The Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners and the planning commission met Feb. 21 for a joint workshop. The purpose of the workshop was to open up lines of communication and openly discuss issues facing the township, particularly over development.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission was also present with a representative who spoke about the LVPC’s role on these issues. There is a plan being developed for the southwestern Lehigh area.

LVPC consists of six municipalities: Macungie, Lower Macungie, Upper Milford, Alburtis, Emmaus and Upper Macungie. Communities work together with planning issues as developments affect more than just the immediate area.

All aspects of planning were discussed including transportation, environment, flexibility and long-range planning.

Discussion included land use conflict identification strategy which identifies areas of concern from floodplains, contours of the area to water and sewer. Also considered are natural resources of the area, possible agricultural areas and areas that can be used for development.

Specific areas were discussed including the area around Meadowyck which is close to the new shopping center. This area also includes the area around South Krocks Road. There are a few houses and the area is zoned mixed use. There is a road involved which is Broad Street. Most of the properties are owned by the township.

The north side in the same area was also discussed. There are private roads on this side which need major upgrading. It was suggested to make them public. There is a possibility of rezoning this area.

Commissioner Ronald W. Beitler went into the neighborhood and spoke to residents in this area. Beitler said they want their neighborhood to remain as it is.

Other areas of interest were the Quarry Park improvements, skate park in the community center vicinity and the traffic light at Indian Creek and Brookside Roads.

Walking trails were also discussed. There are a lot of different types, made up of different materials. Different trails have different purposes from recreational to transportation. Reverse frontage properties were also included in this discussion. Questions arose as to who maintains these paths, i.e., the resident or the township. The subjects of security and vandalism were also discussed.

The topic of warehouses was also raised with Lower Macungie having 14 compared to Upper Macungie which has many more. The question was raised if Lower Macungie Township wants additional warehouses.