Director of Trails and Greenways for the Wildlands Conservancy Kevin Fister gave a presentation to South Whitehall commissioners Feb. 20 on the Jordan Creek Greenway project, which has been underway for several years.

When completed, the Greenway trail will extend from Allentown to the Appalachian Trail.

The trail will proceed from Jordan Meadows to Jordan Park, cross MacArthur Road to Mickley Road to the Jordan Creek Parkway in Whitehall and onward to South Whitehall.

Fister said South Whitehall commissioners supported a feasibility study in 2009 and reviewed concepts for a pedestrian crossing over Cedar Crest Boulevard near the Troxell building.

"There is a significant portion of Greenway in South Whitehall through Covered Bridge Park and the private lands of David Jaindl," Fister said. "We seek your support and permission to move forward with specific steps to apply for DCNR dollars."

He then introduced Whitehall's Mayor Ed Hozza to report on his experience with the Ironton Rail Trail in his area.

Hozza said the trails are used not only for walking but also for events and fundraisers.

"Property values along IRT are higher," Hozza said. "Kids hop on the trails with their bikes to visit friends in other towns like Egypt and Stiles."

Since the IRT is 85 percent paved, the chief maintenance is related to tree growth or damage, Hozza said.

Whitehall is responsible for maintenance of the IRT in its township.

Fister asked commissioners for approval to work with staff to apply for grant submission.

He requested the township be the grantee because more funding is available for municipalities than for agencies, such as the conservancy.

Matching dollars would be requested from Lehigh County, which has a separate funds for the Greenway.

"We are not asking for funds from South Whitehall," Fister said.

Commissioners authorized township staff to join Fister in moving forward with the grant application.

In other business, commissioners considered a request from Attorney Christopher McLean, representing Pulte Homes' Vistas at Green Hills.

Residents want the township's Public Works Department to take over snow removal on streets in the development.

Director of Administration Tony Ganguzza said the developer still has 18 months in a maintenance period until subdivision roads are turned over to the township through a deed of dedication.

Commissioners held to normal township procedures and declined the request for the service before taking over the streets.

They said a precedent might be set which could lead to requests from other developers.

Commissioners granted permission to Jordan Lutheran Church to subdivide its property at 5013 Snowdrift Road.

The plan creates a two-acre lot containing the former parsonage and a 22-acre parcel with all other church buildings, sheds, barn, parking lot and cemetery.

Member Bruce Stettler said the parsonage is presently being rented.

"We want to get out of the real estate business," Stettler said. "Pastors want to live in their own homes now. We have no plans for the property."