While undergoing review with the South Whitehall Planning Commission on his proposed development of Rutz Farm along Walbert Avenue, David Jaindl said the adjacent Shoemaker property could coincide with his major residential subdivision.

The Hills at Winchester project for the 94-acre Rutz Farm includes 90 single-family residential lots of at least 20,000 square feet.

Primary access to the site would be at Walbert Avenue and 40th Street.

An emergency only tie-in access is proposed at Brickyard Road.

At the April 3 commissioners' meeting, Jaindl expressed interest in the Shoemaker site as a possibility for secondary access to the development from Walbert Avenue.

Although the Shoemaker garage has been in business for many decades, the property is zoned residential.

The site is grandfathered because it predates adoption of South Whitehall zoning regulations.

Jaindl said he would like to integrate the Shoemaker property with his subdivison by first re-questing a rezoning to neighborhood commercial.

He proposes a 23,000-square-foot strip center for six potential users and a 5,000-square-foot restaurant pad site on the four-acre site.

Foliage screening would be included along residential borders.

Bryan Shoemaker, co-owner of the auto sales and repair facility, said he has several offers for the property.

One potential buyer proposed bringing in more cars for sales while allowing Shoemaker to continue the service portion of the business.

Shoemaker discussed the Jaindl proposal.

"We thought this would be the most neighborhood friendly," Shoemaker said. "People were interested in having the [access] tie-in."

Jaindl also commented on the matter.

"I hope to purchase the property, but there are a lot of contingencies," Jaindl said. "They have other options. I'd like them to pursue our option, but there may be something more lucrative for them."

Commissioners looked favorably on the proposal.

"I agree we ought to go ahead with this," Commissioner Dale Daubert said. "It will be an asset to the township. Jaindl does quality work. It will enhance our tax base, which we need very badly."

Commissioner Glenn Block added his thoughts on Jaidl's proposal.

"Conceptually it looks like it will fit," Block said. "Let's move forward but let the planning commission make the recommendation."

As the board liked the concept, Township Manager Jon Hammer explained the next step will be sending the proposal to the planning commission to hash out the details.