After listening to the pleas of individuals who oppose demolition of the King George Inn, South Whitehall commissioners agreed to have township Manager Jon Hammer and Solicitor Joseph Zator arrange a meeting with developer Atul Patel and his attorney.

When residents first stepped forward at the Sept. 18 meeting to speak in favor of preserving the 1755 Colonial era structure, commissioners were sympathetic but said they do not have authority to forbid removal of the inn.

However, as one person after another explained the necessity to prevent loss of the pre-Revolutionary War building, which holds status on the National Register of Historic Places, commissioners agreed the township needs to demonstrate support for historic resources.

Nancy Lloyd, co-chair of Friends for the Preservation of the King George Inn, said the building can have a stand alone use or be incorporated into the commercial area proposed by Patel.

"We do not believe it is unsalvageable," Lloyd said. "The building should remain there and does not need a variance. It has grandfathered setbacks."

She said the comprehensive plan adopted by the township in 2009 has a section on preserving historic resources, but the township has not developed a zoning ordinance to implement guidelines for it.

"This borders on neglect," Lloyd said. "No one seems to know anything about historic resources in the township. It's all about development.

"It's time to put things into balance. I respectfully suggest you receive some training in this area."

Former state representative Joe Zeller, of Lowhill Township, came prepared with passages from the state Constitution regarding citizens' rights to experience natural, aesthetic and historic places.

Fortified by 95 years of personal history, Zeller spoke in favor of local action.

"It is local government that must do things," Zeller said. "Local government has power. You're the ones who make it not Harrisburg.

"We want developers, but you have the power to keep them in line. You are the boss. You are elected by the people. You represent them."

Re-enactor Bill Strunk described the locale when the King George Inn was built.

"This was the frontier," Strunk said. "There were Indian massacres nearby. Every little bit of history we destroy is a travesty."

Pat Savage-Donio spoke about the homogenation of the American landscape due to national restaurant and shopping chains.

"Every city looks so much alike except for the historical structures which make it unique," Savage-Donio said. "This area has great history. It's too valuable to just discard it.

"We only have this chance right now. We won't have it again."

Looking toward the future, several residents requested steps be taken now to incorporate historic preservation in township ordinances.

"We have to save our history for kids who are growing up here," Anita Hirsch said.

"We have to put something in place so we don't have this happen in the future," Chuck Hixson said.

When the comment period ended, board President Christina "Tori" Morgan addressed the issue.

"There's a lot of emotion in this room tonight," Morgan said.

She said there were two recurring themes – the desire to save the King George Inn and the need to plan for future historic preservation issues.

In reference to the King George Inn, Hammer and Zator agreed to meet with Patel and his attorney to convey the concerns expressed by residents at the meeting.

Commissioner David Bond suggested Zator see if he could request no demolition occur at least until all comments are absorbed.

Morgan recommended instructing consultant Thomas Comitta to look at the potential for historic overlays and to consider working historic preservation into the zoning amendments, as prescribed in the comprehensive plan.