The Jan. 18 meeting of the Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission involved two projects at Spring Creek Estates and Broad Street in Wescosville.

The first project involved Sketch Plans for Lots 2 and 4 at Spring Creek Estates. The Spring Creek Estates project was represented by Bud Newton of Newton Engineering. Township Planning Director Nathan Jones explained the two lots are infill developments on Lower Macungie Road.

The Sketch Plan for Lot 2 involved four blocks of town houses along a closed cul-de-sac. The property would also include guest parking. Jones wanted to make sure there would be sufficient access on the lot for garbage trucks and emergency vehicles. He also asked about a buffer for residents along Lower Macungie Road.

Newton talked about the reverse frontage for the town homes along Lower Macungie Road. Newton said it would be hard to have a buffer and the required reverse frontage due to utility poles along Lower Macungie Road. Jones said the property needs some sort of buffer.

Newton said a buffer could be possible if the reverse frontage was reduced. There was talk about a waiver on the 75- foot reverse frontage requirement.

The sketch plan for Lot 4 involved a total of eight town homes in two banks. The planning commission had concerns about adequate site access and buffer issues. Newton wanted partial waiver relief on the reverse frontage requirement.

Another project discussed was a sketch plan for a proposed multifamily development at 801 Broad St. near Hamilton Crossings. The sketch plan involved a four story apartment structure. There would be a parking garage as part of the first floor in addition to an external parking court. The apartment building would consist of 50 units.

Jones talked about the traffic flow on the property and having the traffic exit onto the internal streets of Hamilton Crossings. He also discussed pedestrian connectivity with Hamilton Crossings, stating this issue was imperative for the apartment building’s success.

Jones talked about buffering for the mobile home community to the south of the property and preserving the existing trees. Township Engineer Brian Cicak asked about emergency service access and stormwater management.

The multifamily development was represented by Attorney Erich Schock of Fitzpartick Lentz and Bubba and Kevin Serfass of Serfass Construction. Serfass talked about how the density of the property creates less impervious coverage and more open space. He also talked about its central location, close to public transportation, jobs and shopping.

Serfass talked about walkability and safe pedestrian crossings. He said he is open to having connectivity with Hamilton Crossings, but has not come to an agreement yet. There was a discussion about the amount of parking on the property.

Township Commissioner Maury Robert said there might be challenges getting approval from Hamilton Crossings for sidewalks. He also said Schock is asking for double the size the township ordinance allows.

The planning commission debated whether they should send a letter to the board of commissioners regarding the density issues. It was decided to not send a letter making a recommendation to the board of commissioners.

The next Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission meeting will be Feb. 8. 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 be a workshop Feb. 15.

Workshops begin 6 p.m. while meetings begin 7 p.m. and currently all planning commission meetings will be held both in person and over Zoom with a video recording uploaded to the township’s YouTube channel after the fact.