Although new construction has been scarce in recent years due to the weak economy, developer KRE has drafted plans for a major project on the Bortz tract between Cetronia and Schantz roads, and Route 309.

In a presentation to commissioners Feb. 20, KRE representatives provided background on their company headquartered in Bridgewater, N.J., and displayed pictures of completed work in various locations.

Tom Gough, KRE director of development, provided a drawing of the Madison Farm multi-family apartment building in Bethlehem and a similar project in Upper Macungie, near Jaindl Elementary School.

On the 43-acre Bortz property, which straddles Upper Macungie and South Whitehall townships, KRE proposes 10 multi-story apartment buildings, each having 45 units with garages, and 451 parking spaces.

The development would be entered through a gateway on Cetronia Road, which would lead to a clubhouse and the residences, on the eastern side of the property.

A central commons and 15 acres of recreation and open space are included.

On the western side, provisions are made for 35,600 square feet of retail or restaurant use.

Gough described the type of commercial uses KRE would seek.

"We are looking for a smaller footprint grocery store like Whole Foods and retail shops or small restaurants appropriate for residents," Gough said.

He said as the apartments will be one- or two-bedroom units, they will probably not attract families and will not impact the schools.

Gough said KRE has three local properties under contract to purchase, which would cause problems with setbacks.

One will have to be demolished, while the status of the other two is uncertain.

Philip Wursta, of Traffic Planning and Design Inc., said KRE is prepared to do considerable road work for the project.

"We're doing a significant amount of study of this area," Wursta said. "We plan an extra northbound lane along Cetronia Road and significant widening on the east side of the street."

As this was the first presentation on the Bortz tract development, KRE representatives asked whether commissioners had any "red flags" on the project.

There was no negative feedback from the board.

"We will now take steps to make a full-scale submission to the township through the normal planning process," Gough said.