Catasauqua Area School Board recently learned Rockefeller Group is interested in acquiring the right-of-way at Willowbrook and West Bullshead roads, on the campus of Catasauqua High School (CHS). Attorney Joseph Fitzpatrick, of Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba PC, appeared before the board Sept. 13 on behalf of the Rockefeller Group.

According to Fitzpatrick, the company is seeking to repair intersections in and around the area in Allen Township where the FedEx Ground hub will be built. Among such intersections is Willowbrook and West Bullshead roads. The company is specifically seeking approval for the transfer of 0.21 acres.

Fitzpatrick told the board the land will be dedicated to Allen Township.

“It won’t be retained by the Rockefeller Group,” he said. “It will become a public road.”

The acquisition, Fitzpatrick noted, will provide for an additional lane of traffic, allow room to install a traffic signal and permit underground stormwater management upgrades on the high school campus, at no cost to the school district or taxpayers.

Rockefeller Group, Fitzpatrick also said, has bumped up its appraisal for the transfer of the intersection. No price was provided at the meeting.

District Superintendent Robert Spengler indicated parking and the bicycle lane near the intersection continues to be problematic.

“I think you want to take those things into consideration,” he told the board. “I think we do need to see details.”

Fitzpatrick directed the district to advise the Wildlands Conservancy it is in favor of the improvements before moving forward as the conservancy has a conservation easement over the entire CHS campus.

Board Vice President Carol Cunningham asked how long the construction process will take. Fitzpatrick said a few months, at most, with construction not occurring during the winter months. Construction, he said, would likely begin in 2017.

“It’s a warm-weather project,” he said.

A temporary construction easement also will be needed during the duration of the project, Fitzpatrick said.

Board President Penny Hahn also inquired if the project and acquisition will adversely affect individuals walking to and from the sports fields in the area. Fitzpatrick said he was advised there will be no effect on the fields.

“I’d like some more details as far as where the fields are located in relation to where the project is proposed,” Hahn added.

Fitzpatrick also said the district can place conditions on the sale of the land since it owns the property.

CHS Principal David Ascani requested the project not be pursued during the spring and early summer as those months are the busiest time of the year for the high school.

“I think we’re on board with the concept of improving that intersection,” Spengler said.

“We want to work with you,” Fitzpatrick responded. “They (Rockefeller Group)want to do it the right way with you.”

Fitzpatrick said he will put the Rockefeller Group engineering team in contact with Spengler.

According to district Solicitor David Knerr, court approval is needed for the sale of the land.