Moravian Academy Lions Roar For New Gym

Having just won their third straight District 11 Class AA boys tennis title, Moravian Academy's Lions are roaring. Although not commonly thought of as a jock school, 80% of its student body participates on at least one team in soccer, tennis, golf, cross country, field hockey, basketball, swimming, softball, baseball, and lacrosse. And Bill Stank, Moravian Academy's Director of Campus Facilities, told Bethlehem Township Commissioners at their May 16 meeting that the school would like to upgrade its associate membership with PIAA District 11's Colonial League.

Stank and Attorney Blake Marles reviewed sketch plans for the first major expansion of Moravian Academy's athletic facilities since Walter Hall was constructed in 1962. A new, 40,000 sq. ft. gym is being proposed on the 66-acre campus, located off Green Pond Road, along with a 70-car parking lot.

According to Stank, an extra gym will enable multiple practices, as well as making indoor batting cages possible.

Commissioners not only endorsed the proposal, but suggested that the preliminary and final plan be considered simultaneously.

Moravian Academy Proposes New Maintenance Building

During a brief but well-attended meeting of the Bethlehem Township Planning Commission on January 24, its seven-member board reviewed plans for a 6,400 sq. ft. pole barn maintenance building on Moravian Academy's sprawling, 121-acre, campus. Located along the eastern edge of the campus, it will be accessed by an internal driveway instead of directly from Green Pond Road. According to Angelo M. Capuzzi of Chester Valley Engineers, it will be 300' away from the nearest road.

Asked about the habitual flooding along Green Pond Road, Capuzzi stated that an additional detention basin was recently added, but because of the sinkhole potential of the soil in that area, options are limited.

Director of Campus Facilities & Development Bill Stank told planners the building would store lawn care equipment, a pick-up truck and a van. Board members Kenn R. Edinger and James Daley suggested that the safety committee review the above-ground fuel tanks, as well as a proposal for an 18' wide driveway.

After their formal presentation, Stank and Capuzzi informally reviewed their plans with neighbors and, upon completion, nobody objected to the proposal.

Planners will consider approval during their February meeting.

In other business, Lee Snover reorganized by keeping the same team they had in place last year. Lee Snover, James Daley and Kenn R. Edinger were unanimously elected Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary.

Quietly sitting in the back, watching the proceedings, was Commissioner Paul Weiss. He said it felt good to be a spectator for a change.