The North Whitehall Township Planning Commission examined a mixed-use development sketch plan.
A neighborhood and commercial development on 105 acres at 3530 Mauch Chunk Road is the goal of the plan, which is referred to as the Mauch Chunk Road development. In addition to townhomes with garages that are two or three floors, the development also includes restaurants, retail establishments, and a gas station.
Furthermore, the proposal incorporates a realignment at the junction of Mauch Chunk Road and Cedar Crest Boulevard. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation would have to approve the realignment's proposal for a roundabout at the existing intersection. Residents will be served by public water and sewer.
Brian Horwith, the chairman of the planning commission, believes the concept is too complex for the location. He believes there is a better design, but, unfortunately, it will reduce the number of units that the developer could sell.
Other participants complained about traffic. Planner Kathy Crawford worries that Willow, Orefield, and Quarry roads will be significantly impacted by this, but a traffic effect analysis will have to get done to fully know the impact it will have.
Cul-de-sacs, which are generally forbidden by township code, are also a part of the project that was presented. Planners did not file any decisions because the document was only a sketch plan.
