Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners at its workshop meeting Monday were reminded there was not to be any discussion on an agenda item set for a vote this coming Monday, at which a decision will be made on whether to grant a conditional use plan for a 1910-circa house on Third Street to be converted into a facility for women recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.

Commissioners President Phillips Armstrong, after reading the caption of the proposed legislation - “a resolution conditionally approving the conditional use plan of 855 Third St., A.K.A. Evolve Sober Living LLC” - said, “I have a question.”

Lee Rackus, township zoning, development and planning bureau chief, seated in the audience then interjected, with the agreement of township Solicitor Charles Fonzone. Rackus told the board there could be no discussion on the matter.

According to Rackus, this conditional use issue is a zoning decision that must be made by the board of commissioners. It would be inappropriate to discuss the matter without all parties present, she said.

Attorney Lisa Pereira represents Talia Ehret and Lauren Keaveny, partners who are renting the home from developer Abe Atiyeh. The two women want to use the structure as a house for as many as 10 women, 18 and older, for a minimum stay of three months to a maximum of 10 months.

There are reportedly two clients residing in the house at present.

The home is in a C-1 neighborhood commercial district zone.

At a hearing held by the township zoning hearing board of appeals last month, a variance was granted; however, regarding the matter of parking spaces, the facility must provide four spaces no more than 100 feet away.

Also on the board’s agenda for Monday is a vote on an adaptive ordinance that promotes the reuse of vacant properties in residential zones in the entire township.

The issue has caused complaints by residents on Quarry Street, Fullerton, who expressed concerns over potential parking issues if a vacant apparel plant is converted into a residential facility.

The board threw back the matter to its legislative and legal committee for further review.