Since this article was written on June 12 the Board of Commissioners took a position strongly opposing filling in or relocating the floodplain associated with this proposed land development. We authorized (unanimously) sending staff to attend the ZHB hearing which was scheduled for Tue June 26th representing the board to testify in opposition. The applicant has since pulled the application from tomorrow’s agenda and offered a continuance.
Next, a few points about the land development. First, this isn’t a proposal for a “truck stop”. It’s a decking operation associated with Mack Trucks. This is the company that already moves trucks made at the Mack plant. Again, something that already happens currently in the area over at the Tyler Pipe property. This new land development could move associated operations closer to the Mack Plant. It’s essentially product storage. Not a warehouse, not a truck stop and not a truck terminal.
Now, while this move makes sense for Mack and could take truck traffic off Rt. 100 going into Macungie Borough – the applicant proposing filling in and relocating floodplain is a serious concern. Our Board takes a hard stance on protecting township rivers and streams from floodplain incursions.
Given the Boards unanimous opposition along with the LVPC, LCA and Planning Commission this project is not moving forward at this time. It proposes too much on too small a parcel with far too much impact on the creek. We will continue to work with Mack and their partners to find an alternative solution.
