The Hamilton Crossings project is a step closer to beginning construction as reported at the Nov. 15 Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting.

The project will consist of Target and Costco as the anchor stores with the facades of these stores to be adapted to the area. There have been changes from the original plan to allow for adapting to the land. The ballfield area may be relocated due to unresolved issues.

Approval for the expansion of Faith Evangelical Free Church was approved. There will be a 3-story children and student building with an expanded parking lot. The upgraded facilities will be used for nursery, grade school and senior high school. Sanctuary expansion will occur at a later date. The area is zoned commercial which allows for places of worship.

The bond refinance ordinance was approved. Further details can be found on the Lower Macungie website.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has approved the renewal of the workplace safety committee. This allows the township to get a 5 percent reduction on workman's compensation insurance rates.

Several residents wrote letters of thanks for the decision to change trick or treat plans. This was greatly appreciated due to the nature of storm damage.

Grayson McNair wrote a letter of thanks for Election Day help.

Over 200 properties have been tagged for water shut-off. Many telephone calls have been received due to this action with some folks expressing confusion over who should be paying the bills. Commissioners noted there has been ample opportunity for these accounts to be paid or billing arrangements to be established.

Mike Hinton, a retired lieutenant from the New York Police Department, set up a relief effort for victims of the storm in New York at the township community center.

Both Hinton and Commissioner Roger Reis were impressed by the community response. An unknown donor rented two trucks to assist in the transport of the items. Among the many donations were bottled water and inflatable mattresses. Cleaning products, food and other items were also noted.

Bradley Youst, of Hanover Engineering, was appointed conflict engineer. The commissioners said he will have a fresh approach as neither he nor his firm is involved in any of the township's matters.