South Whitehall Township has been recognized by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission as the Community of Distinction for this year.

Board President Christina “Tori” Morgan commented on the award during the Oct. 5 meeting.

“It’s a huge honor for South Whitehall. It validates we live in an amazing place. It’s a tribute to the residents, businesses, and staff that have made this township as great as it is,” Morgan said.

The award honors the community which implements consistent plans and policies that support efficient and sustainable development, land management, and resourcefulness.

To receive the Community of Distinction honor, the municipality must demonstrate a strong commitment to planning consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the Lehigh Valley...2030.

While in contention for the award, South Whitehall staff had to make a presentation to county executives on accomplishments in various aspects of planning and growth management.

The township adopted a new Comprehensive Plan in 2009, the first update in 40 years.

The plan covers land use, historic resources, housing, community facilities, open space and recreation, and transportation and circulation.

Four years ago the township began a zoning ordinance update with various amendments to correct inconsistencies and become easier for everyone to use.

The complete lengthy zoning ordinance will be available on the South Whitehall website.

This year the township has been working on ordinances regarding tractor trailer parking on public streets and warehouse provisions.

Last year South Whitehall adopted the International Property Maintenance Code which governs the condition and maintenance of all property, buildings, and structures in the township.

Presently, township Manager Howard Kutzler is working with representatives of Lower and Upper Macungie townships to create pedestrian amenities and street scape enhancement along Hamilton Boulevard.

This ongoing inter-municipal collaboration includes meetings with the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority to plan safe, convenient bus stops along Hamilton Boulevard.

The township is receiving grants and is working toward development of its portion of the Jordan Creek Greenway which runs through Covered Bridge Park.

Morgan provided additional thoughts on the award.

“Getting this honor is a tribute to the amazing residents, businesses, and our South Whitehall staff that make up our community. We really do live in a top notch community,” Morgan said. “Over the past decade, South Whitehall Township has consistently distinguished itself through its comprehensive planning, land use regulations, and plans for enhancing community facilities and transportation corridors.

“‘The South Whitehall Township Comprehensive Plan: A Balanced Path Forward,’ adopted in 2009, articulates the township’s vision for future growth and identifies implementation strategies for achieving that vision.

“The township has continually updated and supplemented its zoning ordinance to clarify inconsistencies, make it more user friendly, and address emerging issues like tractor trailer and oversized vehicle traffic.

“In 2014, the LVPC recognized the township as an Open Space Project Award Honoree for its Covered Bridge Park Master Plan (2014). South Whitehall is currently collaborating with Upper and Lower Macungie townships, as well as LANta, on a plan to transform the Hamilton Boulevard and Cedar Crest Boulevard corridors into a multimodal gateway between the western townships and the City of Allentown.”