Report from the 11/26/2019 Planning Commission Mtg & Updated, Important Dates

The Waste Water Treatment Plant Conditional Use Proposal for the Over 55 Development of Strawberry Acres was scheduled to be discussed at the 11/26/2019 Planning Commission meeting.  However, due to other items on the agenda, the meeting went long, and a continuance of the meeting just for the WWTP Conditional Use has been scheduled for Wednesday December 4, 2019 at 7:30pm.  The meeting will take place at the North Whitehall Township Building.

The Proposal will then be discussed at the Supervisors Meeting on 12/9/2019, at 7:00pm; this meeting also takes place at the North Whitehall Township Meeting.

On another note, the item that took up much of the Planning Commission meeting tonight was North Valley Trade Center Land Development, a set of proposed warehouses between Locust Drive and Park View Drive, east of Independence Drive.  Due to these warehouses, the developers are estimating an average of 800 trucks a day, plus 700 cars will add to the normal traffic on and around 309. They have are trying to say that this increase of traffic on 309 will have no impact on traffic.  This is not true.  These warehouses would have a significant impact on the traffic of 309, especially during peak hours when school buses are running out Orefield Middle School, and near Ironton and Schnecksville Elementary Schools.  This use was approved by the Planning Commission and will be in front of the Supervisors Meeting on 1/6/2020 at 7:30pm - if you're concerned for traffic flow, traffic safety, and the school kids on all the buses impacted by lengthened bus routes let the Supervisors know then!

Over 55 Community, try 2019

The property owner of the former Strawberry Acres has submitted a Waste Water Treatment Plant Proposal to North Whitehall Township.  This facility is the first step in another attempt to develop the former Strawberry Acres into an Over 55 Community.

We cannot stop the developer from developing his property.  We can make sure that it is developed only within North Whitehall Township ordinances and in a way that has the least impact on our quality of life and home value.  That is what we intend to do.

Laurel Wood resident Tom VanVreede has thoroughly reviewed the most recent WWTP Proposal and found many inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and potential problems.  He will make a presentation to the Planning Commission on 11/26/2019 regarding his concerns.  The meeting starts at 7:30pm.  Please come to show your support for the Laurel Wood neighborhood, and to learn more about the proposal and its impact.

Also, the developer is holding an open house at Strawberry Acres from noon to 2pm on Saturday November 23.   His flyer states his desire to present his vision for development, and that the public and neighbors are welcome; however the flyers were only distributed to a limited area.

Please contact friends.laurelwood@gmail.com for further information.