The Upper Macungie Township Board of Supervisors held a public hearing at the beginning of the Feb. 5 meeting, regarding a conditional use application for a Sheetz convenience store and auto service station at Route 100 with access from Tilghman Street via Windsor Drive.

The project includes a 6,100 square foot store, 12 gas fueling positions and a drive-up window.

The planning commission recommended approval with four conditions, including addressing traffic circulation and sidewalks.

The applicant, Sheetz Inc. was represented by Attorney Julie Wagner Burkhart.

She confirmed compliance with zoning ordinances and traffic requirements.

Concerns were raised about truck parking and traffic flow with assurances provided on safety measures and signage.

The board took further action later in the meeting.

The traffic impacts were discussed and traffic studies 70-100 estimate additional peak hour trips equating to one to two new trips per minute. The store is expected to attract 75% pass-by traffic.

Concerns were raised about health risks from volatile organic compounds, crime at gas stations and light pollution.

The HRG review letter highlighted issues with traffic study assumptions and intersection safety.

The applicant agreed to address these concerns, including extending the median on Route 100 and evaluating flexible delineators.

The board will consider these points before making a final decision.

There were two objectors identified.

Michael Gross testified on behalf of his wife, Abigail Gross, who owns and operates a law office at 7619 Tilghman St., a neighboring property, and echoed concerns shared by neighbors Daniel and Alex Zarokas.

He said his wife did not receive notice of the zoning or planning commission meetings and only learned of the proposal through neighbors.

Daniel Zarokas, who lives with his wife in the 7600 block of Tilghman Street, residing there since 1971, briefly addressed the board.

He said he and his wife agreed with and formally adopted the concerns expressed by Michael Gross as their own.