Hanover Township Shows a Little Love to That's Amore

That's Amore

Following a lengthy hearing last October, Hanover Township's Zoning Hearing Board denied seasonal outdoor seating at That's Amore, a gateway to Hanover Township located on Schoenersville Road. But Supervisors, at their June 11 meeting, decided to show Chef Joseph Jurvinko a little love. They unanimously approved a settlement in the zoning case that will allow patrons to enjoy their favorite Italian dinners next to a decorative gazebo, bocce ball pit, fountain and landscaping. They also imposed 14 conditions. No music, alcohol sales, or TVs will be permitted. Low-wattage lighting will be directed away residences.

Jurvinko began his career at That's Amore as a bus boy at age 15, when the restaurant was known as Pane e Vino. He eventually became the chef at Bethlehem's popular Mama Nina. After going into business for himself, he soon learned that he has lots of competition from local area restaurants that offer outdoor seating. That includes nearby P.J. Whelihan's, Prime Steak House, Gregory's and even Wegmans.

Attorney Mickey Thompson, who represents Jurvinko, declined comment.

After showing a little love to That's Amore, Supervisors reviewed sketch plans for an Abe Atiyeh development. Farmhouse Mews, a 16.35 acre tract located at the intersection of Hanoverville and Airport Roads, had been previously approved for 20 single family detached homes. But Atiyeh's engineer, David Harte, told Supervisors they'd like to instead build 20 townhouse units, concentrated in four buildings. The remainder of the development would be open space, to be maintained by a homeowners' association.

"From a stormwater point of view, there are a lot of advantages to it," said Township Engineer Brian Kocher. Supervisors expressed concern about sewer capacity and a stormwater runoff problem.

Township Manager Jay Finnigan and Public Works Director Vince Milite had a stormwater runoff problem of their own, earlier that day. Finnigan and Milite, who also doubles as the Township's Animal Control Officer, rescued six ducklings stuck in a storm drain on Maria Drive. After removing the grate, they trained the hose so that  to flood the drain. But both stood downhill from  where thy aimed, so that water and ducklings cascaded them both. In the meantime, mother duck circled above.

Following an executive session, Finnigan jokingly tried to get Milite fired. For his part, Milite not-so-jokingly tried to resign as Animal Control Officer, something he has tried to do before.

Supervisors just laughed.