At the July 16 South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners meeting, two significant planning items advanced: a proposed referendum on an additional earned income tax for open space and the introduction of a new Planned Innovation, Research and Technology Overlay District.

The board approved an ordinance to place a referendum on the Nov. 4 municipal election ballot, asking voters whether they support an additional Earned Income Tax to fund the purchase, improvement and maintenance of undeveloped open space, as well as retire any related debt.

A plain English statement will accompany the ballot question to ensure voter clarity.

Long-Range Planner Chris Stohler noted the ordinance had been properly advertised, reviewed by legal counsel and received no public comments during the notice period.

Commissioner Monica Hodges expressed strong support for the initiative, stating, “We’re behind ... there are a bunch of townships that already have this in place; Upper Saucon, Upper Milford, North Whitehall, Lower Macungie, and Whitehall. I think this is timely ... For years, residents have expressed a desire to protect our resources, protect land and this is one measure in which we can.”

The board unanimously approved a motion to send the ordinance to the Lehigh County Election Office.

In addition, the township unveiled plans for the Planned Innovation Research and Technology Overlay District, designed to modernize and expand industrial development opportunities in the northeast portion of the township.

Stohler explained the optional overlay would support technology, research and development and data center uses, which are not currently defined in township zoning.

Under the new ordinance:

•Data centers up to 150,000 square feet and 40-feet high would be permitted in the base industrial zone by conditional use.

•In the PIRT overlay, larger data centers (up to 500,000 square feet and 50-feet high) would be allowed by right, but subject to strict design standards, noise control, environmental impact assessments and buffering requirements.

•Additional permitted uses include college and trade schools, flex space, and STEM-focused incubator facilities.

The ordinance also introduces Appendix D – PIRT Design Guidelines, developed by a registered architect, which will be finalized and presented at a future meeting.

A zoning map amendment will identify the overlay district’s boundaries.

The board approved a motion to refer the draft ordinance to both the township planning commission and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for review.

More details will be made available to the public before the adoption process moves forward.