A request by Landston Equities LLC to place a distribution center in Whitehall has been approved by Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners.

At the Dec. 9 commissioners meeting, the board unanimously approved a 190,400-square-foot distribution center for 2451 Main St., off Range Road.

According to supporting documentation from the township’s website, Landston Equities’ distribution center is expected to include 28 loading docks and 148 parking spaces. The developer plans to build a 13.93-acre lot on an existing 37.19-acre tract.

Landston Equities is an entity of Jaindl Land Company.

Attorney Eric Schock and representative Rocco Caracciola, of Jaindl Land Company, met with commissioners Dec. 9 to discuss conditions for the distribution center. Commissioner Robert Piligian outlined a few conditions discussed by the board that Landston Equities must meet and follow for the distribution center.

Piligian said only 40 trucks may enter and leave the facility every day, and they must go northbound on Range Road toward Eberhart Road to get onto MacArthur Road. A fire suppression system will also need to be built at the distribution center, and connectivity between West Catasauqua Playground and Range Road must be established.

Piligian also noted the distribution center may not be used as a fulfillment center.

Board President Thomas Slonaker stated it is in Landston Equities’ contract that these trucks will have signage to dictate where these trucks must travel when conducting business — more specifically, their requirement to travel northbound on Range Road toward Eberhart Road.

Plans for the upcoming distribution center have brought concerns and questions from township residents.

Robert Bloom addressed the board during the meeting, asking who would be monitoring the trucks and their traffic patterns.

“We have enough issues regarding accidents at Schadt Avenue toward MacArthur Road, especially with rolled-over cars on Schadt Avenue and Macarthur Road,” Bloom said.

He also expressed concerns about truck drivers not listening to compliances and orders.

Other residents at the meeting also expressed concerns regarding increased truck traffic on these smaller, narrower roads.

Engineer Frank Clark said they will be conducting a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation scoping study to determine shortcomings for any proposed movement of the trucks. This will also address any traffic concerns and where these trucks will be able to drive.

Slonaker noted any truck drivers who don’t listen to any conditions and orders will be cited.

After board discussion and public comments, commissioners approved the Main Street plan.

The board next meets 7 p.m. Jan. 6, 2025, for a workshop meeting and 7 p.m. Jan. 13, 2025, for a business meeting at the municipal building, 3219 MacArthur Road.