At Monday's meeting, the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners debated the prospect of granting a waiver for the installation of 3,829 feet of sidewalk.

Board Vice President Philip Ginder called for a vote on installing sidewalks in the Spring Mill development in Cementon. He said a vote was necessary before the planning commission sets a "terrible precedent."

After a lengthy discussion, Commissioners Paul Geissinger and Gerard Palagonia said they were in favor of granting the waiver. Commissioners Thomas Slonaker and Clair Hunsberger expressed opposition. Board President Linda Snyder tabled the issue until a later date.

The concern is that drinking water could be affected because the Northampton Borough Water Authority's reservoir is located near the proposed residences.

Township engineer Frank Clark was instructed to develop a study of state law and its application to sewage near proposed housing developments.

The findings then will be forwarded to the Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority.

"I want to make sure sewage is done the right way," Ginder said, looking at Lew Rauch of Lehigh Engineering, which is the engineering firm for the proposed development. Ginder said he believes the developer also wants the project done properly.

Rauch said he supports installing sidewalks on Fieldstone Avenue, Walnut Ridge Drive, Summit Street and Spring Mill Road. The proposed development is located in an isolated part of the township and some of the land is sloped.

"Later we're going to be the bad people," Slonaker said of granting a possible waiver.

"I agree with Tom [Slonaker]," Hunsberger told The Press after the meeting.