Developer Traditions of America (TOA)’s plans for an active senior community at Green Pond Country Club have been approved. By a 4-0 vote, Bethlehem Township Commissioners approved a final plan at their Aug. 20 meeting. The approval incorporates conditions that would protect the wetlands and birds. They were set by attorney David J. Brooman, an independent hearing officer, to render a decision. Commissioner Tom Nolan was absent.

The plan approves the construction 229 homes on a vacant tract of land at Farmersville and Green Pond roads, adjacent to Green Pond Country Club. It’s been controversial because it’s also next to environmentally sensitive wetlands, in the middle of an Audubon-designated “Important Bird Area” called Green Pond Marsh.

A collective of bird watchers and environmentalists, calling themselves “Save Green Pond,” mobilized to protect these marshlands from the developer’s bulldozer. “There is virtually no place of its kind in the Lehigh Valley,” proclaims the organization’s website. Over 200 different bird species have been documented at this environmentally sensitive area, including eight kinds of birds that are classified as “threatened” or “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act.

Those who supported this project argued that, without the infusion of cash from construction of this senior community, Green Pond Country Club would have no choice but to close. The golf course was heralded as an asset used by local high schools and colleges and as a place where inner-city children can learn play golf. TOA principal David Biddison had said the township would benefit in the form of a $343,500 recreation fee, $250,000 in annual property taxes and $500,000 in realty transfer taxes. The school district would also receive $1.9 million in taxes from a development with no children. “Don’t throw out the good for the perfect,” said Anthony Liberatori.

Those opposed argued that Green Pond Marsh is irreplaceable. That word was repeated by nearly every person who spoke against the development. Paul Jordan, who lives across the street at what he calls “ground zero,” said the mere sight of the marsh is spectacular, and noted a bald eagle was spotted there just the previous weekend. “There is nowhere else that these birds can go,” said the Audubon’s Barbara Malt, who said the nearest resource is at least 25 miles away.

Ann Fessler, who teaches fifth grade at Moravian Academy, called it ia “pristine sanctuary.” She said she would instantly choose it over a golf course or wedding venue. “Once it’s compromised, it can never be remediated,” said Michael Adams, who grew up in the township. It is not just a local resource. It is a regional resource.” Irene Torres, a local artist, said. “My heart lives in Green Pond.” Kathy Glagola noted that only two percent of Pennsylvania consists of wetlands.

Though this controversial development was the subject of over a dozen well-attended meetings and helped elect two commissioners, only a handful of residents were present for the final vote. None of them spoke. Also present were Easton attorneys Tom and Charles Elliott, who represent Save Green Pond.

Construction is expected next spring.