The Hamilton Crossings project is moving along and its progress was reported at the April 7 meeting of the Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners.

Target is expected to open by the end of July. The shopping center is at 96 percent occupancy. The goal was to attract leading retailers.

Costco is expected to open in October. Other retailers include Whole Foods, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nordstrom Rack, Chipotle, Petsmart, Old Navy, Rally House, a retailer selling local team sportswear, Five Below, DSW, Pier 1 Imports, Ulta Cosmetics, Hand and Stone, Kay Jewelers, Aspen Dental, Verizon and Wine and Spirits.

Restaurants include Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, BJ’s Brewhouse and Restaurant, Chipotle and Core Life Eatery, a healthy fast food restaurant, Smash Burger and Corner Bakery. There will also be walking and biking trails.

The project has brought 500 construction jobs and will bring over 600 full-time jobs and 300 part-time jobs. The area was originally an iron mining area dating back to 1873. The beginning of the project included digging down 28 feet to eliminate the minewash and refilling with clean fill.

The Lower Macungie Township Library was issued a proclamation by the commissioners in honor of Library Week April 10 to 16. Since March 2001, the library has made many improvements for the community and area schools.

A resolution was approved for minor changes in Spring Creek Properties. These changes are for Lots 4,5,6,8 and 16 involving stormwater drainage. Details are noted on the township website at lowermac.com.

Mike Siegel proposed a safety corridor along the bypass where the accident that killed five people occurred. It was suggested safety devices be installed. These devices would have not allowed a car to cross into oncoming traffic.

The Harvest Fields pathway is almost complete.

Jordan Hanna was appointed to the Environmental Advisory Council with a term ending Jan. 1, 2018. Catherine Stehlin was appointed to the public safety commission with her term ending Dec. 31, 2017. Charles Peters was appointed to the historical commission with his term ending Dec. 31, 2020.

An ordinance was approved to authorize the advertisement of restricting truck movements at Route 100 and Schoeneck Road.

The Mill Creek Road speed study appears to indicate the speed along the road is the proper speed. The study is near completion.

The Route 100 corridor study has been completed. The study was conducted due to the various developments that are being considered, are already underway or are already established, traffic impacts and roadway improvements and developments in Lower Macungie Township, Macungie borough and Upper Macungie Township.

The study concluded with several scenarios. No decision was made at this time. Details of the study can be found on the township website.

The public works, parks and facilities committee discussed lighting at the Wescosville Field. Keystone Engineering will design a plan for placement of these lights.

The committee also is proposing cameras at five parks, including Shepherd Hills, Camp Olympic bathhouse, Camp Olympic house, Hills of Lockridge and Wild Cherry Park. These will be installed in the order mentioned and as the budget allows.

The dog park issue has a new problem. The permit needed is environmental in nature and will take time to attain. This will put this project on a temporary hold.

The issue of hiring an in-house engineer was discussed again. Commissioner Brian Higgins said Lower Macungie Township would spend more having an in-house employee. Board President Douglas Brown disagreed with Higgins’ statement.

A request for a proposal was approved by a vote of 3-2 with Higgins and Ben Galiardo voting against it. A decision will be made after this process.