At their regular meeting Nov. 19, Allen Township Planning Commission members reviewed and approved changes to the township’s zoning map. The latest map is the culmination of nearly two years of effort by the commission and township Manager Ilene Eckhart.

Commissioners reviewed the plan at previous meetings and adjusted specific details. Approval was expected. The plan will be forwarded to Allen Township Board of Supervisors and is expected to be reviewed at its December meeting.

Zoning changes include the area north of the quarry along Horner Road. The area was designated as industrial/commercial and will be reclassified as rural. The area abuts a low-density residential area along Howertown Road and the existing industrial/commercial zone between Nor-Bath Boulevard and Horner Road.

The second major change grabbed a chunk of the land on the corner of Savage Road and Atlas Road, changing its classification from industrial to neighborhood commercial. The remaining land along Atlas Road classified as industrial was changed to medium density residential. The reclassified land abuts an existing medium-density residential zone. The area across Savage Road (west) is zoned high-density residential.

In other action, commissioners discussed existing conditions needed for the approval of the Jaindl warehouse development along Seemsville Road. There is a deadline for the approval with the latest extension. Commissioners plan to review and recommend the plans at their December meeting.

Commissioner Gary Krill expressed his concerns about approving plans before a planned meeting between East Allen Township and Allen Township. A meeting between the two townships is tentatively scheduled for January, but a firm date has not been established. The townships need to meet because relocating Seemsville Road as indicated in the proposal moves the new road fully into East Allen Township. Presently, the township line is along the center of Seemsville Road.

East Allen has no revenue-generating units in the area between Seemsville Road and the new Seemsville Road, but the township has not commented on a suggestion to cede that portion of East Allen to Allen Township. If East Allen maintains control of the property, then the townships need to prepare intermunicipal agreements to outline responsibilities.

Krill’s point is the agreement should not be approved without knowing the results of the meeting.

Chairman Eugene Clater indicated the status of the meeting was moot.

“The approval identifies several conditions that need to be remedied. The proposal cannot go forward until those issues are resolved,” he said.

In other words, how the townships decide to resolve the points identified in the proposal is not of concern to the planning commission. Commissioners agreed with Clater’s perspective.

Unless there is some approved extension or major change, the Jaindl warehouse plan will be reviewed in December by the planning commission. The December meeting is scheduled for Dec. 17.