South Whitehall Township commissioners granted approval to Jeff Strauss of Elysium Acquisitions LLC to proceed with development of 2.70 acres tucked between Washington and Tilghman streets and unopened North 31st and North Marshall streets bordering the City of Allentown.

The parcel is situated behind commercial establishments on the northeast quadrant of Tilghman Street and Cedar Crest Boulevard.

The subdivision, 30 West, reconfigures five existing properties into four lots placed along a cul-de-sac in what will become opened N. 31st Street.

Houses are proposed for three of the lots, while the fourth lot will remain a residual space at this time, said Art Swallow, provider of surveying and land development services for the project.

Township engineer Ralph Russek Jr. commented on the plan.

"If anything is proposed for lot 4, they would have to come back here for approval," Russek said.

Also at the Sept. 3 meeting, Attorney Donald Miles addressed concerns of his client, Steve Greene, 725 N. 31st St.

As Greene's home does not have access to a public road because N. 31st Street is unopened, Miles requested a 22-foot extension to the cul-de-sac to enable his client to get in and out of his property.

Greene can reach his home through the parking lot of a beverage business. In the past, this was known as a paper alley.

Sometimes, customers' vehicles parked on the lot block Greene's ability to pass through.

Miles directed a plea to commissioners.

"We request you follow your ordinance and do not create a landlocked lot for Greene," Miles said.

Zoning Officer Keith Zehner said Greene's lot is not a part of the 30 West subdivision, and the plans presented meet all township requirements.

Russek explained Greene's situation was taken into consideration in reviews of the project.

"We requested to keep the end of the cul-de-sac open for possible public access. The area remains clear with an apron at the end," Russek said.

Nevertheless, Greene's property lacks a connection to the cul-de-sac.

As the 30 West development was approved without the extension requested by Mills, Greene is left to pursue access to a public street at his own expense.