The Sept. 13 meeting of the Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission included five developments. The first development discussed was a sketch plan for Wild Cherry Road.

The development would consist of 20 town homes on a cul-de-sac. Planning Director Nathan Jones suggested putting in a gated emergency access on the property. The project was represented by Zac Arnold of Seven Development Group. The planning commission asked about the alignment of the roads on the property.

The second development discussed was the Valley at Indian Creek, 3510 Macungie Road. The project consisted of 22 single family homes. There would be a horseshoe road connecting to Macungie Road on both ends. The property would also have ample trails and walkways.

The project was represented by developer Reese Rosenthal and Attorney Erich Schock of Fitzpatrick Lentz and Bubba. There was a discussion about having more separation at the Macungie Road and Indian Creek Road intersection.

Rosenthal talked about two of the lots being public space used to buffer some lots from the entrance. The planning commission suggested the buffer becoming an easement rather than a separate lot.

There was a discussion about having a public access easement over the sewer line to create a walking path ensuring connectivity to the township community center.

Another topic discussed was the management of the stormwater basin. The basin would be on the township property, but Rosenthal wanted it maintained by the homeowners association. Township Commissioner Maury Robert suggested the township sell the land the basin is on to Rosenthal. The discussion was tabled until the next meeting.

Another project discussed was Chick-fil-A on Hamilton Boulevard. The project is proposing double drive-thru lanes with coverings. Traffic density on the property is the main concern of the planning commission. There was talk of removing some parking to increase maneuverability. The idea of shared parking with the rest of the shopping center was discussed.

There would be striped areas between drive-thru lanes where employees would walk around taking orders. The discussion was tabled until the next meeting and there was talk of a time extension for the project.

The next project discussed was 3500 Brookside Road Apartments. The project was represented by Tony Ganguzza of Boyle Construction and Jeff Bevan of Bohler Engineering.

The project would include a crosswalk across Brookside Road near the intersection with Indian Creek Road. The crosswalk would take people to a path leading to the community center. Another feature of the crosswalk would be a flashing light.

Ganguzza talked about demolishing an existing farmhouse on the property. The planning commission asked to check with a local historical society before approving the demolition. Ganguzza said there is no reason to believe it has historical value.

The planning commission asked about the turning lane in the driveway. They wanted to make sure a ladder truck can get through to service both apartment buildings on the property. There was a discussion about the height of the fence in the dog park.

There was a discussion regarding using a chain link versus post and rail fence on the property. Jones said a post and rail fence would be acceptable if regularly maintained by the developer or owner, but the planning commission asked for a more durable fence. The discussion was tabled until the next meeting.

The final project discussed was 5502 and 5518 Hamilton Blvd. The project was represented by the applicant Dr. Jose Gil, Hamilton Dental Designs along with Bud Newton of Newton Engineering.

There was a discussion about the traffic impact fee. Gil wanted a special traffic study of his current use. He felt the traffic impact fee considered his use too similar to an urgent care center and his use generates significantly less traffic.

Newton said a ladder truck would be able to reach the building from the shoulder of Hamilton Boulevard and would not need to enter the property. There was talk about the right of way and frontage improvements. There was a discussion of stormwater issues and storm sewer pipe layouts. The discussion was tabled until the next meeting.

The next Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission meeting will be Oct. 11.

Usually the planning commission meets the second Tuesday of every month and occasionally there is a workshop meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. There will be no workshop in September.

Both regular and workshop meetings begin 6 p.m. until the end of 2022. Currently all planning commission meetings are held both in person and over Zoom with a video recording uploaded to the township’s YouTube channel.