The Allen Township Board of Supervisors met Oct. 26 to discuss the Jaindl-Watson paving contract.

The Jaindl-Watson Northampton Business Center, which was approved by the board Aug. 13, 2019, proposes six warehouses totaling 2.4 million square feet between Seemsville and Howertown roads.

Representatives of the company were present at the meeting to request an extension on the paving deadline, which was set for Oct. 31.

More specifically, they are seeking an extension until Nov. 19, which would allow them to put down the wearing course, or top layer, of the road on Cesanek Road. The road is currently in a binder condition and is travelable; however, the wearing course would allow the striping to be put down.

Supervisors Dale Hassler and Gary Behler were both opposed to an extension due to past issues.

Hassler, the board’s chairman, said the board decided to cut paving off at Oct. 31 because of cold days and nights that could cause problems with paving. Previous extensions also reportedly turned into arguments with other contractors and developers. Further, Hassler is especially concerned since the road will be released to the township.

Behler echoed these concerns and said the township wants to know the road is done right the first time, so developers don’t have to repave the road, citing previous paving issues as well.

In lieu of a paving extension, a temporary occupancy permit was discussed.

According to the Pennsylvania code section 403.46, a temporary occupancy permit can be given “for a portion or portions of the building or structure before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit if the portion or portions may be occupied safely.”

One of the six buildings has a tenant in Kichler Lighting, and Jaindl-Watson is seeking a tenant for a second building.

Eric Scheler, vice president of Watson Land Company, explained Kichler would like to begin operations in January 2022 - specifically, building rack lighting and putting in wiring at that time. In mid-February, the company is looking to start shipping product. Full operations would begin following April 1, when the paving cutoff ends.

The board of supervisors decided not to give a paving extension but will work with Jaindl-Watson to allow for temporary occupancy.