A conditional use hearing for a land development plan submitted by Vertek Construction Management was unanimously voted against by the Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners at the July 19 meeting.

The project would have allowed for a 180,000 square foot warehouse at 3262 Schoeneck Road. Commissioners noted traffic as a major concern and light and noise for neighboring areas in their decision. This warehouse was proposed near the Hills of Lockridge which caused additional concern. The area is 12 acres and bordered by Alburtis and Schoeneck roads. Vertek would have been grandfathered under the old zoning laws. The developer can continue to attempt to develop property. A time extension was granted to Sept. 30.

In other meeting news, Melissa Burchett submitted a letter of resignation from the zoning hearing board due to her husband’s job relocation. She will be moving to Orlando, Fla.

Blake Marles was reappointed to the historical commission with a term to expire Dec. 31, 2022. Kevin Shoemaker was appointed to the historical commission to fill a vacancy with a term to expire Dec. 31, 2019.

Two traffic signals are now fully operational – the light at Willow Lane and Sauerkraut Lane and the light on Hamilton Boulevard at the Movie Tavern.

Township Manager Bruce Fosselman reported the playground program is going very well with 310 children in attendance – 89 at Quarry, 57 at Hills At Lockridge, 93 at East Texas, 47 at Wild Cherry and 24 at Church Lane. The township swimming pool is also experiencing record attendance.

Resident William Ehrlich spoke to the commissioners during the meeting to discuss the proposed fence on his property in the 6900 block of Sunflower Lane.

Commissioners denied the installation of the fence at its June 7 meeting stating the installation of the fence “must be outside the recorded easement.” Ehrlich had requested the board allow a fence to be placed within a 30-foot wide drainage and utility easement.

Zoning Officer Carl Best cited the concern “that if the fence is installed across the easement, it may alter the flow of stormwater and cause future problems should the township need to enter the easement area and repair the pipe and/or structure.” Best also noted the approved subdivision plan states “No structure of any kind will be allowed within any drainage and utility easement, (including, but not limited to sheds, patios, play structures, fences, driveways, decks and trees and shrubs).”

Ehrlich said the fence is made of aluminum and will have three posts within the easement. The panels will not touch the ground. Ehrlich estimated 5 percent of the swale’s area would be affected stating that in his 13 years of residency at this property, even during a storm which produced 13 inches of rain, there was minor water flow.

Regarding the concern from the township on keeping the swale area available for drain pipe maintenance, Ehrlich signed a letter releasing the township of any liability in this regard.

The commissioners maintained their denial of this project due to wording in the subdivision plan.

In other business, President Ronald Beitler congratulated Upper Macungie Township on the Air Products relocation project.

There is a cricket club beginning in Lower Macungie. They are using the fields at Farmington Hills. The concern is that cricket games are very long and can even last for days. This situation will be further researched.

There is a proposal for a car wash on the north side of Hamilton Boulevard at the intersection of Krocks Court and South Krocks Road. An ordinance exists for the area stating no drive-thru businesses. However, a car wash is not considered to be of that nature. The proposal is now with the zoning hearing board.

The commissioners are concerned about the procedures involving the car wash. A representative for the board of commissioners will be at the zoning hearing board meeting.