At the Oct. 1 Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council meeting, resolution 2025-37 was tabled by council. The resolution would have approved a preliminary/final land development plan for the Lehigh Valley Academy black box theater, 2470 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem.

The theater will occupy two real estate parcels, one in Hanover and the second in the city of Bethlehem. Hanover’s ordinances require all parcels have their own water hookup. In this situation, there is only one water hookup for two parcels and those parcels are in different municipalities.

Efforts to resolve the issue have been stalled the past month to sort out future potential issues if LVA is granted the request.

Hanover’s township manager and solicitor both advocated against the resolution. Honoring the manager and solicitor recommendation, council Chair Bruce Paulus asked LVA representatives if they considered consolidating the parcels to resolve the issue.

After more debate, the attorney representing LVA suggested the resolution vote be tabled. He said this would allow LVA and he to discuss the possible consolidation of the parcels.

Council voted to table the resolution until the Oct. 15 council meeting.

In other business, township Manager Melissa Wehr noted the fireman’s relief funding, in the amount of $42,138, was received and will be turned over to the fire department.

In Pennsylvania, a fireman’s relief fund is an association that provides financial assistance, equipment and other support to volunteer firefighters and their families. The money is funded by a state tax on fire premiums. These associations are separate from the fire departments they support and are audited by the state to ensure proper use of the funds.

Proper use of fireman’s relief funds includes paying for insurance and equipment and offering support to firefighters who are ill or in need.

Wehr noted Berkheimer Associates requested the ability to process Hanover’s local taxes. Wehr informed council she did not support the request. Council then denied Berkheimer’s request.

Wehr was excited to announce the township hired a receptionist, Sara Wegner, who, during the interview process, said she was seeking a position she can learn, grow into and stay for a long time.

In the township engineer’s report, it was noted the Lloyd Street mill and layover project was completed.

Council discussed an ordinance regarding building sewers and connections. The discussion is expected to be continued at the Oct. 15 council meeting.

Council approved paying the bills in the amount of $148,143.

Pam Welsh, a Hanover resident, thanked council for all their work serving the township.

The next Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council meeting is set for Oct. 15 in the township municipal building, 2202 Grove Road, Allentown. It is an in-person-only meeting. Visit hanleco.org to review the meeting’s agenda.

There also will be two 2026 township budget meetings, scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 15 and 16 in the township municipal building.