The Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners is poised to approve the transfer of a small piece of land in Fullerton to PennDOT.

The property, which includes a bird sanctuary in a forested area, will be needed when road widening and other road projects take place on Route 22.

The seven-member board of commissioners Nov. 11 held a first reading of the deed transfer which involves 0.166 acres. The land is situated directly west of a cul-de-sac off Catasauqua Avenue. No vote was taken during the meeting.

Pursuant to provisions of the township home rule charter, the board must adopt an ordinance and hold two public meetings when real estate transfers involving township property occur.

"The Board of Commissioners deem it is in the best interest of Whitehall Township in order to further the health, safety and welfare of the township residents, to sell the deeded property," reads a portion of the ordinance.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said the property transfer involves the right of way and continuation of an easement thatPennDOT is seeking for the pending highway improvements.

"The majority of it [bird sanctuary] will still be there, " Hozza said.

A vote transferring the property is expected to take place at the Dec. 9 commissioners meeting.

The Commonwealth has filed a plan with the Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds Office indicating it authorizes the transfer. The township will be reimbursed $22,300 for selling the tract to Penn-DOT.

Township commissioners also enacted legislation waiving the required installation of curb and sidewalks along South Church Street, Egypt, bordering the property at 3021 S. Church St,. because of the topography involved.

In other business, the commissioners approved a major subdivision line adjustment plan at 4510 Main St. and 4101 S. Church St.

The board conditionally approved a land development plan for Whitehall Door, 3021 S. Church St. The developer must meet certain criteria set forth by the township engineer and development office. It must also make arrangements with the Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority and Northampton Borough Municipal Authority for sanitary sewer and water distribution service.