The Greenway Plan was presented to the commissioners by the KMS Design Group at the Aug. 16 meeting.

The plan was established by first understanding community assets and facilities, past, present and future. The design team visited various sites with the ultimate goal to establish a comprehensive trail system to connect the township, Allentown and three boroughs.

The purpose of the pathway is to connect the Little Lehigh Creek Greenway to various areas such as the Lehigh Canal Towpath, Macungie and Alburtis boroughs and the Pennsylvania Highlands. Areas include Lower Macungie Township Community Park, Pool Wildlife Sanctuary, Lock Ridge Park, Macungie Memorial Park, Little Lehigh, Leibert and Swabia Creeks. For additional information, check the Lower Macungie Townshp website at www. lowermac.com.

The timeframe for the plan is estimated to be five to 10 years. As two-thirds of the areas affected are owned by the township, the rest of the proposed areas will be purchased or donated.

Presently, the cost associated with the plan is $21 million; however, this amount could be funded through various methods such as grants.

A resident asked how this would affect residential taxes and if it was worth the risk for a few joggers and bikers.

Paths such as these can be found in downtown Scranton and in the Pittston area. The paths are frequented by joggers, bikers and families just out walking. As the paths develop, more and more people are expected to use it. Park and recreational areas will be the first places connected and further developed.

Commissioner James Lancsek asked for consideration for the path development around streams in flood plains.

Commissioner Ryan Conrad was concerned about the costs and impervious materials that would be used in the 100 year flood plain.

The vote was taken to approve the plan for advertising and public hearings.

The Zoning Hearing Board will be dealing with a property with an illegal addition to their residence. There was one apartment but an additional apartment has been added which is overloading the septic system. Legal representation was approved by the commissioners for the hearing.

There will be another shredding event Sept. 15. Check the township website for further information.

The Environmental Advisory Council announced they will be posting signs around the township advising residents of bird attracting being done through the expertise of the National Audubon Society.

The possibility of a business listing for the township has been declined due to the high cost. However, the Facebook page is about to be launched. Paperless agendas are also being considered.

In other business, Sept. 24 will begin the opening of the bids for the Camp Olympic property. There have been several people interested in this property.

Check the website for information on Quarry and Aster Roads being closed for road improvements.

There was discussion to have board meetings reduced to once a month during the the summer.