Zuru Zhang, a native of China, who now resides in Wyomissing, Berks County, is planning to open Lily Grill Seafood and Sushi Bar at 1908 Walbert Ave. in June.

At the March 20 South Whitehall commissioners' meeting, Zhang told the board he has 15 years experience in the restaurant business in Pennsylvania.

He chose the site of the former Charlie Brown's restaurant for an upscale dining establishment serving Japanese and Chinese cuisine.

To accompany the dinners, Zhang would like to have wine and other alcoholic beverages available.

He requested commissioners' approval for transfer of a liquor license from Bethlehem to the South Whitehall location.

Board members looked favorably upon the venture and granted him consent to proceed with the liquor license transfer.

Zhang agreed to reimburse South Whitehall for preparation and advertising of the resolution.

He has invested $350,000 in the property and the liquor license will cost $160,000.

In other business, Commissioner David Bond reported Whitehall Avenue from Fairmont Street to Pennsylvania Street is being torn apart by gas company excavations.

"It was just paved," Bond said. "People are upset. It's a lot of money just spent to make it nice, now it's ruined."

He asked whether the township can recover costs from the utility causing the damages.

Solicitor Chis McLean answered the question.

"I don't know of a legal means to reclaim this," McLean said.

Bond again asked for a better solution.

"This has happened several times," Bond replied. "I'd like to see what we can do about it."

Staff agreed to look into the matter.

In other business, commissioners approved Keystone Consulting Engineers, Wescosville,as the primary sewage enforcement officer for the township and Hanover Engineering Associates as the alternate.

Advantage Engineers was selected as the geo-technical engineer for South Whitehall with Hanover Engineering Associates as alternate.

Fee schedules for all four firms were presented and included in the approval.