At the Sept. 21 Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting, representatives from Adams Outdoor Advertising presented a request to reconsider the billboard removal on Hamilton Boulevard. The company representative offered an alternative plan. The plan included a 10-year contract, paying the township $6,500 to lease the site. This billboard was erected in 1971 and has been maintained by Adams since 2011.

Commissioner Brian Higgins was not at the meeting when this was discussed. He asked for some clarification of the plan. There was a discussion about the length of the lease as too long. The representative from Adams Outdoor Advertising suggested the lease can go year by year with a percentage of revenue also to be included.

A motion was made to allow the billboard to remain but three commissioners rejected the motion. Concerns continue to be about aesthetics. Commissioners Ronald W. Beitler, Ron R. Beitler and Douglas Brown voted nay.

In other meeting business, the Ciocca land development plan was approved. This plan allows for car sales and repair. In discussion it was made clear the delay was not due to township officials but due to delays by Ciocca.

The Ciocca plan will also include some road improvements including a right turn lane on Schantz Road at the intersection of Hamilton Boulevard. Improvements also will be made behind the Dunkin’ Donuts.

Residents from the Shepherd Hills neighborhood expressed their concern over the trees that have been removed due to construction of the Movie Tavern business. It appears more trees were removed than originally discussed. Lower Macungie Township Commissioner Ronald W. Beitler expressed his concern also. David Jaindl said tree planting will be done before the ground freezes. Part of the reason for delays was wet weather. Residents complained about the large number of trees removed of which Commissioner Beitler was also aware as these trees were buffers to sound and sight. This situation will be monitored.

As truck traffic continues to be a constant complaint among residents, it was suggested the township hire a traffic specialist. The proposal will be investigated.

There were complaints about speeding and other traffic violations. Township residents are concerned for safety when backing out of driveways on Mill Creek Road. Residents also complained Creamery Road is used as a short cut and Aster Road is used as a turnaround for trucks. These are just some of the frequent complaints within the township.

The traffic signal at Willow Lane and Route 100 was upgraded to a new signal and the poles in the middle of the intersection for the new development have been taken down. More road work will be completed before the driveway will be opened.

The township’s three junk yard permits were up for approval at the meeting. These permits were approved as there were no problems with these properties.

A lot line adjustment was approved on Seem Road. The adjustment involves a vacated house. The lot line adjustment will help with linkage to the Graymoor development and future greenway development.