Phase One of the Stone Hill Meadows project was approved at the March 3 Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting.

This project allows for 24 single family lots off Gehman Road. The roadways will be private and there will be a walking trail which will connect with the township trail. The development will also have 70 percent open space which will be surrounding the creek running through the area.

There was a concern about the split rail fence planned to divide private property and the property of the development. It was addressed and made clear the fence, even if rotted away, will not cause a problem with the delineation of the properties. Private properties will not begin to expand because the fence is gone. This line will be maintained.

The Church Street Bridge opened March 4 and is anticipated to remain open for a long period of time. There were particular problems with this project which resulted in a lengthy closure.

A resident expressed concern over a suggestion East Texas Road could become one way and be taken over by the state. This was only a suggestion and not necessarily considered. The resident was assured it will not happen without much consideration from all parties.

Correspondence was received from Scott Alderfer about tree planting along Spring Creek. A grant was received to do this. Troop 131 will assist in the project. The planting will take place April 9.

Another grant application has been submitted for additional tree plantings.

A resident wrote about a blockage created at a swale from planting some sycamore trees. As the trees have matured, the roots have pushed up and created the blockage, preventing drainage of the area. Also addressed was the closeness of the plantings which has created too much shade and grass cannot grow in this area. This will be addressed and further investigated.

The house along Hamilton Boulevard that is being considered to be moved or removed was a topic of another correspondence. The resident also addressed the light pollution by the Ciocca dealership.

Catherine Stehlin was appointed to the environmental advisory council. Her term will expire Jan. 1, 2019. Douglas Kirk was appointed to the audit advisory committee with his term ending Jan. 1, 2019.

The emerald ash tree is experiencing a life threatening borer problem. The township is looking into methods of eliminating the threat. A chemical will be injected into the trees to repel the borer. This program will begin in early spring.

Riverbend Road will have a reconstruction project this summer. A detour has been determined and was approved.

It was recommended truck parking be eliminated along the south side of Gehman Road. Also, an ordinance was established to post signage on Shoeneck Road restricting trucks.