After a lengthy discussion with representatives of Kay Builders, Upper Milford Township supervisors Jan. 22 tabled the developer's request for preliminary approval of the plan for the Fields at Indian Creek, a 55-and-over community with more than 200 homes located on and around the property of the former Indian Creek golf course.

Supervisors said they would like to see some comments on the plan from the Lehigh County Conservation District before they grant approval.

But the Kay Builders representatives said most agencies will not comment on any plan until it has preliminary approval from a municipality.

Ed Murphy of Kay Builders said he realizes "it is a chicken and egg situation."

The proposed development is mostly in Upper Milford Township, but extends into Lower Macungie Township and the borough of Emmaus as well. Neither of those municipalities has given preliminary approval yet.

Supervisor Robert Sentner said his biggest concern about the proposed development is storm- water runoff. "That's a big thing," he said.

"This is the largest development we've ever gotten in Upper Milford. We need to get this 100 percent right," Sentner said.

Supervisors Chairman George DeVault agreed.

"As a farmer, I shudder to think of the runoff," he said.

Sentner did say supervisors are not going to reject the plan.

After agreeing he does not see a reason to turn down the proposal, Upper Milford Supervisor Daniel Mohr made the motion to table.

After further discussion, DeVault seconded the motion and the request for approval was tabled, despite the developers' representatives insistence they will comply with whatever conditions the conservation district imposes on them.

In response to a question about another issue raised during earlier discussions of the proposal, Jeff Chandler of Kay Builders said the designated open space in the development will be owned by the homeowners association, with the possibility of an easement granted to Wildlands Conservancy.