A woman appeared before the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners Monday evening objecting to the proposed Clear Channel Park off South Church Street.

"I have no problem with its development," said the woman, who resides near the site. "My concern is the maintenance and proximity where it is."

The board this coming Monday, April 13, will vote on a resolution authorizing Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. to proceed with an application for a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources for park funding.

Hozza said the park will be used for soccer. He said more than 600 children with Tri Boro Soccer Association use the former Mulligan's Family Golf Center site, now owned by the township.

Regarding maintenance, Hozza said Tri Boro mows the expansive lawn at Mulligan's, off Range Road.

The woman also said she is concerned with vehicles speeding and questioned nonlocal children using the park.

Hozza said the number of Whitehall residents associated with Tri Boro Soccer "far outweigh" those from outside the township.

The Clear Channel facilities will likely also be used for lacrosse and other athletic events.

"We should have a meeting before we decide," board President Linda Snyder said.

She added better communication is needed.

"There should be more involvement," she said.

Board Vice President Philip Ginder favored moving ahead with the grant application. The township should know by July or August if it is approved.

"We hold the purse strings; nothing happens until we say so," Ginder said. "It has to go through the budgetary process."

He said he wants to make sure the township capitalizes on the grant money.

Snyder said she does not disagree with Hozza, but rather with the process. She recommended holding public meetings in the future on the project.

Snyder said the township should not develop the mentality of "it's my way or the highway."

Another resident commented that soccer balls could land in his pool because his home is close to the proposed sports field.