The River Central Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan was discussed at length during the Aug. 24 East Allen Township Board of Supervisors meeting.

Several local farmers questioned the comprehensive plan and its effect on the future of zoning in the township. One farmer lamented the change in farming in the township during the past 50 years and the warehouses moving into the township.

He pointed out there are no longer any chicken farmers or dairy cow farmers in East Allen. He said years ago, every farmer grew potatoes, but now there is only one potato farmer in the township.

He said the “Save Our Farms” effort to preserve township farmland was not helping farmers. He asked the board to consider signs that say “Save Our Farmers” instead of “Save Our Farms.” He again expressed his concern about what farming will look like in East Allen in 50 years because of possible zoning changes due to the River Central plan.

Township Solicitor Joseph Piperato explained the River Central plan is an effort not to change zoning laws but to share and satisfy the state’s complicated zoning diversity requirements. It also works to promote municipal equipment sharing that can help contain costs.

Township Manager Brent Green added there will be no large-scale zoning changes made as a result of adopting the River Central plan.

The River Central group includes East Allen and Hanover (Lehigh County) townships and Northampton, Catasauqua and North Catasauqua boroughs. The plan can be reviewed online at planrivercentral.org.

Before the vote, Supervisor Donald Heiney shared his concerns about the plan.

The final vote was 4-1 to adopt the comprehensive plan. Heiney voting against.

In other business, there was a presentation about the Dech House, at the corner of Weaversville Road and Colony Drive, that advocated for an ad hoc committee to organize an effort to raise the necessary funds to renovate the historic building. Several people advocated for the restoration effort.

One attendee noted he did not want any township tax dollars used for the potential project. Another attendee noted the intersection is dangerous because line of sight is limited. It was explained Weaversville Road is a state road and not controlled by the township. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is responsible.

The board voted unanimously to develop an ad hoc committee. Supervisor Chris Cruz, a strong advocate of the building’s restoration, said this will be a long-term project that could expand to have other buildings reconstructed and become a large historical site complex focused on education of its rich past.

Cruz also motioned that a line item for the restoration project be inserted into the township budget to hold all funds raised either through fundraising efforts, donations or grant funding for the project. The motion carried unanimously.

There was a planned presentation of the volunteer firefighter retention and recruitment program by the township fire department. It was postponed because leaders of the township fire department were not present at the meeting.

The next board of supervisors meeting is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 13 at the township municipal building, 5344 Nor-Bath Blvd. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person or virtual options. Visit eatwp.org for the virtual call-in numbers or call the township office for meeting information.