The Oct. 11 meeting of the Lower Macungie Planning Commission involved three development projects as well as some agenda policy discussion.

The first project discussed was a Chick-fil-A modification of plan located at 6379 Hamilton Blvd. The plan involves creating a more permanent double drive-thru setup.

There would be coverings outside for employees assisting customers. The planning commission asked about reducing parking and realigning the intersection with Hamilton Boulevard. The driveway aisle has to be shifted to allow for safer turning movements.

Sarah Werner, the attorney for the applicant said they are working with the landlord to remove some of the parking. There was a discussion about impervious coverage on the property. A motion to recommend approval of the modification of plan passed unanimously.

Another project discussed was a property at 5502 and 5518 Hamilton Blvd. The property was previously a fitness center and is now becoming a dentist office. The applicant, Dr. Jose Gil was in attendance as well as engineer Bud Newton and Attorney Catherine Curcio of Fitzpatrick Lentz and Bubba.

The property would have a subterranean stormwater treatment system. There was talk about frontage improvements including a sidewalk and street wall or fence. Newton asked for a deferral of the sidewalk requirement.

The planning commission wanted Newton to put up money for the sidewalk on the property in an escrow for future construction. A motion to recommend approval of the modification of plan passed unanimously.

The third project discussed was Spring Creek Estates. The project involved two infill developments. One lot would have apartments and the other would have town homes. The planning commission wanted the lights on the property to be dark sky friendly.

There was a conversation about whether the property has adequate parking for tenants and visitors. Each unit has a garage underneath.

It was suggested the property include a greater diversity of landscaping. There was a discussion about adding an emergency access. The first lot would have 12 two-story apartments. There was a discussion about connectivity to existing walkways.

The project was represented by Joseph Rentko of Black Forest Engineering. Rentko said he had success testing turning movements for a fire truck on the property. The planning commission suggested having a residential buffer along Church Lane Road on the town home property.

Rentko explained the town homes will have larger footprints. He said the apartments would not have any common spaces and this would give additional privacy to the tenants. The discussion was tabled until the next meeting.

The meeting ended with an agenda policy discussion. The planning commission was looking to limit technical engineering discussions in public meetings. They did not want engineers going back and forth over technical issues during meetings.

The planning commission developed a proposal for when there are no more planning or design issues the planning commission could ask the applicant to be removed from the agenda if the applicant is not making progress.

The applicant would instead work with the township engineer and other members of staff privately. This would create a type of administrative review for technical engineering items. Planning Director Nathan Jones said this would benefit both the applicants and the planning commission. He said it would lead to applicants coming with more complete plans.

The next Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission meeting will be Nov. 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 no workshop in November.

Both regular and workshop meetings will begin 6 p.m. until the end of 2022.

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.