The Feb. 11 meeting of the Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission involved three projects; Hamilton Square, Red Maple Mobile Home Park and Smith Brother Tents.

There was a fourth project, Schwab Subdivision removed from the agenda at the applicant’s request. The planning commission did not have enough members present for a quorum, so they were unable to vote on any project.

The first project discussed was the Red Maple Mobile Home Park Expansion. The project is represented by Attorney Erich Schock, of Fitzpatrick Lentz and Bubba as well as Lou Rock, from Lehigh Engineering Associates and the applicant Nathan Jameson with Red Maples LLC.

The existing property is at 1170 Grange Road. There was a discussion about the density of the expansion. Jameson talked about the significant demand for affordable housing in the Lehigh Valley.

The property currently has 203 manufactured homes; they are looking to add 36 new units. There was talk of adding a 5 foot wide walking path along the roadway.

There was a discussion about the slope of the stormwater basin on the property. The planning commission questioned the traffic flow on the property and asked about emergency vehicle access.

Neighboring resident Gary Beck raised questions about water runoff. Beck said there was supposed to be a buffer between his property and the mobile home park, but it was torn out shortly after the plan for the original park was approved.

Township Commissioner Maury Robert brought up the idea of putting in a gate near the Home Depot property. Planning commission Chairman Wesley Barrett said it would be beneficial if they brought the project to current or higher standards.

The second project discussed was the Smith Brother Tents sketch plan. The project was represented by Mike Housten, of AASA Land Surveyors. The project would include an 80 by 200 foot building in addition to the existing building on the property, located at 205 Schantz Road.

The planning commission questioned what the use of the building would be. They asked for the temporary storage on the property to be removed if the permanent building is added.

The planning commission wanted to clarify the proposed impervious coverage on the property. The issue of the property having a shared driveway with the neighbor was brought up.

There was talk about the stormwater management on the property. Housten asked about modifying an existing stormwater feature. The township suggested the idea of improving emergency access on the property.

The final project discussed was Hamilton Square Lot Line Adjustment and Land Development. The project was represented by Joseph Piperato and Bud Newton, of Newton Engineering.

Newton talked about signage limiting trucks to less than 30 feet long. The idea of having signage to prevent pedestrians crossing Hamilton Boulevard was discussed.

There was a discussion about having protection for people sitting in the outdoor seating area. Newton said there was a plan to have a masonry wall around the area.

There was also talk about adding more street trees along the frontage of the property and along the western property line. The issue of drainage on the property was discussed.

The next Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission meeting will be March 11. 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 February.

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