Development Plans for Land Near Allen Organ Could Create Highest Density in Twp.

It's back. Except it's no longer being characterized as a smart growth mixed use project as it once was. (But never really was...) Now it's being billed as exactly what it really is. A supermarket and a gas station paired with 200 apartments on 30 some acres. The project would be the highest density in the township. 

This property is located in the cornfield between Mack Trucks and Borough of Macungie aside of and behind the Allen Organ offices. Township Commissioner Ron Eichenberg happens to be the realtor on the project. 

What this is, is a high density residential project next to a high density commercial parcel. In fact one of the Planning Commissioners mentioned what I mentioned a couple months ago. What this is, is the Trexlertown Mall. Note those apartments have currently devolved into HUD housing. 

Though the project has stayed essentially the same the developer is no longer seeking the new mixed use ordinance it once was. Special accomodations would have to be made since there is currently no zoning that allows this kind of development. Basically the township needs to go out of it's way to allow this.

Many members of the planning commission were absent, so no official action was taken. Will keep an eye on this one.

Notes:

The developer mentioned improvements to intersection will alleviate traffic issues - My question: Currently, there are no traffic issues. Traffic flows great at the intersection of Willow Lane and Rt. 100. Traffic issues might be created by this project, but currently there are none. This project would have one entrance in and out dumping 100 percent of the traffic onto Rt. 100.

"Just because you buy the junkiest land in the township doesnt mean you should get special exceptions" - PCom member Maury Robert

"Little uncomfortable with the highest density in the township, should we really have developments exceeding 8 units per acre?" - Pcom member Tom Beil