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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Distribution center proposed for Allen

It's possible Allen Township could be home to a large distribution center employing more than 1,000 people.

The land in question is a 254-acre site that has been utilized for farming.

Allen Township Manager Ilene Eckhart confirmed Aug. 2 the township is in receipt of information regarding the proposed project from the Rockefeller Group. The developer has not identified the company considering a location on the property owned by the Lehigh Valley International Airport (LVIA).

Eckhart said the proposed project would first have to go before the township planning commission.

No such meeting has been scheduled to date.

Once the planning board holds meetings, it would forward its recommendation to the township board of supervisors for a vote.

"It is zoned industrial," Eckhart said of the property in question.

Although township officials remain uncertain who the tenant would be, published reports have indicated FedEx Ground is considering a huge distribution hub to serve the company's northeast sector.

This would bring in as many as 14,000 trucks daily with 500 drivers along with office personnel and warehouse workers.

Willowbrook Road would need to be widened from two to four lanes. The Race Street Extension would also need to be widened.

Eckhart said the township has invested a considerable amount of resources to ensure Willowbrook Road is able to meet traffic demand.

Also, should the LVIA sell the 254-acre site to the to the Rockefeller Group, other major players such as the FAA, PennDOT and Hanover Township, Lehigh County, could become involved.

The Catasauqua High School is located near the site as is Willowbrook Golf Course.