Wells Township

Geography, Topography, and History

Wells Township is in the northwest corner of Bradford County, it is bound in the north by New York State, to the east by South Creek Township, to the south by Columbia Township, and to the west by Tioga County, PA. The Township has a few creeks and tributaries, which flow through the township and include: Seely Creek, Bird Creek, and South Creek. The two main roads that pass through the Township are State Route 328 and 549, which primarily serve as a route from Chemung County, NY to Tioga County, PA as they pass through the northwestern corner. Other thoroughfares that travel through the Township include: Bird Creek, Roaring Run, Coryland, Baker, Hickory, and Judson Hill.

Wells Township was officially established in 1813, from Athens Township. The Township received its name to honor General Henry Wells. The first permanent settler to arrive in the Township was Rev. John Smith in 1792. In 1802, Mrs. Lemuel Gaylord taught the first school. There were land divisions that occurred in 1818 to form Ridgebury Township, and 1835 to form South Creek Township.

Local Government and Current Data

There are three elected supervisors that serve on the governing council for the Township of Wells. The Township also employs a secretary. Wells has a planning commission that consists of five members. In 2004, the Township adopted its comprehensive plan. Wells Township has chosen not to create a zoning hearing board to enforce any regulations. The County Office of Planning and Grants handle all subdivisions and land developments that occur within the Township.

The Township of Wells has a community park that is open to the public from dawn until dusk.

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