At the Hanover Township - Lehigh County Council meeting July 5, council reviewed and discussed the River Central Comprehensive Plan. The draft is accessible at planrivercentral.org for residents to review. The River Central River Central members are Hanover Township - Lehigh County, East Allen Township, Northampton Borough, North Catasauqua and Catasauqua boroughs.

The goals of the comprehensive plan are to better coordinate zoning and development requirements to streamline the process for rational and forward looking development among the adjacent municipalities. It is thought the success and achievement of the River Central Comprehensive Plan may usher in increased cooperation in other matters each municipality faces and better control municipal costs.

The draft comprehensive plan was extensively reviewed. Council comments were relayed to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, which is coordinating the comprehensive plan development process. Council plans a vote approving or rejecting the plan during August.

Council also voted to advertise the township’s 2023 Road Program. A copy of the 2023 Hanleco Road Plan is available by contacting the township office.

Council approved Resolution No. 2023-40 that revised Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan to approve Phase 1, and Preliminary Plan Approval of Phase 2 of the Patriot American Parkway LP, Lot#1 parking lot expansion, 1110 American Parkway, Allentown.

Resolutions are available for review by contacting the township office.

The upcoming Hanover Township Community Night, Township Manager Melissa Wehr reminded, is Aug. 22 from 4-7:30 p.m., rain date is Aug. 23 at the township’s Canal Park. More information about the Community Night activities, games and music entertainment is forthcoming.

The three parks in Hanover Township - Lehigh County are Sherwood Park, Canal Park, and Chestnut Grove Park. All three parks have pavilions that can be rented for picnics or other events. Visit hanleco.org to access the rules and regulations for the use of all three parks. A rental can be arranged through the township website or by calling the township office.

Wehr said that the township is still seeking a Code Enforcement Officer. Interested applicants can contact the township office to apply.

The next Hanover Township - Lehigh County Council is July 19, 7 p.m. at the Hanleco Municipal Building, 2202 Grove Road, Allentown. It is an in-person meeting only.