The April 9 meeting of the Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission included three projects; 1450 Brookside Road Subdivision, Wild Cherry Estates and Hamilton Square.

A fourth project, Iron Run Estates, was tabled at the applicant’s request.

The 1450 Brookside Road subdivision project was represented by Andrew Bohl of Hanover Engineering. There was a discussion about the deferral of street trees and a walking path.

Bohl plans to start with a minor subdivision on the property and add a larger subdivision on the property at a later date.

Commissioners asked about the time frame for the larger subdivision. Bohl said the plan may be ready for the July meeting.

Commissioners agreed on a two-year deferral on street trees and walking paths. There was a discussion about the traffic impact fee and recreation fee. A motion to recommend approval passed unanimously.

The second project discussed was the Wild Cherry Estates Sketch Plan. After last month’s meeting, the applicants modified their plan to meet the township’s ordinances. The applicants were able to remove the roadway and stormwater basin from the 500-year flood plain.

In order to remove stormwater basins from the 500-year flood plain the applicants got rid of four units, leaving 13 units on the plan.

The project was represented by Zach Arnold and engineer Brain Boyer from Boyer Engineering. There was a discussion about the emergency access on the property. The idea of connecting to the baseball and softball fields behind the property was raised.

The final project discussed was Hamilton Square. The property abuts Hamilton Crossings. The project was represented by Bud Newton of Newton Engineering along with commercial Realtor James Balliet. Gabriel Joseph, the applicant for the project was also present at the meeting.

There would be two structures with retail and service businesses. Newton said there is only the access to the property from Hamilton Boulevard with no access to Krocks Road or the Hamilton Crossings development. He also talked about moving the front of the buildings closer to Hamilton Boulevard.

The property would have outdoor eating areas placed along the side of the buildings. There was a discussion about the street trees and walking paths on the property. Newton spoke about the design of the buildings, mentioning the awnings and use of stone.

There was a discussion about the emergency route on the property. Newton talked about traffic and trip generation on the property. He also spoke about parking on the property, mentioning the existence of multiuse trips.

Balliet said he has received interest from multiple restaurants, adding the property would possibly have a medical spa and salon.

Commissioner Ozias Moore questioned if there should be a crosswalk between the two buildings. There was a discussion about having trees and benches as part of the frontage improvements.

Commissioner Vice Chair Martine Minniger questioned the dumpster location on the property and rear access for tenants. There was also a discussion about whether the buildings are oriented in the best way for the community.

There was a discussion about traffic flow on the property.

The next Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission meeting will be May 14.

Usually the planning commission meets the second Tuesday of every month and occasionally there is a workshop meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. There will be no workshop in April.

Meetings begin 6 p.m. and currently all planning commission meetings are held in person and online with a video recording uploaded to the township’s YouTube channel after the fact.