48-Unit Apartment Complex Clears Final Hurdle in Bethlehem Tp

Att'y Jim Holzinger makes case for 48-unit apartment complex

At their April 15 meeting, Bethlehem Township Commissioners unanimously gave a "conditional use approval" to a 48-unit apartment complex proposed by developer Robert Cahill on 2.68 acres located at at the southwest corner of Falmer Drive and Meyer Lane. This was Cahill's final hurdle before he could start construction. His plan was previously approved by both Commissioners and the Planning Commission.

Cahill had originally proposed and received approvals for office condominiums at the site, but changing market conditions forced him to revise his plans. The complex will consist of 48 1-BR and 2-BR apartments located in two three story buildings. Cahill, represented by Attorney Jim Holzinger, predicted that residential apartments "will work very well." He noted that the proposed complex abuts both a Township park as well as Farmersville Elementary School. The average size of each apartment will be 1,000 sq ft. Cahill indicated there would be less traffic from residential apartments than office condominiums.

Commissioners, especially Phil Barnard, questioned Cahill about the complex' proximity to a Penske Truck Rental facility and its noise, but the developer responded that most of their operations are done by 5 PM.

Resident Barry Roth objected to a conditional use, predicting congestion and tenants who would be angered by the noise from the truck rental facility. "Thus just doesn't make sense," he said.

But according to Solicitor Jim Broughal, it does. He advised Commissioners hat this is a conditional use and muust be approved unless there is some evidence that this apartment complex would be "out of the ordinary."

Commissioners also unanimously granted another conditional use approval for a People First Federal Credit Union on the south side of Easton Avenue, between Washington Street and Reeve Drive West.

Borton-Lawson engineer Michael Wilk told Commissioners that People First would be rebuilding a bank branch at the site, which once housed a Bank of America branch. The new building, consisting of 4,500 sq ft, will follow the footprint of the current structure.

After granting those conditional use approvals, Commissioners heard a presentation from independent auditor Todd J. Bushta, CPA, who just completed his review of the Township's 2012 finances. Giving the Township a clean bill of health, he complimented the "sound financial stewardship by the Township."

"Good job, Andy!" President Paul Weiss said to the Township's Financial Director, Andrew Freda.

After getting the blessing of their independent auditor, Commissioners spent some money on Housenick Park. They authorized up to $23,800 for engineering studies, which consists of a survey as well as a detailed topographical map.

Commissioner Tom Nolan suggested that it might be wise to run this by Housenick trustees first, since they reimburse the township for out-of-pocket expenses. But President Paul Weiss said the work needs to be done now. "Even if they decide not to fund this, this is something we need to do," he said. Engineer Brian Dillman agreed with Weiss. "We're pressed by the season," he warned Commissioners. "We need to get it done before the trees leaf out."

As a final item of business, Commissioner Marty Zawarski drew attention to the monthly public works report, which refers to trash strewn along Christian Spring, Township Line and Country Club Roads. "This is something that is ongoing an it could be alleviated if we had single hauler trash," he said.