During the public comment portion of the April 4 South Whitehall board of commissioners meeting, several residents stepped forward to express concerns about the future of the township.

Michael Wolk, 1100 block of Valley Forge Road, from South Whitehall Concerned Citizens About Ridge Farm, said his group is distressed over the housing density and commercial development of the proposed 190-acre project which includes 741 housing units.

The Kay Buildres development is planned for the north and south sides of Huckleberry Ridge and the east and west sides of Cedar Crest Boulevard, between Walbert Avenue and Huckleberry Road.

“If I were a South Whitehall commissioner, I wouldn’t be happy,” Wolk said. “We need to re-evaluate whether Ridge Farm is consistent with the land development we want in South Whitehall.

“Let’s preclude future massive developments and reduce the 741 dwellings and their impact.”

Diane Kelly, 1400 block of Springhouse Road, reported she feels sandwiched between Ridge Farm and the Hills at Winchester, now underway along Walbert Avenue.

“What can we do to protect the people in Springhouse Farms?” she asked. “I’m very concerned about traffic.

“South Whitehall has so much small town character.

“Is anything being done to preserve farmland?”

John Chaya, 2900 block of Huckleberry Road, said his neighborhood, as he knows it could become more dense than the City of Allentown, if Ridge Farm is built.

“Consider the quality of life for the existing residents,” Chaya urged.

David Burke, 1400 block of Buck Trail Road, raised the issue of increased truck traffic with the 900,000 square feet of warehouse space proposed along Crackersport Road.

“This is three miles from Ridge Farm. The trucks will be going to already congested roads,” Burke said. “What are we trying to make South Whitehall into?”

Board President Christina “Tori” Morgan thanked the residents for their remarks, but no comments were made in response.