David Jaindl presented his revised land development project to a group of citizens at the Lower Macungie Community Center Feb. 19.

Jaindl showed the two proposed land development plans and explained the difference between the two. Attorney Joe Zator, Scott Pidcock and Bruce Anderson were also present.

Some of the changes include Sauerkraut Lane which was originally to be a public road is now to be considered a private road with upkeep to be done privately, not with township funds. The recreation area is being relocated to an area near Spring Creek Road and Sauerkraut Lane. This is the active recreation area.

The commercial area was originally 443,000 square feet and the proposal is to reduce it to 71,000 square feet. This will reduce the truck traffic. Jaindl said he listened to residents' concerns.

Regarding the impact on the schools, Jaindl chose to modify the original plans of having high density housing constructed. He is now making some of this area an active 55 community which will help to lower the impact on the school district. The additional area will be housing but small lot singles.

The dark green areas are places where there will be no vertical development. In this area is the Leister Farm, which was placed on a 99 year preservation. Some of this area goes into Berks County.

A small parcel to the right of Spring Creek, is where office buildings are proposed. Rail service is to be promoted as the railroad is part of the area. This will help in the reduction of truck traffic.

Jaindl gave a brief history of the zoning of the area. There have been rumors Mertztown Road is to be widened and generally improved. Jaindl said there are no planned improvements to this road.

Jaindl said the rumor of a traffic light at Butz and Mertztown Roads is not true. In one area, there will be sit down restaurants, a drug store and other establishments. This is not to be a strip mall area.

After the presentation, Jaindl answered questions. Some of the commercial development was questioned and Jaindl answered by saying "it's what the market dictates." This comment was made, particularly, over the plans to not create any strip malls.

Lea Papp, a resident on Mertztown Road, said she understands development happens and there's not much that can be done but is not necessarily happy about the loss of farmland.

"Where I look now outside of my home, I see stars. When this development is completed, I will see warehouses instead." The audience applauded Papp's speech.

Jaindl said if the litigation continues, Plan A will be the one he will use.

"Remember this is my property. I can develop it as I choose," Jaindl said.