South Whitehall commissioners granted approval Nov. 4 to Jeffrey Strauss of Elysium Acquisitions LLC for his development, 30 West, planned for a vacant 2.7 acre tract surrounded by existing homes and businesses.

The parcel is sandwiched between Washington Street on the north and Tilghman Street on the south.

N. 30th Street is the eastern boundary while the western edge abuts the parking lots of McDonald’s and an adjacent business.

On the north and east sides, the land borders the city of Allentown.

The development will be accessed through N. 31st Street and N. Marshall Street, presently unopened in this area.

The 30 West subdivision will include 14 twin dwelling units, two single homes and two lots for stormwater management.

The houses along N. 31st Street will be laid out in a traditional straight pattern.

The N. Marshall St. design places the homes as spokes around the cul-de-sac bulb.

The township granted waivers from the 36-foot cartway regulation to 26 feet on N. Marshall Streer and 28 feet on N. 31st Street.

The applicant will be charged a fee of $40,000 in place of park land dedication to meet the open space requirements in the township ordinance.

When Strauss described his plans at previous meetings, residents wanted to make sure the sycamore trees along N. Marshall Street would remain safe.

In a pre-development agreement, Strauss was directed to preserve the existing mature trees in their current condition.

He is to bring in a professional licensed arborist to be present during utility and roadway excavation and to supervise any necessary root pruning and treatment during the construction period.

To provide public road access for the 30 West homes, Strauss will need to obtain right-of-ways from property owners along N. 31st Street and N. Marshall Street.

If he is unsuccessful negotiating the right-of-way acquisitions, the township may use its power of eminent domain to secure whatever is necessary for the road access.

Prior to the meeting, Strauss spoke with The Press.

“We’re looking for the final blessing from the township tonight,” he said. “We need to get some approvals from outside agencies. The sycamores will be a nice entry for my development.”

Commissioners voted 4-0 in favor. Dale Daubert was absent.