At their July 1 meeting, Bethlehem Township Commissioners went with a green solution to a stormwater drainage problem thats source is the Bethlehem Square Shopping Center.

This environmental approach will require even more green of a different sort - $300,000. But most of this could be coming from the state. By a 4-0 vote, T and M Associates' Gregory Duncan was given a green light to seek a Watershed and Protection Grant, with the township providing a 15 percent match.

From the busy shopping center, stormwater collects and ultimately passes under Route 191 and into what's left of a concrete lined swale, which has fallen into serious disrepair. From there, the waters, sometimes mixed with road salt and gravel, cascade into a Class A wild trout stream.

Duncan wants to replace the broken-up concrete liner with articulated concrete blocks connected by steel cable. This will promote proper drainage, provide erosion control and even allow for natural vegetative growth. Articulated concrete blocks will also handle heavy velocities.

State Senator Lisa Boscola has already given her support for this project, and Duncan is currently seeking approval from state representatives Bob Freeman, Marcia Hahn and Joe Emrick.

Though the township must provide a 15 percent match, it can be in the form of soft costs, such as labor or administrative processing.

Resident Barry Roth asked whether Bethlehem Square will also be asked to contribute.

"Not at this time," answered manager Howard Kutzler. "If we don't get the grant, I'm not sure we can afford this," he added.

In other business, the commissioners approved a Coordinated Health proposal for a three-story, 49,000-square-foot medical facility next to Outback Steakhouse, on Emrick Boulevard, with 217 parking spaces. Attorney Tom Stitt, representing the Outback, had urged planners in March, "Don't just rush this through." But three months later, neither Stitt nor anyone else voiced any concerns.

Finally, Chetwin Terrace resident Wayne Kresge complained about storm waters coming from William Penn Highway, across the bike path and onto his property. Township engineer Ronald Gawlick advised the board that he visited the site and is preparing a report to address the matter.

Because he was occupied by other township business, Commissioner Tom Nolan was absent.

Commissioners will meet again on July 15, 7 PM, at 4225 Easton Avenue.