At the Allen Township Board of Supervisors meeting July 14, FedEx Ground officials asked Allen Township for permission to expand the company’s facilities at the Willowbrook Road service center to allow for more truck parking pads.

After discussion, the request was granted.

Expansion for the additional parking was approved in the initial application.

The latest expansion is only a portion of the additional parking and is being dubbed as phase 2A. Phase 2B would add an equivalent number of parking spaces.

The main contention with the expansion is lighting. In prior meetings, supervisors heard several complaints about lighting and the effect it has on neighboring residences.

Steps were taken to reduce the effect of the lighting. Most of the problems were cured with light shields, but there does remain at least one concern. After a township review, a requirement was set up to keep an existing excess dirt pile in place to block light glare. The township suggested moving the dirt pile as necessary to reduce the glare.

FedEx frowned on the plan, contending moving the dirt pile around was not only inefficient, but also ineffective.

After some discussion, Supervisor Gary Behler noted light poles in certain parts of the complex were lower than other areas. It did not seem the lower light poles were providing less light to the parking area.

After some discussion, FedEx agreed to look at alternatives to minimize glare. They agreed they would meet with township officials and the township engineer to ensure the glare is not a problem going forward.

For local residents in Allen Township and the surrounding communities, the expansion signals potentially more truck traffic into the facility.

The facility at lot 5 is speeding toward completion. No comments were made at the meeting, but changes are being made to the site to incorporate an electronic component logistics hauler.

Traffic details in and out of the facility were a concern at a previous meeting. The Press requested an update from Rockefeller Group but had not received a response at press time.

In other action, township Manager Ilene Eckhart indicated the dog park was closed for updates and cleaning. Eckhart was concerned people using the park were not picking up after their dogs. She emphasized individuals using the park are required to do so.

“It’s not only a requirement while using the park but helps prevent the spread of viral diseases,” she said.

This meeting was scheduled to be at the fire company, but supervisors agreed to hold a virtual meeting. It is anticipated the next meeting will also be a virtual meeting. In this changing environment, it is best to check the township’s website for status.