The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners met May 20 and approved a conditional use application for the proposed Kore Flower Farm special event venue following a public hearing.

The application, submitted by Hector Lisboa and Melissa Miller for their property at 2303 Herman Lane, would establish a seasonal event venue on the nearly nine-acre flower farm in the township’s RR-2 Rural Residential zoning district.

Township officials noted the applicants have demonstrated a long-term commitment to farming through previous agricultural approvals and temporary events.

Plans for the venue include boutique weddings and private gatherings, a farm-themed event building, patio area and 83 parking spaces.

Applicants said the venue would host no more than 30 events annually between May and November, with attendance capped at 135 guests.

Food and alcohol service would be handled by licensed vendors and caterers.

Commissioners also discussed parking, traffic, restroom accommodations, and preserving the rural appearance of the property.

The board voted 5-0 to grant conditional approval subject to planning commission conditions, drawing applause from the audience.

Earlier in the meeting, six residents spoke against the proposed Atlas Center data center project during Courtesy of the Floor.

Resident Ryen Yanes argued that unresolved public health and environmental concerns revealed weaknesses in the township’s land development process.

Yanes criticized ordinance exemptions for generator noise, questioned protections for private wells, and referenced Pennsylvania’s Green Amendment, warning the township could face legal action from residents if unresolved risks remain.

Township officials defended the review process, emphasizing that the Atlas project has not been rushed through the approval system.

Commissioner Jacob Roth said the proposal was originally expected before the planning commission in February but has faced months of delays due to extensive township review.

Roth stated township staff and consultants have identified approximately 340 concerns with the proposal and said the township continues to rigorously enforce its ordinances and performance standards regulations.