The South Whitehall planning commission presided over a lengthy meeting at Orefield Middle School Feb. 25 concerning Ridge Farm, a Kay Builders undertaking of 741 housing units on 190 acres of land held by Jeras Corporation.

The project proposes development on the north and south sides of Huckleberry Ridge, and the east and west sides of Cedar Crest Boulevard, between Walbert Avenue and Huckleberry Road.

The high density community with urban features will include 350 apartment units, more than 200 two-unit houses, commercial buildings, two clubhouses, and a medical center, in addition to 163 single homes.

Representatives of Kay Builders began the evening with a slideshow, descriptive remarks and reports regarding traffic.

That presentation was followed by 2-1/2 hours of comments by residents.

Each person was allowed three minutes, with a South Whitehall police officer ready to escort anyone out who exceeded the time limit.

That action was not necessary, although there was one close call when a speaker was reluctant to stop talking.

Chairman Alan Tope made certain everyone who had signed in to comment was given the opportunity to come forward, along with several others who had not signed the sheets designated for speaking requests.

Engineer Jason Englehardt, representing Kay Builders, stated the portion east of Cedar Crest Boulevard falls into the traditional neighborhood development classification in the township comprehensive plan.

He said the section will include luxury apartments renting for $1,600 to $2,200 per month.

The proposal specifies a downtown Main Street running parallel to Walbert Avenue with a retail plaza, landscaping, fountains, cafes, bus stops, different building heights and apartments above the shops.

He noted 6-1/2 acres on top of the ridge are reserved for open space.

Englehardt reported 139 school-age children are anticipated to live at Ridge Farm at full built out, lower than might be expected due to some age-restricted units.

Kay Builders traffic planner Rob Hoffman stated at least 20 intersections will be examined in the area surrounding the development.

He said Walbert Avenue and Cedar Crest Boulevard would need to be widened with new turning lanes and additional traffic signals to accommodate residents of Ridge Farm. He anticipated a traffic light at the top of the hill where Huckleberry Road crosses Cedar Crest Boulevard.

Hoffman projects 560 new vehicle trips in the morning, 846 in the afternoon and 951 trips on Saturdays during the mid day from Ridge Farm dwellings.

As announced at the start, no questions from residents were answered at this meeting.

Tope said township representatives and the developer will work together to address issues raised by the residents.