At the June 2 North Whitehall Township Board of Supervisors meeting, the proposed Nexus 78 warehouse project was firmly rejected after an outpouring of opposition from the community. Nearly 30 residents voiced strong concerns, citing increased traffic, noise pollution and environmental risks. No attendees spoke in favor of the plan.

Resident Liz Webb criticized the project for its “lack of common sense,” highlighting the likelihood of increased congestion and property damage.

George Borman questioned the coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

David Horvath condemned the project’s proximity to Orefield Middle School.

At the prior planning commission meeting May 29, resident Brian Sullivan raised concerns about the narrow width of Orefield Road, particularly the section between Route 309 and the school district stadium.

He explained the total road width is 232 inches from white line to white line. A standard tractor-trailer (with mirrors) is 122 inches wide and a school bus is 104 inches wide. This leaves only 6 inches of clearance when a bus and a tractor-trailer pass each other in opposite directions.

Sullivan emphasized this is a serious safety issue, especially from the school district’s perspective, saying he wouldn’t feel safe having a child on a bus in that situation.

Sullivan also mentioned local ordinances restrict access to the road for this reason and urged those ordinances be followed to maintain safety.

The planning commission denied the warehouse application.

Parkland School District Assistant Superintendent Timothy Chorones, opposed the driveway connecting to Orefield Road, citing potential delays and unsafe conditions for 10,000 Parkland students.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission viewed the project in 2024 and said the location’s distance from Route 22 and Interstate 78 was a major concern.

The board voted unanimously to approve a waiver but denied the plan and the sewer planning module, citing traffic and safety concerns.

The developer’s representative said they will appeal the decision.