At the Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting July 18, Robyn Lee requested the establishment of a children's learning center at Grace Community Church, 1290 Minesite Road.

Lee, who has her bachelor's degree in early childhood education, has 20 years of teaching experience. She was a reading intervention specialist, taught preschool, pre-K and elementary students. Her goal is to prepare children for school. The lesson plans will be similar to local school districts.

The center, Providence Children's Learning Center, was hoping to enroll 40 students but due to the septic system, there are 14 registered. The septic system must be monitored to see how it reacts to the additional usage.

There will be a school bus stop on Minesite Road for boarding and discharging students. There is ample parking on the grounds for employees as well as additional space for drop off and pick up of the children.

There is a concern from nearby residents regarding the noise level. The township has requested the center keep the children 50 feet away from the property lines.

There was a hearing for proposed changes to the Act 537 plan. Of significance is that septic systems need to be pumped out every five years which is more years than the three year suggestion by DEP. Other changes can be found on the lowermac.com website.

There was a presentation on the ongoing plan for the Trexler Senior Living Center and retail strip mall across from the skating rink on Trexlertown Road. Changes were necessary for water management. The plan was approved with modifications. Further information can be found on the lowermac.com website.

The Willow Lane traffic improvements are moving along. The township is working on the crosswalks and ADA ramps. The school district is working on improvements within the property. Traffic patterns within the school district properties will change. Parents were encouraged to review the new traffic flow to accommodate cars and buses. Additional information is on the website lowermac.com. Additional information will also be provided by the school district.

Interviews have been conducted for crossing guards for Willow Lane Elementary School. There are seven potential guards with a pool of about 15 for time off and sickness. There are five intersections to be guarded. Hours are 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. and 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Wednesday for early dismissals.

The Kratzer Farm subdivision is being delayed due to the idea of keeping the barn, as it is in great shape and can be of use for the township. Commissioner Roger Reis said he thought "we were getting out of the real estate business. Selling just the house reduces the price and the present tenants are leaving which will be a loss of revenue." Deferring action on the property was approved by four commissioners, with Reis saying "no."

A large dead tree in danger of collapsing onto a property has brought about an encroachment issue. Matthew Deutsch, who lives on Princeton Road, requested the township investigate this tree. While doing so, it was discovered several properties in this area have encroached on Lower Macungie Township property with either fences, gardens or swing sets.

Shirley Nyland, another resident in this area, suggested a waiver be issued as the location of this fence has been on this land for 25 years. Nyland has maintained the land and kept it in its natural form. Deutsch moved into this house with no knowledge of the encroachment. The township is denying this request and is notifying the residents to remove their obstacles.

The parking on Mill Creek Road by Walmart continues to be a problem with more congestion. Township Manager Bruce Fosselman has requested the school district deal with this problem. An additional request will be made with further action to be taken by the township if not remedied. One suggestion will be to post no parking signs.

Gary Cordner is requesting additional time to conduct the police survey within the township. The request was approved for three additional months.

Complaints about speeding and stop sign requests within developments continues. It is a reminder stop signs are not used to control speed. Other methods will be investigated.