The Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council June 3 meeting began with the appointment of Heather Cruz to council, replacing Robert Lawlor, who moved out of the area.

Two public hearings then occurred about a rewrite of township zoning ordinances and the adoption of amendments to the township’s zoning map.

After much discussion, council voted to approve the zoning ordinance rewrite. Caroline Yagle, of Environmental Planning & Design LLC, presented information about the reasons for the changes, based on the River Central Multimunicipal Comprehensive Plan.

The second public hearing for amendments to the township’s zoning map resulted in another long discussion, before council approved the zoning map amendments.

The River Central plan offers three main benefits to the five-municipality consortium, including sharing zoning burdens, protection from unwanted development and increased grant competitiveness.

A resident requested and received assurance from council it will assist residents with concerns about zoning changes that can adversely affect them because of the altered zoning map. She noted council is elected to serve the people first, not serve the interests of large corporate interests over resident needs.

Ordinance 673, bill 2026-05, vacates a portion of Postal Road and provides for severability, and an effective date was introduced by council.

Resolution 2026-42 granted preliminary and final development plan approval for JW Development Partners for 795 Roble Road.

The second amendment for Michael Baker International revised the design for the D&L Trail. The Hanover section was discussed, and a vote was planned. This has been an ongoing issue with council objecting to increased — and some allege unjustified — costs.

The initial vote was tabled by Vice Chair Robert Heimbecker. No second to the motion to table was garnered. Then, a motion to approve was made by Councilman Michael Wolley and was seconded by Councilman Anthony Rossi. The motion passed 4-1, with Heimbecker voting no.

The township’s Emergency Management Coordinator Chris Spadaccia publicly explained the services provided by the local EMS and how they interface with the county EMS, PEMA and FEMA. He was thanked by council for his diligence to his duties as EMA coordinator.

Council approved paying the township bills for May at $463,974, and council approved up to June 3 at $74,807.

The next meeting of the Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council meeting is set for 7 p.m. June 17 at the township’s municipal building, 2202 Grove Road, Allentown. Visit hanleco.org to review the agenda.