On May 26, James Birdsall, the township’s engineering consultant, brought his final copy of East Allen Township’s comprehensive plan to the board of supervisors for final approval. The comprehensive planning process is incorporated by municipalities to get a vision of projects and plans 10 years out.

“The plan is not mandatory and can be changed, but it represents a collective view of how the township will organize its resources,” Birdsall said.

The original base plan started in 1982. There was a significant modification in 2001. The latest look at the plan focuses on the southern part of the township. Based on data from citizen surveys, planning studies, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and township administration, Birdsall completed the study.

“Once we have a substantially complete package, we send it to the surrounding municipalities and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for review,” he said.

According to Birdsall, there were comments about the document and suggestions that will be taken under consideration.

“The process is not just a paperwork exercise, but gives definition to how development is addressed in the future,” he said.

Highlights of the plan include expanding public sewer and storm sewer lines. According to Birdsall, all the major intersections are overloaded, and the plan includes proposals to alleviate congestion. The plan envisions development corridors along Route 512 and Airport Road.

“There are also options for development on the west side of Weaversville Road,” Birdsall said.

Bruce Anderson, senior manager with The Pidcock Company, asked the board to consider options for development north of Locust Road. The comprehensive plan calls for improvements on Locust Road, so it can be used as an east-west corridor.

The board adopted the plan presented. It is a public document and available for review.

In related action, township Engineer James Milot will identify streets that will ban truck traffic. Streets in and around Bullshead Road are expected to draw potential truck traffic from the FedEx warehouse that is moving forward on Willowbrook Road. Milot will also look at Stuben Road as a truck ban possibility.

The township is looking at a pilot project called Turf to Pollinator. Under this project, grass is removed and replaced with pollinating plants in an effort to attract bees and promote native plants.

Township Manager Deborah Seiple will develop a key focus for each future workshop session.

“It will allow us to concentrate on a subject,” she said.

The East Allen Volunteer Ambulance Corps (EATVAC) will be a topic in a summer session.