The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners held two public hearings during its Nov. 5 meeting, approving a liquor license transfer for a new business on Tilghman Street and advancing a road vacation request for a small alleyway off Mertle Street.

The board voted 4-0 to approve the transfer of a restaurant liquor license into the township for South Whitehall Market, Inc., 2428 Walbert Ave., Allentown.

Attorney Tom Schlegel represented applicant Samuel Rabari who said the market operates as a convenience store and deli, open seven days a week and plans to add limited indoor seating to meet Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board requirements.

No objections or public comments were received and the board authorized the transfer. Rabari said he expects to complete the state application process by early 2026.

In the second public hearing, the board considered a request to vacate a portion of Orator Street submitted by SS Properties, represented by Shane Schmoyer. He explained he sought to take ownership of a narrow strip of unused right of way to prevent parking and dumping issues near his property.

Township Solicitor Joseph Zator noted the vacation would remove any public rights of way but would not affect private property rights. Reviews by the township engineer and public safety officials found no conflicts or utility impacts. The board unanimously voted to authorize the filing of a report with the Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds, the first formal step in the road vacation process. Final approval will require adoption of an ordinance at a future meeting.