Northampton Borough Council on Thursday approved the plans for the new $80.7-million Northampton Area Middle School by a 7-1 vote.

The school is projected to open in September 2015, after which the circular middle school pods will fall to a wrecking ball.

Voting in the affirmative for the middle school construction, road system and projects as a new field house were council members Robert Coleman, Anthony Pristash, Anthony Lopsonzski Jr., Robert McHale, Edward Pany, Keith Piescienski and council President John Yurish.

Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski voted against approval. He did not offer an explanation for his no vote.

Yurish commended everyone involved in getting the proposed middle school to a vote by council whose decision allows the Northampton Area School District to secure the financing and otherwise move forward.

"I was disappointed with the lack of concrete questions from the public," Pany said after attending a public hearing two weeks ago regarding the middle school. He said some in attendance were more interested whether there would be a swimming pool at the new middle school.

Council's concerns that construction vehicles will use Laubach Avenue were addressed. NASD Superintendent Joseph Kovalchik, the project architects and engineer will notify contractors and subcontractors that access to the building site will be off Route 329 and Horwith Lane. Signs will be posted advising trucks to avoid Laubach Avenue.

The privately owned Atlas Machine Shop off Smith Lane will allow its grounds to serve as a staging area and parking for construction workers.

Bids are expected to be received in January and in the spring, when upgrades to Stadium Drive and other work will take place. The demolition of the former vo-tech building and field house are on the calendar.

Pany asked that the new school continue to recognize historical features, such as the area's cement heritage. Kovalchik said it will and that he will continue to keep council abreast of developments in the project.