The Nestlé Purina plant requested a one-year extension for a water main extension project, previously approved by the South Whitehall Board of Commissioners April 17, 2024.

The extension was granted with the condition of providing updates to staff and the board at the March 19 board of commissioners meeting.

Speaking on behalf of Nestlé, Attorney Stephanie A. Kobal acknowledged costs would likely increase and said adjustments would be made accordingly.

The board agreed to work offline with Nestlé Purina to seek a mutually agreeable solution and approved the extension, requiring regular progress updates.

Residents were encouraged to stay engaged in the process.

Residents Jennie Fiorito and Jennifer Sodora voiced concerns over the March 6 letter from Nestlé Purina regarding the proposed water line extension and the estimated $5,980 reimbursement for connecting water service from curb boxes to homes.

They recently obtained quotes showing actual costs are significantly higher, double or even triple the estimate.

This places them and neighbors in a difficult, costly situation they did not ask to be in.

They explained that the $5,980 estimate fails to consider individual home layouts, water system setups and whether directional boring (far more expensive than trenching) is required – such as in their case with a newly repaved driveway and finished basement.

They emphasized residents are not large corporations with deep pockets, unlike Nestlé Purina and the reimbursement discrepancy could impose long-term financial strain.

They urged Nestlé Purina to act as a good neighbor by renegotiating terms in good faith and finding a fair solution, especially during the time extension request period.

They concluded by thanking the board for its time and consideration.

The second speaker was James McGee.

He said his wife is Suzanne and they live in the 4100 block of Huckleberry Road.

“We’ve only been here about a year, but we got the certified letter ... and we did not get an estimate because we like our well. We like our water. It tastes better,” McGee said. “I used to live on 28th Street for 22 years and I don’t like the city water at all. With that said we’re forced to pay a minimum fee if we don’t tap into the line that you’re proposing, which is about $500 a year. That’s $500 out of our pocket that we don’t need, we don’t want, we didn’t ask for it. There should be some type of exemption for us ... I understand that Nestlé needs it, but we shouldn’t have to pay for it.”

Commissioner Chris Peischl urged residents, “Don’t be shy about calling the staff and asking where this program is going. We want to hear your part of the story as well, not just one side.”

Hayden Rinde and Emily Bronsky gave a brief presentation for the Western Lehigh Chamber of Commerce.

They mentioned that Cetronia Ambulance Corps is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

An event is going to be held 5-9 p.m. April 25 at the Aster Event Center, 621 Grange Road, Allentown.

For details, visit cetronia.org.