Developer proposes new plan

As expected, the developer for the Over-55 community has filed a new plan with the Township!  This time they have proposed additional houses in the 3 acres that was added on the west side of Overlook. 

Quick Facts:
83 Total Units.
35 single detached homes
24 Semi-detached homes
24 quad style homes
Each is 1300 sq ft, 2 story
Each has 2 car garage.
10,000 sq ft Community Center
Caretakers home
Drip irrigation style waste disposal system in the north east area just behind the houses on Donna Drive.

According to the plan, each dwelling will be 1300 square feet over two stories, and include a two car covered garage.  The garage plus space in the driveway will allow each unit to have 4 off street parking spaces.  There will be 35 single family detached, 24 single family semi-detached, and 24 quad units for a total of 83 units.  In addition as required by code the development will include caretaker/manager residence and a large community center.  The community will be served by an in ground drip sewer system similar to the one previously proposed.  The plans are similar to the “by right” plan proposed in late 2013 with housing adjacent to 2 roads the area between the existing houses on Donna Drive and Overlook Road.  The twist for this proposal is that the plans show a circular road on the three acre addition on the north west corner of Overlook and Clearview across from the main body of the development.  A time table for review of the plan has not been set, but consideration may start at the February 25, 2014 Township Planning meeting at 7:30pm.    

January 2013 update

In December 2013, the North Whitehall Board of Supervisors officially turned down the first application for the development, but we are expecting the developer to resubmit plans based on the third layout they proposed called the “By Right” plan early in 2014. 

That plan called for 60 single family detached and semi-detached dwellings, and 24 quad dwellings.   Each unit proposed is two stories in height with a 1300 square foot footprint in addition to a community center and a caretaker/manager house.  The proposal includes public water from the existing Northampton Authority system, and in ground waste disposal system that is essentially an oversized backyard drip field connected to a processing system. 

The Supervisors stated at the December meeting that they took the action because of the confusion created by the multiple plans from the developer, and that the plans called for multiple variances and the lack of response by the developer as this progressed.  While our organization applauded this action, we are fully aware that the developer may, and will, resubmit the development for consideration.  He has simply too much money and time invested in the proposed development to stop.  The fact that they still pushed on the Lot Line Adjustment to increase the property size over 25 acres, and had two lawyers at the Supervisors meeting is a sign of their willingness to proceed. 

If we want our interests considered, we must proceed forward with our involvement.  To have an impact we need involvement from the neighborhood, and money to support our cause.  To date we only have 46 families join as members.  That is much too small of a group to have a lasting impact.  We need the families near the area to attend our meetings as well as those of the Township.  We ask each to donate funds to the extent that each family can afford, and volunteer time to the organization.  It is the right of the developer to build a community that meets the law, but it is also our quality of life and home investment at stake!

Lot Line Change Approved

The North Whitehall Board of Supervisors approved the Developer’s request to expand the property for the proposed Over 55 Community on Overlook Road.  This action was taken at the January 6th Supervisor’s meeting.  This clears on hurdle for the developer so that the property is now greater than the 25 acres required by Township ordnance for this type of development. 

A parcel of land on the west side of Overlook Road at the corner of Overlook and Clearview was added to the property.