During last month’s National Night Out, a number of residents spoke to Commissioner Malissa Davis about the possibility of the township moving toward contracting with a single trash hauler for the whole township. As Davis explained, she and a couple of her colleagues listened to the concerns being addressed to them.

The main issue revolves around rights, specifically in terms of the right to choose. Many residents spoke out against the possibility of the township moving to one hauler during the Sept. 19 commissioners meeting.

The arguments raised by residents also included hampering the growth of small business. Some reminded commissioners that there are a number of small haulers who depend on these contracts to earn a living.

Commissioner John Merhottein reminded everyone present that, “we are in a fact finding stage of this issue.”

Another rights-based discussion brought a full-house presence to the meeting.

Residents of Traditions of America at Green Pond, a 55-plus private community, came to voice their concerns about a planned bicycle/walking trail that will connect Green Pond Road, Farmersville Road and Church Road.

Among the issues raised was the idea that these property owners had purchased their homes primarily because this is a private community. The fact that anyone will be able to use this trail, and basically go through their neighborhood, was upsetting to many.

Maintenance fee questions about the trail, and who exactly is responsible, were also brought-up.

The township’s Planning Director, Amanda L. Raudenbush, reminded everyone that the trail was in the approved plan for the development from Traditions of America.

The Press reached out to Traditions of America’s Marketing Manager Molly McCarthy, who stated that, “while we don’t know the details of the discussions, we are amenable to eliminating the trail if the township supervisors would like to pursue this.”

Subdivisions, Land Development and Resolutions

The Mower Road delivery vehicle parking project, from developer J.G. Petrucci Inc, received preliminary/final land development approval by a vote 5-0. This parking lot would accommodate 248 vehicles.

The River Estates Revised Subdivision, which allows for 44 single homes, and 36 multi-family homes, received preliminary/final land development approval by a vote of 5-0.

A resolution authorizing applications to the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account (Lehigh and Northampton counties) and Local Share Account (Monroe County) grants program was passed by a vote of 5-0. The funds, $80,000, will go toward the purchase of items such as defibrillators and two vehicles.

Also of note, the Zoning Hearing Board meeting of September 28 has been cancelled.

The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 3.