Borough of Macungie

Macungie Needs You

Several vacancies exist on municipal committees.

Even if you think it's a thankless job -- and sometimes it is -- the borough of Macungie needs some civic minded residents to help guide it through challenging times. Currently there are openings on * The Zoning Hearing Board -- one vacancy * The Civil Service Commission -- two vacancies: one commissioner and one alternate * Macungie Institute Board -- one trustee Feel like it's time to step up? Submit a letter of interest Borough Manager Chris Boehm, 21 Locust St., Macungie, PA 18062. Visit the borough's website for more information.

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Lower Macungie Zoning Hearing Board Dismisses Case Against Jaindl Plans

Two-man board determines residents had proper notice of change to zoning ordinance that would permit major development.

  The Lower Macungie Township Zoning Hearing Board tonight dismissed the complaints of residents who are trying to preserve more than 600 acres of farmland from a major development by Jaindl Land Co.  Attorneys for David Jaindl and the township asked the zoning hearing board to reject the case which hinges on whether residents had adequate notice before the township passed changes to the zoning ordinance that would enable Jaindl to go ahead with his plans.   Tonight’s decision by the two-man zoning hearing board, William Royer and Brian Higgins, was not unexpected.  Friends for the Protection of Lower Macungie posted on the group’s Facebook page Sunday that the residents didn’t expect to win at the zoning hearing board. The post said that …

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Friends for Protection LMT

9:10 am on Friday, December 2, 2011

Kevin, that is something we can agree on! Would this BOC being so friendly with Mr. Jaindl take this step? For those reading this here is an informative link regarding LEED buildings: http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19   more ›

Five Things to Know Today: November 3

Election Day is coming up on Nov. 8. Here's a little cautionary tale about what can happen if you don't get out there and exercise that right!

1. Weather: Mostly sunny today. The National Weather Service forecast for our area says the high will be near 59 degrees. 2. In Case You Missed It: The fight over Lower Mac's zoning amendment gets even more contentious. 3. How 'bout It? Why not take a second and "Like" us on Facebook? We'll keep bringing you news and good stories. Annnnd...we'll like you back! All that for one little click. Thanks! 4. Coming Up: Don't miss Margie Peterson's latest "Life in the Slow Lane" column. 5. Today in History: On this day in 1998, former professional wrestler Jesse "The Body" Ventura was elected governor of Minnesota with 37 percent of the vote.

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LMT Zoning Hearing Continued For Lack of Appellants' Counsel

All three lawyers for the appellants in the farmland preservation case had urgent snow storm and family-related matters that took precedence over their attendance at the Nov. 1 hearing.

The Lower Macungie Township Zoning Hearing Board met Nov. 1, but did not hear testimony, admit exhibits, hear closing arguments or make any decisions as planned. The hearing board has been meeting regularly for months to try to judge the validity of four substantive issues surrounding the zoning amendment that currently allows development of hundreds of acres of township farmland. Robert Rust, one of the three lawyers for the appellants, notified Zoning Hearing Board Chairman William Royer in writing early in the day on Nov. 1 to say he was not prepared for, and could not attend, the hearing due to a pressing family matter related to the Oct. 29 snow storm. The other two attorneys, Donald Miles and Thomas Anewalt, sent word to Royer at 5 p…

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Five Things to Know Today: October 13

Keep this in mind today: much better weather is predicted for the weekend.

1. Weather: After a night of rain, expect more all day today. The National Weather Service forecast for our area says there's an 80 percent chance of showers with thunderstorms possible after 1 p.m. The high temperature should be near 70 degrees. 2. In Case You Missed It: Where's that hornet this week? 3. Quote of the Week: "Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other." Abraham Lincoln. 4. Coming Up: The Lower Mac Zoning Hearing Board meets regarding the Jaindl development plans. 5. Today in History: On this day in 1792, the cornerstone was laid for a presidential residence in the newly designated capital city of Washington. In 1800, President John Adams became the first president to reside in …

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Five Things to Know Today: September 23

We won't be drying out today. Keep that umbrella with you!

1. Weather: More rain today, heavy at times. The National Weather Service forecast for our area says there's a 90 percent chance we'll pick up another half to three-quarters of an inch of rain today. The high temp will be near 72 degrees. 2. In Case You Missed It: The township's zoning board is asking citizens to step up and express opinions and thoughts on the farmland preservation/David Jaindl development issue. 3. Quote of the Day: "I'm just waiting for people to start asking me to make the rain disappear." David Copperfield. 4. Coming Up: Rep. Doug Reichley hosted a Town Hall meeting Wednesday. 5. Today in History: On this day in 1944, during a campaign dinner with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union, President Franklin D…

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Five Things to Know Today: September 22

Here comes the rain again, falling on my head like a memory...

1. Weather: Showers again today, with an 80 percent chance of thunderstorms after 8 a.m. The National Weather Service forecast for our area says the high will be near 77 degrees. 2. In Case You Missed It: Macungie Mayor Rick Hoffman says it's time to move on. 3. Quote of the Day: "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself." Josh Billings. 4. Coming Up: Not one member of the community showed up at Wednesday's Zoning Hearing Board meeting. 5. Today in History: On this day in 1994, the television sitcom Friends, about six young adults living in New York City, made its debut on NBC. The show, which featured a group of relatively unknown actors, went on to become a huge hit and aired for 10 seasons.

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Zoning Chairman Decides Against Issuing Subpoenas to Twp. Commissioners

Zoning Hearing Board will continue to hear from township, appellants and intervenor on Wednesday.

The chairman of the Lower Macungie Zoning Hearing Board decided Wednesday not to issue subpoenas to the five township commissioners in the ongoing dispute surrounding a zoning amendment that would allow the development of more than 600 acres of farmland. Chairman Bill Royer said toward the end of the last hearing on Aug. 25 that he would make his decision before the hearing continues. His decision came with a very direct statement. “I have a strong belief that the public would benefit from hearing what the commissioners would have to say,” Zoning Hearing Board Chairman Bill Royer said. But he decided not to issue the subpoenas because, “Everything they said would be subject to legislative privilege,” he said. By that he meant that just …

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Citizens Question the Lower Mac Zoning Hearing Board

Since lawyers have accomplished very little so far, residents -- one of them an appellant -- hoped to make some progress by asking their own questions.

The million-dollar questions aren’t usually answered at Lower Macungie Township Zoning Hearing Board meetings. Residents are often found picking at penny issues. Take the Aug. 25 meeting in the Lower Macungie Township building. Seven people walked off the street and up to the podium, prepared to do verbal battle with the board over the Jaindl Land Co. proposal to develop 600 acres of farmland in the township. But legal restrictions kept the questions to four substantive subjects: -- Irrational, arbitrary and capricious decisions. -- Improper methodology and enactment. -- Environmental impact. -- Spot zoning. All other subjects go into the courts, where Judge Michele Varricchio is deciding procedural issues. “Our decision is going to be …

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Friends for Protection LMT

4:32 pm on Wednesday, August 31, 2011

We are a diverse coalition of families and neighbors speaking in one voice. We are speaking out to protect our community from wasteful development, traffic, higher taxes, dirtier air and water, and sprawl. We are taking a stand for government integrity and transparency, and against back room deals, greed, and corruption. This page is meant to provide information and raise awareness regarding …   more ›

Lower Mac ZHB Takes Questions, Gives Advice

Zoning Hearing Board members William Royer and Brian Higgins listened to residents' concerns before Royer gave suggestions for the next hearing session.

In an unusual turn, the Lower Macungie Township Zoning Hearing Board – Chairman William Royer and Brian Higgins – heard questions directly from appellants in the Jaindl development case. At the Aug. 25 session of the ongoing hearing, seven members of the audience, one of whom was an appellant, stepped up to the podium and essentially asked Royer the same question: why not subpoena the Lower Macungie Commissioners or at least one of them, to testify at the hearing. At the end of the hearing Royer essentially spelled out in detail what the appellants need to do to make their case relevant. Most of the members of the audience who spoke were dismissed for putting their “questions” in the form of accusations against the commissioners. However, …

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