As construction of new houses proceeds along Walbert Avenue in development of the Rutz farm by the Jaindl Land Company, attention is turning to the section at the former Shoemaker home.

In a proposal approved by commissioners at the May 1 meeting, South Whitehall will pay the cost of relocating two PPL poles in order to have roadway improvements along the frontage of the Shoemaker property.

Jaindl will cover the cost of extending roadway widening, curbs, and sidewalks across the Shoemaker property to complete frontage improvements along Walbert Avenue from the Hills at Winchester to the west side of the Shoemaker site.

South Whitehall will waive water and sewer tapping fees for the Shoemaker House, the Walbert Avenue farmhouse, and the on-site farmhouse for connections to township facilities.

The additional right of way required for frontage improvements at the Shoemaker property will be deeded by Jaindl to the township for $1.

In other matters related to the Hills of Winchester project, Jaindl will construct a berm around the water storage reservoir and will pay the cost for it, as well as design by Keystone Consulting Engineers.

Jaindl will deed the former Haldeman property to the township for $1. The land will adjoin a track already received from the developer for open space dedication.

Township Manager Renee Bickel explained Jaindl’s required $117,000 to supplement the open space dedication will be waived because of the agreement to acquire the additional property.

The two Jaindl parcels will coincide with Kohler Park planned as a passive natural area along Brickyard Road.

Bickel noted Jaindl will complete traffic improvements at the intersection of Walbert Avenue and Ridgeview Drive by June 30.

The plan includes line painting for a dedicated right turn lane from Ridgeview north on to Walbert Avenue.

Bickel said the agreement is beneficial to both Jaindl and the township.

Commissioner Matt Mulqueen stated the improvements will make the houses more marketable while Bickel said the area around the water tower will be beautified by the land and berm.

Police Chief Glen Dorney said as the new houses become occupied and traffic increases going in and out of the development, police will have a significant presence to enforce speed limits.