Allen Township residents packed the township's fire station social hall March 17 to hear updated details on the proposed FedEx Ground and Rockefeller Group plans for a $335 million mega-hub distribution center off Willowbrook Road.

The center would employ 300 persons with the possibility for 3,000 jobs.

The crowd, estimated at 150, was told by planning commission Chairman William Holmes the deadline for the commission to review and take action on the FedEx proposal is June 17. The township board of supervisors would then cast a vote, after which the planning commission will make its findings and recommendation.

Before June 17, the planning commission will convene for a third public hearing, Monday, April 21, 7 p.m., at the township fire hall, the third in a series of hearings and presentations.

Zoned industrial, planning commission member Eugene Clater spoke to the residents about the proposal.

"We're not going to stop this development," he said. "It is zoned industrial. We're doing what we can."

Clater said the planning commission will evaluate the plan.

"Let's step back and look at the developments and see how they interact with each other," he said.

A PowerPoint presentation was given by FedEx and Rockefeller representatives.

Kevin Coken, FedEx vice president for eastern operations, said the company has strong relationships with communities, citing a Bethlehem elementary school as an example. The new facility will consolidate three sites in the Lehigh Valley.

The $335 million investment initially will include a 815,000 square foot building. Later a 1.1 million square foot facility will be built. The workforce will expand from 300 to 3,000. The distribution center for FedEx Ground will be located on 260-acres, north of the Lehigh Valley International Airport, off Race Street and Willowbrook Road.

Charles Everett, executive director for the airport authority, pledged the airport's continuing support.

The five township supervisors, including Al Pierce who serves on the planning commission, were attentive but made no comments at the session.

Resident's concerns were mainly centered around the huge amount of traffic generated, along with issues pertaining to noise and the environment.

A Northampton man mentioned crime will increase.

Plans call for an entrance in the south and east ends, signalized, widening and turn lanes will be on Airport Road, Race Street, Schoenersville, Willowbrook and Bullshead roads and turns at Savage and Howertown roads will take place in phase two.

On completion, 14,602 tractor-trailers and small box delivery trucks along with employee vehicles will frequent the site. The facility will process 30,000 packages hourly and up to 75,000 hourly.

Civil engineer Ron Gawlik said improvements may cost between $35 to $40 million, noting the majority of truck traffic will occur between and after the a.m. and p.m, peak hours, over a 16 hour span daily.

Concerns were raised over the impact on Route 22 along with Route 328. Company plans also include planting more than 1,800 trees and shrubs.

Michael Philpot, the first of several residents to speak, questioned where the millions dollars for road upgrades will come from. He was told by a FedEx spokesperson various sources are being pursued.

Rita Philpot noted vehicle traffic on Willowbrook Road is expected to include 180 cars and vans in the a.m. and 134 in the p.m., for a total of 12,000 vehicles.

"What will be done about noise abatement," she asked. A FedEx spokesman said plans will comply with all township ordinances

"Is that what we're going to hear all night," Steve Pignato asked in regard to truck traffic during the middle of the night.

He was told FedEx is looking into the issue of truck traffic currently, with a more detailed traffic study and ban on large trucks on Willowbrook and Weaversville roads. The recommendation is to utilize other routes for entrance to the FedEx site to 3 a.m. truck traffic.

One resident asked if state police will increase patrols since the township does not have a police force.

"Why are you moving heaven and earth to build at this spot when there are areas near Route 78," Kim Nappa asked. Robert Nappa also questioned the location.

Eric Snyder read a letter written earlier concerning a more detailed traffic study as it pertains to Willowbrook and Weaversville roads. He said there are specific alternatives that should be considered for access to the FedEx facility.