In a standing room only meeting room, the first Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting for the year was held Jan. 5 with the Shepherd Hills Golf Course being the major topic of the night.

This was one of the best attended meetings. The overflow crowd filled both meeting rooms, with many standing in the entranceway and in both rooms.

The golf course and banquet facilities have experienced financial difficulties through the years and these properties were bought and sold several times. The golf course used to be one of the most used courses in the Lehigh Valley.

Robert Ashford, from Rider-Shepherd, LLC, proposed to the township, with their acquisition of these properties, to sell the developmental rights to the township. This will create an agreement to prevent any development in this area other than passive and/or active recreation and open space. The area would have been large enough to create a small housing development with approximately 100 homes.

This agreement eliminates the threat of development, assists with the effort to save open space and does not add additional traffic.

The proposal includes golf course improvements, banquet hall enhancements, upgrades to Krocks Pub and parking lot adjustments.

Charles Pattrell spoke on behalf of many of the residents. He said communication was not done through social media, it was through phone calls and leaflets left on residents’ doors. Petitions were signed with over 900 names and signs also were posted.

The commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the project and received an enthusiastic applause.

Lehigh County Commissioner and resident of Shepherd Hills Dr. Percy Dougherty said, “This puts this subject to rest forever.”

Residents suggested establishing a homeowners association and resurrecting the pool.

In other business, Gary Pulcini, the township’s financial advisor, spoke about the $7 million needed for the new ladder truck, library expansion and the additional gym. An ordinance was proposed and approved for a loan through New Tripoli bank, who proposed the best rate of 2.48 percent.

Appointments to various boards were announced. William Royer was replaced for the zoning hearing board with Melissa Kriner. George Doughty, the incumbent, and Joe Hammer were appointed to the planning commission. Mike Siegel and Ken Palumbo, both incumbents, were appointed to the environmental advisory council. Fred Zaheadnik was appointed as the chairperson of the EAC. Frederick Learey was appointed to fill a vacancy on the EAC. Chris Haller, the incumbent, was re-appointed to the building code board of appeals. Scott Forbes, Mike Datilio and Tony Alsteben, all incumbents, were appointed to the public safety commission. Julie McDonell, the incumbent, was appointed to the vacancy board.

The truck restriction on Willow Lane was discussed. The restriction is already in place but there is no signage. It was determined signs are necessary for this entire road as trucks are damaging residents’ properties in areas of difficult curves in the road. The vote was unanimous to request signs to restrict trucks on Willow Lane.