South Whitehall commissioners have granted approval for construction of a 10,600-square-foot building to house seasonal employees at Dorney Park.

The three-story structure will be situated in the northwestern portion of park property now used for outdoor materials storage.

A 20-foot-wide access drive will be available around the back of the building for firetrucks.

General Manager of Dorney Park Mike Fehnel commented on the need for the dormitory-style housing during the board’s Dec. 5 meeting.

“We have a great agreement with Cedar Crest College but when they need the dorms, we bus people around to hotels,” Fehnel said. “We will have four to a room, except for two in the ADA rooms.”

Six new parking spaces are proposed, as most of these employees do not have cars, and an existing lot adjacent to the site already provides sufficient parking for employees.

Placed alongside a wooded area, the new unit is not expected to generate noise or disturb residential properties.

In other business, commissioners announced Tax Collector Alvin C. Thompson is retiring.

An individual will be appointed to serve through the next municipal election.

Candidates must obtain a required bond; successfully pass the Act 48 Tax Collector Qualification Exam; possess a strong accounting or math background; take the oath of office; and maintain regular business hours at an office in the township.