The April 8 meeting of the Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission only had one project, a proposed grocery store located at 2550 Route 100.

The only other project, Western Lehigh Services, was taken off the agenda at the applicant’s request.

The proposed property for the grocery store would be at the intersection of Route 100 and the unfinished Sauerkraut Lane extension. The property is a single lot shared with a St. Luke’s medical office building to the west.

The property was originally part of the Spring Creek Property Settlement subdivision. The project was represented by Engineer Brent Tucker from The Pidcock Company. Applicant Luke Jaindl was also present at the meeting.

Tucker said the project would consist of a 23,000 square foot grocery store occupied by Sprouts Farmers Market.

Since this property is part of the Spring Creek Property Settlement subdivision, the project is governed by the zoning ordinances at the time rather than the current zoning ordinances.

The project relies on the Sauerkraut Lane extension being completed before the Sprouts opening. The rear of the property would be connected to Schoeneck Road to help with truck circulation and deliveries.

Tucker said the property would include 211 parking spaces, even though the ordinance only requires 94. He also said the stormwater from the two properties would be discharged into new stormwater facilities north of the site.

The planning commission had questions about buffering to avoid light pollution from cars in the parking lot. They were looking for a buffer similar to the medical office building. It was asked if the parking lot lighting would be dark sky compliant.

The planning commission brought up the idea of cutting back on the excess parking spaces so there could be additional buffering around the loading dock or dumpster area.

There was a discussion about green space on the property. Tucker talked about sidewalks in front of the building and along one side. The planning commission asked about sidewalk along the Sauerkraut Lane extension.

The planning commission said the Sauerkraut Lane extension may be completed within 30-60 days. Tucker said the Sprouts project would take 24-36 months.

The planning commission said that although this project is from a previous subdivision using noncurrent ordinances, they hope to work with the Jaindl team to try and have some pieces the new ordinances require.

Township Engineer Bryan McAdam had some concerns about the stormwater management on the property.

There was a discussion about the loading dock being hidden by an adjacent retaining wall. There was also talk about landscaping in the rear of the building.

The planning commission asked if there were any plans for outdoor seating or gathering area. The turning radius on the property for emergency vehicles was also discussed.

The next Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission meeting will be May 13. 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 will be held both in person and over Zoom with a video recording uploaded to the township’s YouTube channel after the fact.