A new land development project for Lower Macungie Township by landowner David Jaindl was presented at the July 18 Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting.

The project is a 4-story office and retail space located near the new Air Products headquarters under construction. This office building would house a major employer which would bring over 200 jobs to the area. It would also benefit the East Penn School District. It is not a warehouse or a retail shopping center.

The commissioners, however, did not approve this as it is not being handled with proper protocol. Commissioner Brian Higgins said if this is allowed to happen as proposed, it establishes a precedent for future developers that might be less reputable. The commissioners are not against the project, just the procedural method. The plan was not approved at this time.

A resident complained about fireworks and how the township does not handle noise complaints due to no local police department. The commissioners assured the resident the lack of a local police department is not a factor in this situation. A noise ordinance is extremely unenforceable with limitations of consequences. Nuisance issues are very difficult to handle even for local police departments. The commissioners said the fireworks problem is addressed in the newsletter.

This resident also spoke of poor water drainage within her development. She also expressed concern for the development’s mailboxes wondering who is responsible for them. These mailboxes are very old and in need of a major overhaul. It was said the builder is responsible but not likely to handle the issue.

Another resident complained about the damage caused by the chipping of the roads. She said her house is very close to the road and it makes her house look terrible. This resident also discussed the lack of local police. The commissioners reminded residents that not having a local police department keeps taxes down and does not always make things better. The township is very happy with the state police handling its police work. It was suggested residents can use the magistrate to file nuisance complaints.

There was a conditional use hearing for Asphalt Maintenance Solutions who is proposing a facility at 4511 Cedarbrook Road where a property was subdivided with 14.9 acres for this facility. The property will have buffering along the Route 222 Bypass. Included in the conditional use is reserving a portion of the northeastern corner to accommodate the road connection between Cedarbrook and Schantz roads. In addition, they want to explore a service connection to the New Enterprise Asphalt Batch Plant and reserve an area for a northern entrance.

In other business, the township is advertising a request for proposal for an auditor.

The township said the playground program is going well with 265 participants, down 45 from last year. The program costs $160 for seven weeks.

Solicitor Peter Lehr said the zoning hearing board ruled against the car wash on Hamilton Street but it is being appealed.

The Wild Cherry bridge re-construction is moving along well.

The Spring Ridge Park parking lot is almost completed.