing shortage.

But the borough must tread carefully as it develops a portion of the 134-acre parcel because of its environmental and historical significance.

Last month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit to fill wetlands at the site and approved the borough’s wetlands mitigation plan. This plan is intended to offset the environmental impacts of filli...