The long awaited draft and ready to be voted River Central Comprehensive Plan was adopted by Hanover Township - Lehigh County Council at its August 2 meeting. Hanleco becomes the first of the consortium of five municipalities that comprise River Central to adopt the plan.
The five River Central entities are Hanover Township - Lehigh County, East Allen Township, and the boroughs of Northampton, North Catasauqua and Catasauqua. Goals of the plan include to foster increased cooperation between the five municipalities to ensure coordinated economic development to facilitate well-thought out growth, and help control costs. The plan can be viewed at planrivercentral.org
Resolution 2023-41 was approved by Council to adopt the River Central Comprehensive Plan. The adopted resolution was preceded by a brief Public Hearing to have a final discussion of the plan.
In her Township Manager’s report Melissa Wehr said the Sherwood Park playground equipment has been installed. The upgrade cost over $200,000. Wehr noted pavilion rentals at the park have increased since the installation of the new equipment. “Rentals at the park are up because the kids like to play on the new equipment,” noted Wehr.
Sherwood Park, 1915 Sherwood Street, Allentown boasts one baseball/softball field, two tennis courts, two basketball courts, a tot’s playground, a play area for all ages, a pavilion area that can accommodate a party up to 100 individuals, two accessible porta pottys (Summer only), and electricity. All in a pleasant, comfortable environment.
The reserve the pavilion visit hanleco.org/sherwood.html or call the township office.
Wehr commented on the expansion of the Lehigh Valley International Airport security areas. The funding reportedly was provided by the 2021 United States Federal Infrastructure Bill program. She also added that all mark their calendar for the township’s Community Night August 22nd, Tuesday from 4-7:30pm at the township’s Canal Park 1960 Dauphin Street, Allentown.
Wehr reported the township received a thank you note from the Catasauqua Public Library for a $7,000. township donation to the library.
Council adopted three more resolutions.
Resolution 2023-42 appointed Sharon Steitz to the Planning Commission filling the vacancy due to a recent resignation. Resolution 2023-43 appointed Jason Engleman to the Planning Commission, and Resolution 2023-44 adopted the Capital Budget for 2024-2028.
The next Hanover Township - Lehigh County Council meeting is August 16, Wednesday at 7pm at the municipal building located at 2202 Grove Road, Allentown, PA 18109. It is an in-person meeting only.