The Allen Township Planning Commission will convene Monday, May 19, for another meeting in a series of public hearings on FedEx's plans to build a $335 million mega-hub distribution center off Willowbrook Road.

The proposed development has not gone without unrest among area citizens. Residents have argued the center will destroy neighborhood tranquility and diminish farmland.

Planning Commission Chairman William Holmes recently reported the planners will meet 7 p.m next Monday at the township fire hall. Large groups of citizens continue to question FedEx and The Rockefeller Group representatives and planning commission members.

"I think we will have another meeting after May 19," Holmes said, noting there is still much information the planning commission must gather before making its recommendations to the board of supervisors, who will render the final decision on the proposal.

Holmes said he has kept the focus of the hearings in check while allowing the public to voice their concerns and ask questions.

It is unclear whether the five member planning commission will be able to abide by the 90 day timetable to present their findings to the supervisors by mid-June. FedEx and The Rockefeller Group could very well request an extension.

At a previous hearing in April, there were fewer questions posed by the public than at previous meetings. The last meeting dealt with a planning review letter concerning FedEx and The Rockefeller preliminary and final plan subdivision.

At last Thursday's board of supervisors meeting the board approved a PennDOT application for truck access on Willowbrook Road. The FedEx ground regional hub will involve multiple driving lanes.

The approval will allow Willowbrook Road to continue to serve as a township road. PennDOT has no plans to turn the road into a state toad.

Supervisor and Vice Chairman Bruce Frack abstained from voting. Frack is awaiting a ruling from the state ethics commission to determine if a conflict of interest exists as Frack works for the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority. Frack contends he is an employee, not part of management. He has been employed by the airport authority for 40 years,.

A citizen inquired at the supervisors board meeting if the board will initiate an environmental study for the FedEx project. Supervisor Dale Hassler said there is nothing in front of the supervisors at this moment and matters regarding the proposed project rest with the planing commission.