Deed restrictions prohibiting commercial or industrial use have stymied FedEx’s efforts to build a $335 million megahub for its delivery service in Allen Township for the past two years. This legal monkey wrench has also prevented Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority from making its final, $7.1 million payment, on a $26 million award entered against the authority when it condemned the land in the ‘90s. But instead of walking away from the Lehigh Valley, Fed Ex is being lured by come hither looks being cast in its direction by Bethlehem.

On Feb. 11, Bethlehem’s Planning Commission voted 4-0 to approve plans for a distribution center in Bethlehem, along 131 acres at 3633 Commerce Center Boulevard, next to centers already owned and operated by Walmart and Crayola.

The project was endorsed by the city’s planning department.

Eric Scheler, Majestic Realty’s District manager, outlined plans for a 981,321-square-foot warehouse distribution center, exactly 1.3 miles along Route 412 from Interstate Route 78. Over 400 trucks a day would flow into the facility as 2,500 employees working three shifts would sort and load packages. Most of that truck traffic would then return to Route 78, although a smaller number of local delivery vans would leave the facility for local deliveries in the Bethlehem area.

“The city is open for business,” said Sheller, adding that his company “has the horsepower to attract these kinds of tenants.”

The only concern, raised by Matt Malozi, was whether delivery trucks would stack at other locations. Scheler stated that the four-lane approach to the facility would allow trucks to stack there.

“I don’t think you could find a better spot,” said planning chairman Rob Melosky, who called the project a “slam dunk.”

Melosky pressed Sheler for a time line.

“We’re ready to pour concrete in May,” Scheler answered.

FedEx representatives were absent from the meeting.

No members of the public opposed or supported the project.

Voting to approve the plans were Chair Rob Melosky, Matt Malozi, Tom Barker and Lou Stellato. Jim Fiorentino was absent.