Strip Mall Planned Across Street From Farmersville Elementary

Lou Pektor struggled with Bethlehem Township planners in March, when he presented sketch plans for the development of an 8.8 acre commercial tract across the street from Farmersville Elementary School. Pektor had presented planners with a seven-building strip mall containing a convenience gas station, tire store, bank, pharmacy and day-care. Chairman Lee Snover characterized it a "hodgepodge," not a plan.

But Pektor had a completely different reception when he presented revised sketch plans to Commissioners at their April 18 meeting. This one retained the gas station, pharmacy and day-care, but made most of the changes recommended by planners. President Arthur Murphy took Planners to task for discouraging Pektor from building a bank. "Anything legal is alright with me.," he said. "So if you want to pursue the bank end of it, I would have no problem with putting a bank in there."

Michael Hudak agreed with Murphy, stating "An allowable use is an allowable use," and Paul Weiss was "very, very happy" at the changes made by Pektor. But Jerry Batcha did voice some concern about a daycare extending up to the sidewalk in a busy area, as well as storm water runoff.

In other business, independent auditor Todd Bushta told Commissioners there were "no significant audit findings" and "no difficulties encountered" in his review of the 2010 Budget, adding that the "manager is doing an outstanding job." There was only one suggestion suggestion for an improvement at the community center. The audit will be posted on the Township's web page.

Commissioner Thomas Nolan relayed resident complaints about ATV use near Farmersville Road. Although they have remained on private property, neighbors are concerned by noise at all hours. Because these ATVs drive close to property lines, parents are also concerned about the safety of their children.

Township Manager Howard Kutzler provided Commissioners with a N. Whitehall Township ordinance regulating ATV use, which will be studied before the next meeting.

Commissioners finally commended the Public Works Department for the quick action they took to repair the Lehigh River tow path, following a March 11 storm. Commissioner Thomas Hudak reported that he received six telephone calls from residents who ere delighted by the work done. Best of all, according to Manager Kutzler, the expense was minimal.