A proposed apartment building for 5007 Freemansburg Avenue took center stage at the July 5 commissioners meeting. A sketch plan of the three-story building, which would have 26 units, was reviewed in detail, highlighting the pros and cons of the location, as well as zoning regulations for this residential area.

Many residents took to the floor to voice their concerns. Traffic flow and congestion, noise levels and a lack of privacy due to the height of some of the apartments were common themes.

Township Engineer Ronald Gawlik also submitted documents for review, primarily focusing on the design of driveways, suggesting a look into possible driveway cuts along the major roadway.

The project is also located in the Fry’s Run watershed, so officials would have to look into any potential effects on the natural drainage of the area. Modifying the building to two smaller units was also suggested.

The discussions ended with an agreement that a zoning regulation change would be needed for the proposal to proceed. According to current zoning, neither mid-rise apartments nor garden apartments are permitted under the Rural Residential and Neighborhood Enhancement Overlay Districts.

As for the remainder of the evening, commissioners passed an ordinance to allow controls of wastewater discharges to the township’s sewer system and treatment plant. There was also a brief discussion about the final development plan approval of Penn Center 33 (formerly known as Mill Creek Business Park). Motions, including the authorization of granting late retirement to James Beahm with full pension benefits, passed with no issue.