Commissioner John Gallagher became the new vice chair of the Bethlehem Township Commissioners Board at the Nov. 7 meeting. He replaces the late Malissa Davis in that role.

With six candidates to choose from, the board voted to appoint Luke Verdes as new commissioner (at-large). Verdes will serve in that role for the remainder of Davis’ term. After his swearing-in, Verdes went straight to work, taking his seat on the board and actively participating in the evening’s agenda.

“Being engaged in the community is important,” Verdes told The Press after the meeting. He pointed to his role on the Bethlehem Township Civil Service Commission, where he has served since January 2020. He also has experience working with the American Red Cross, and is currently employed by LVHN as a Senior Project Manager.

A high-spirited discussion about a proposed Wawa on Freemansburg Avenue brought out developer Mark Wagner, as well as a number of residents, most of whom voiced their opposition to the project. At issue, a zoning change which would allow the Wawa project to go ahead.

Following the board’s decision to deny the zoning change, Wagner took to the microphone and said, “We are confused.” He said that as a developer, he did what was expected. He went on to cite the CVS as an example, with parallels to the current Wawa situation.

According to Wagner, around 15 years ago, the then-proposed CVS had met much opposition at the planning stage. It is now a vital economic business in the community. For residents against the Wawa, this was not an acceptable argument. Citing issues such as high traffic, noise pollution, crime and the area becoming a youth hang-out, the opponents of the project were satisfied with the board’s decision.

No specific reason was given by the board to deny the rezoning request. Under legislative rules, it is not obligated to give one.

James Daley was appointed to the Environmental Advisory Council, following the resignation of Leslie Walker.