At the July 5 Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council meeting, council reviewed and discussed the River Central Multimunicipal Comprehensive Plan.

The goal of the comprehensive plan is to better coordinate zoning and development requirements to streamline the process for rational and forward-looking development across the municipalities. The River Central members are Hanover Township, Lehigh County; Northampton, North Catasauqua and Catasauqua boroughs; and East Allen Township.

It is believed the success and achievement of the comprehensive plan may result in increased cooperation between the municipalities and better municipal cost control.

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 intends to vote on the plan during August.

The draft is accessible at planrivercentral.org for residents to review.

In other business, council voted to advertise the township’s 2023 road program. A copy of the road plan is available by contacting the township office.

Council approved Resolution 2023-40 that revised the preliminary/final land development plan to approve Phase 1, and preliminary plan approval of Phase 2 of the Patriot American Parkway, lot 1 parking lot expansion, 1110 American Parkway, Allentown.

Resolutions are available for review by contacting the township office.

Township Manager Melissa Wehr reported Community Night is scheduled for 4-7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at Canal Park, 1960 Dauphin St., Allentown. The rain date is set for Aug. 23. More information about the Community Night activities, games and music entertainment is forthcoming.

All three township parks - Sherwood Park, Canal Park and Chestnut Grove Park - 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 also reported the township is still seeking a code enforcement officer. Interested applicants can contact the township office to apply.