During the Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioner meeting July 15, a conditional use hearing was held for a proposed storage business at 4440 Cedarbrook Road.

Five lots are to be consolidated and a 120,000 square foot self-storage building erected.

Water and lighting were mentioned. However, these issues are not part of a conditional use hearing.

The lighting issue was discussed and “dark sky lighting” was mentioned. Lighting will be aimed downward and there will be dense landscaping. Dimming abilities will be available. It will not be typical retail lighting.

The proposed development was approved.

The second hearing involved a proposed life care skilled nursing facility at 1345 Minesite Road. A one-story building with 46 beds and a dining hall is planned for the site. There will be a separate storage and generator facility. The development will include walking trails.

Commissioner Maury Robert questioned the skilled nursing facility in a residential community. It was stated a zoning opinion accepted this proposed facility. An executive session was called to discuss the problem.

The proposal was approved.

In other meeting news, an ordinance was proposed and approved for the earned income tax for open space. The proposed .15 percent was approved for a referendum for adopting the tax on the November ballot. The money will be used for acquisition, maintenance and improvements.

There was a revised condemnation for the Muse property for the Sauerkraut Lane extension. A smaller amount of land is needed for this project. The project will begin July 28.

Becky Short was appointed to the environmental advisory board with a term to end Jan. 1, 2022.

The bills were approved for payment. However, Robert said some bills were added late so commissioners did not have time to review the later additions. This was due to holding only one meeting in July.