The Parkland Board of School Directors voted 9-0 at a special meeting Sept. 8 to intervene and object to the Nexus 78 warehouse project proposed slightly east of the Route 309/Orefield Road intersection.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson commented on the action.

“It allows the district to enter in as a party with North Whitehall Township to fight the developer who has appealed and is in court.

“We don’t normally do this, but it is primarily a safety issue with the size of the facility and proximity to schools and transportation.”

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tim Chorones reported the warehouse is planned to be 501,405 square feet and will generate 900 vehicle trips a day with trucks and employees.

The board resolution indicates opposition to the warehouse due to the site’s location near Orefield Middle School, the district transportation facility, the operations center, the football stadium and Kernsville Elementary School.

Parkland officials also expressed concern for student drivers traveling to and from the high school, as well as the community overall.

During the meeting, board members said they are not opposed to development but this particular project is a safety issue.

“The district embraces development when it makes sense. This project does not make sense,” board member David Hein said.

Board President Rob Cohen expressed his thoughts on the matter.

“Before we can teach a student, they must come to a safe and secure school. It’s our responsibility to the kids and parents of the district.”

Cohen added remarks about the resolution of opposition.

“This appeal will take on legal matters, which is generally the purview of municipal government, but we believe we have a position for the safety of our students.”

The Nexus warehouse was denied by North Whitehall Township and is currently on appeal by the developer before the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County.

Madison said the district solicitor and administration will represent Parkland in court which had a preliminary date of Sept. 30.