During another session regarding the future of the auto dealership founded by his grandfather 80 years ago, Bryan Shoemaker, who co-owns the property with his brother, Harold, stepped forward to express his view on the matter.

Shoemaker explained, during the Aug. 7 South Whitehall commissoners' meeting, he could probably obtain the best deal on the 4131 Walbert Ave. site by selling to someone who wants to continue a car-related business.

With the non-conforming zoning use currently in effect at the site, a new owner could operate a pre-used or new car dealership, a chain business such as STS or Auto Zone, or any function relating to vehicles.

Engineer Bill Erdman, hired by South Whitehall to represent township interests, explained the unusual zoning situation at the Shoemaker property.

"These non-conforming uses go with the property when it is sold," Erdman said. Problems could arise under the non-conforming use."

Erdman recommended an alternative plan that would enable developer David Jaindl to integrate the Shoemaker site with his adjoining 90-home Villas at Winchester subdivision.

Erdman suggested the property could be re-zoned to neighborhood commercial, which would allow for the small scale, 12,000-square-foot retail center and 5,000-square-foot restaurant proposed by Jaindl.

An extension of Hampton Road would provide a second access to the villas.

"If this opportunity gets by us, there is no control over what happens on the Shoemaker property," Erdman said. "This developer wants to work with residents and the township. He has a vested interest in this being sustainable."

Shoemaker indicated he is willing to go along with the Jaindl proposal.

"If we make a deal with Dave, we won't make as much money as we would with the non-conforming use, but we're willing to make the sacrifice," Shoemaker said.

"This is our neighborhood, too. Someone else will try to slam as much commercial into it as they possibly can.

"We can't sell it for one-fourth of its value to get residential. We're not wealthy people.

"It has to be something viable something we can get a decent price for. If there is an alternative, great, but I can't think of any."

Throughout the evening, a few individuals spoke in favor of the Jaindl Neighborhood Commercial concept, others voiced feelings against it. Several came up with other ideas for the property.

These included a township park funded by taxes from residents at the Villas, a community swimming pool, a small office center, or a higher density residential section.

Board President Christina "Tori" Morgan thanked the residents for their input and said their ideas will be taken into consideration.

Robert Hammel, 1523 Hampton Road, addressed the board.

"We're relying on you to preserve the character of our neighborhood," Hammel said.

Morgan asked board members to provide direction for Jaindl, as he is waiting to see whether he can plan on integrating the Shoemaker tract with the Villas.

Commissioners Glenn Block, Thomas Johns and Dale Daubert expressed their approval for Jaindl to move forward with his plan.

David Bond was absent.

Jaindl offered final thoughts on the matter.

"I will talk to Mr. Shoemaker," Jaindl said. "I'll take the concepts we heard tonight. We'll listen to the valid concerns of the residents and consider some restrictions."