South Whitehall commissioners have granted final approval to Allentown DC LLC, also known as Black Creek Group, for construction of three warehouses totaling 907,205 square feet along Crackersport and Eck roads.

Commissioners Matt Mulqueen, Christina “Tori” Morgan and Mark Pinsley voted to approve the project at their June 5 meeting.

Board members Glenn Block and David Bond were absent.

Under consideration for three years, the plan will develop properties on the 90-acre site bisected by the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks.

A portion of the land lies in Upper Macungie Township.

To make room for the warehouses, the project involves razing six homes and accessory structures following acquisition by the developer.

Eck Road resident Brian Hite, who serves on the township planning commission, reports his home will remain in place across from the largest warehouse.

“I’m the most affected resident there,” said Hite, whose family acquired its property 58 years ago and built a house there in 1970.

Hite commented on the forthcoming warehouses.

“This is a win for the township,” Hite said. “Warehouses pay substantial amounts of school and South Whitehall taxes and do not put children into the school district.

“I’d rather have a warehouse than 900 houses. Then we would need a new school.”

As for truck traffic, Hite said Banko Beverage is already there and he is not bothered by it.

Hite said he has had stormwater issues since 1988 when South Whitehall rebuilt the road, and he looks to have that situation corrected with the proposed improvements in engineering.

He reports the wetlands along a wooded area will be left alone which will help buffer his property from the warehouses.

Various roadway improvements will be undertaken for the project, particularly at the intersection of Route 309 and Ridgeview Drive.

Jim Murray, of the Black Creek Group, is the developer. Alexander Tamerler was the largest landowner for the warehouse plan.