A discussion of waivers regarding the proposed Stone Hill development touched off a spirited debate among the Lower Macungie Planning Commission members regarding the merits and drawbacks of the public sector versus the private sector at the July 14 meeting.

The subdivision, slated for development on Gehman Road, would preliminarily include 25 lots: 24 homes and an additional stand-alone lot.

The flashpoint of debate came as the current proposal designated the maintenance of the community's roads and water basins the responsibility of the homeowner's association. As Stone Hill Meadows has yet to be developed, no homeowner's association as yet exists.

Members of the planning commission, particularly Neil Dekker and George Doughty, cried foul by deeming the move an unnecessary burden on future residents, who are wholly unfamiliar with the entailment of such maintenance.

Commissioners also noted the creation and additional responsibility of a homeowner's association may decrease property values by placing a financial burden on residents.

The issue was ultimately punted to the Lower Macungie Zoning Board, with the planning commission recommending the maintenance of water basins and roadways as the responsibility of the township.

The proposed Stone Hill Meadows is unique to Lower Macungie with its "open space"-style of development.

The subdivision, developed by Ashley Development Corporation, features tightly-clustered cottage-style homes to ensure 70 percent of the acquired lot remains undeveloped, resulting in 11-one-half acres of property as close to naturalization as possible. The current plan features raingardens, bio-retention ponds, trailhead parking and a proposed bike trail.

The subdivision would utilize corner fences to delineate between private yards and public space.

The developers submitted three waiver requests, to wit: a waiver of roadway cross-section requirements including sidewalks, pathways and curbing, a waiver of the required stormwater basin side slope and a waiver approving a synthetic material lining the water basins. All three waivers were granted, with the overall development plan being tabled for a subsequent meeting.

The planning commission also reviewed a sketched preliminary plan from Ciocca Properties regarding the expansion of the current Subaru dealership and the construction of a future Audi franchise, effectively creating an auto mall.

Ciocca aims to expand its standing Subaru dealership an additional 3,500 square feet and construct an Audi facility of roughly equivalent size. The development plan presented at the meeting showed the proposed Audi facility situated on an active gas line. Ciocca Properties is currently working with their Audi franchiser on variations of the building design to address the issue, although a future proposal may encroach onto the front yard setback off Schantz Road.

Concerns were also raised regarding the existing alleyway providing access to PPL Gold Credit Union.

Erich Schock, of Fitzpatrick, Lentz and Bubba, attended the meeting on behalf of PPL Gold Credit Union to stress the importance of the alleyway remaining a defined pathway for other businesses.