After attending a detailed presentation on the proposed Allen Township FedEx transportation hub on June 17, Hanover Township council members debated Hanover Township's options at their regular meeting June 18.

Allen Township's Planning Commission had approved the preliminary plans for the FedEx hub earlier in the week. Councilman Curtis Wegfahrt noted the approval included 22 conditions. James Rothdeutsch, an engineer with the Pidcock Company, reported that most of the conditions were notes to be added to the plans and requirements for permit approvals.

FedEx, a national transportation corporation, proposed a ground delivery hub on acreage owned by the Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allen Township, which borders Hanover Township. The impact on traffic by FedEx delivery vehicles and passenger cars traveling through Hanover Township to access the hub is an ongoing concern for council members.

"We need to be sure that everyone understands that we are a pro-business community," said Wegfahrt. "We have respect for the planning process."

With planning commission approval and strong financial incentives from the state, options are closing quickly for the township. The council does not feel that it has enough information to determine accurately the added traffic impact.

Lehigh Valley officials tout the project as a way to clear up transportation bottlenecks on the Route 22 corridor.

Township Engineer Fredrick Hay said he took exception to a comment made in the June 17 meeting that Hanover had approved the proposed traffic plan. Hay noted that he had identified concerns and missing information on the plan submitted for his review.

Rothdeutsch clarified the point.

"PennDOT approves the plans and the township's comments were included," he said.

Council's major concern is that Route 22 will become gridlocked with the additional traffic from the hub.

To investigate their concern, council hired Gilmore and Associates to review available data on Route 22. Amy Kaminski, who prepared the Gilmore study for the township, attended the meeting.

Council agreed, after limited discussion, to hold a workshop session before its July 2 meeting to discuss internal concerns and format those concerns in a manner that can be presented to the developer. The July 2 meeting was scheduled for an early start at 6 p.m. at the municipal building.

Chairman Bruce Paulus agreed to hold the workshop session and then schedule a follow-up meeting with the developer.

Solicitor Jackson Eaton confirmed he had conversations with Attorney Joseph Fitzpatrick, who represents the developer. Eaton indicated the developer is willing to meet with the council.

According to Township Manager Sandra Pudliner, the Allen Township Board of Supervisors scheduled an initial presentation of the proposed hub on June 24. Pudliner expects Allen Township supervisors will grant an additional 90-day review extension on July 10.

The Allen Township review schedule gives Hanover Township time to assess available data and either support or oppose the project.

In other action, council changed the procedure used for renting the pavilion at Canal Park.

"We have a rule on the books that allows groups of less than 30 people to bypass the fee. We want to change the ordinance so that anyone renting the pavilion pays a fee," she said.

According to Pudliner, people often reserved the pavilion for less than 30 people, but many more attended the actual event. Changes to the ordinance are being prepared.

Director of Public Works Jeffry Mouer reported improvements to township parks are underway. Additional playground equipment is scheduled for installation in July and the basketball court in Chestnut Grove Park will receive a top-coating and striping.