By MICHAEL HIRSCH

Special to The Press

Chris Williams PE, LEED AP, an engineer from Barry Isett and Associates, discussed a development project that will include a convenience store, medical office building, auto parts store and self-storage facility, during the April 1 North Whitehall supervisors’ meeting.

The project will also include a roundabout at the intersection of Routes 309 and 873 in Schnecksville.

The applicant, represented by Jerry Blecker, for the Kings Business Park at Route 309 and 873 preliminary/final approval will pay for the roundabout construction and has applied for grants to offset the cost.

The development will generate more traffic, but a traffic study has been done and the roundabout is one solution.

One concern is that the project will worsen traffic on another road, Game Preserve Road.

The applicant is not required to contribute to improvements on that road but was asked to consider doing so by Supervisor Dennis Klusaritz.

Another concern made by resident Tom Van Vreede is that the auto parts store may not have enough space for trucks to maneuver for deliveries.

Blecker said this is a standard layout approved by the auto parts store chain.

The monument sign that is currently in the center of the intersection will be replaced with a new double-sided sign.

The township approved the project with some waivers and deferrals.

In other matters, Tom Becket from NW Financial Group LLC spoke about financing the township building renovation project through a bond issue.

Bond issuance was determined to be the least expensive solution.

Legal counsel, underwriting firms and a paying agent have been selected, he explained.

A credit rating from Moody’s remains outstanding.

Supervisors approved the maximum parameters for the bond issue.

Details will be finalized after the township receives construction bids.

The presentation included a debt service schedule and estimated all-in cost of capital, and interest rates may fluctuate, so that the final figures will be determined closer to the bond sale.

The general obligation bond issuance and the underwriter and paying agent were approved.

There was an announcement made that due to impending township building renovations the voting location for District 5 of North Whitehall Township has been moved to Grouse Hall, 3335 Levans Road, Coplay.

The Administration will move into an approximately 4,100-square-foot building at 4410 Independence Drive, Schnecksville, with a 12-month lease until June 14, 2025.

The lease can be extended depending on the length of the renovation.

Township Manager Randy Cope said the zoning hearing board, planning commission and board of supervisors meetings will be held at Schnecksville Fire Company.

The Farmland Preservation Committee, recreation board and yoga will meet at the Neffs Fire Company.

The moving date has not yet been determined yet.