At Hanover Township Council’s meeting May 1, Attorney Lisa Pereira asked council members to rezone a vacant parcel south of Lloyd Street in the area near American Parkway and Airport Road.

The property, owned by Good Mac Airport Associates, continues to be reviewed for an appropriate commercial development. The developer and the township assumed the property was zoned for commercial use but found that one parcel was not labeled correctly.

Council agreed to make the changes. A zoning ordinance had been prepared years ago. Solicitor Jackson Eaton will present it at the next council meeting.

In other business, Bernie Telaorich, representing Airport Ventures Inc., asked for approval to expand the office/warehouse space at 1650 Race St. at the intersection with Willowbrook Road. The warehouse houses Sid Harvey (HVAC wholesalers) and St. Luke’s (medical logistics). As Telaorich explained, both operations are doing well and need more space. The addition would be 25,000 square feet. Adequate parking exists on site. Council approved the plans without objections.

Township Manager Christopher Garges summarized an areawide freight study from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. He highlighted the report indicated the fastest freight traffic growth is along Airport and Schoenersville roads. Prior data did not include the FedEx Ground warehouse.

Council approved a $40,000 contract with Urban Research & Development Corporation, of Bethlehem, to develop a recreation and design plan for all of the township’s parks. Funds for the project were budgeted for this year.

Council approved the purchase of a Chevrolet Bolt for $36,000 and received a $7,000 grant from the state. The Bolt is an electric model that does not compete well on price with similar gas-powered vehicles and requires a grant to be competitively priced. The Bolt is designed to show the township’s commitment to “clean” energy. It will be used primarily on short trips around the township.

Chairman Bruce Paulus commented on the disregard that some teams have for the refurbished ball field at Sherwood Park.

“There was a lot of damage to the field, and public works spent a good deal of time making repairs,” he said.

The result is that league teams will need to pay higher fees. There is a refundable deposit of $250, an increase from the present $100 fee and a league security fee of up to $500. The fees are based on similar fees in the Lehigh Valley.

“We want to be able to recoup our costs if there is damage,” Paulus said.

Fire Chief Garren Knoll clarified costs associated with a refurbished sign in front of the fire station. Council had concerns on the cost and tabled payment of the bill.