The Oct. 13 meeting of the Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission involved three development applications. There was a conditional use application expected from Mill Creek Pointe Apartments but it was removed at the applicant’s request.

The first development was a rezoning request at 4950 Liberty Lane. The applicant was Brookside Office Partners represented by Ott Consulting. The property would include townhouses and a utility garage.

Brookside Office Partners hoped to change the zone of the property to the Wescosville Commercial Zone. Township Planning Director Nathan Jones said the Urban Zone might be a better fit due to the higher density housing.

Jones was concerned the housing density might increase traffic and impact the existing neighborhood. The Brookside Office Partners talked about trying to find a use that fits with the neighborhood.

The plan was to develop the paved area across the street from an office building the Brookside Office Partners already own.

The planning commission discussed the traffic issue but the Brookside Office Partners argued 10 to 12 townhouses would not make a difference. The discussion was tabled and will be looked at during a zoning ordinance workshop early in 2021.

Another application discussed was the Indian Creek Subdivision. Planning commissioners looked at the traffic impact study for the property. The development was represented by Catherine Durso of Fitzpatrick Lentz and Bubba.

There was a debate about whether the roads on the property should be public or private. Durso asked if the planning commissioners wanted a park in the development or if the recreation money should be used to maintain Camp Olympic. The planning commission suggested clearing a trail to Camp Olympic from the neighborhood. Making the trail accessible would count as a partial credit toward the recreation fee.

It was decided the responsibility of roadway management be split up between the township and the homeowners association for the development.

The final development discussed was the Green Acres Land Development project.

Green Acres is an outdoor living company selling patio furniture and sheds. The property would be on Schantz Road and include a sales building and an expansive outdoor display area. The project was represented by Carl Swartzentruber of Elk Investments LLC.

The traffic impact fee for the property came to slightly under $60,300. There was a discussion about the stormwater management on the property.

Lower Macungie Township Engineer Bryan McAdam said Swartzentruber is willing and able to address water management concerns. Swartzentruber committed to working with McAdam over the next few weeks to resolve any stormwater issues.

There was a discussion about road widening on the property. Swartzentruber asked for a waiver for an 8-foot shoulder rather than a 9-foot shoulder.

Planning commissioners denied a waiver of the traffic impact fee. Swartzentruber argued the traffic impact fee should not be paid because of the money spent widening the shoulder of the road.

The waiver of a 9-foot shoulder was granted. The Green Acres Land Development Plan was recommended for approval with the exception of the traffic impact fee waiver.

The next Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission meeting will be Nov. 10. Usually the planning commission meets the second Tuesday of every month and occasionally there is a workshop meeting on the third Tuesday of the month.

There will not be a workshop meeting in October or November. Meetings take place 7 p.m. in the township municipal building, 3400 Brookside Road.