At the April 16, South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners meeting, commissioners unanimously approved a resolution granting preliminary final approval for the long-awaited Ruhe Minor Subdivision at 2442 Huckleberry Road.

The plan, originally submitted in 2013, has gone through numerous revisions and was subject to extensive review by township staff, engineers and the planning commission.

The approved subdivision will divide the existing parcel into four residential lots, each intended for single-family homes.

The development will utilize public water and private septic systems and falls within an R-4 medium-density residential zone.

Director of Community Development Dave Manhardt detailed the project’s history and planning challenges, noting its classification fluctuated between a major and minor subdivision over time.

To resolve discrepancies in plan labeling, a condition has been included in the resolution to standardize documentation before recording.

The passed resolution includes 28 conditions, nine waivers and four deferrals.

Key waivers pertain to internal aspects of the development, such as the private cul-de-sac, which engineers liken to a long driveway rather than a public road.

Deferrals primarily concern areas east of the existing home on the site, including sidewalk installation, due to current space limitations and existing structures.

However, sidewalks will be installed on the west side of the driveway.

Commissioners raised questions about safety, traffic flow and accessibility, particularly for school children and future public services like refuse collection.

Township Engineer Tony Tallarida confirmed the layout was vetted and designed to accommodate service vehicles, including garbage trucks, though final arrangements remain dependent on the refuse provider.

A right-out-only traffic exit remains part of the plan, following recommendations by the planning commission.

Commissioners expressed relief and optimism about the project’s advancement after over a decade of planning.

“Glad to see this moving forward after many years of hard work,” Jacob Roth said.

The motion passed with a unanimous 5-0 vote, with thanks extended to staff and stakeholders for their diligence and cooperation.

The board adopted phase one of the transportation plan.

A moratorium on traffic calming policies was implemented to revise guidelines.

The board approved a $534,859 bid for Vistas Park reconstruction and a $145,450 grant for Grand Lawn Park improvements and a Vision Zero Task Force was formed to enhance traffic safety.