Planning Commission OKs Developers Phasing Project

The downward spiral of the housing market in recent years slowed unbridled development to a crawl and changed the way many local developers conduct business.

That fact was illustrated at Wednesday night’s Upper Macungie Planning Commission meeting where members approved a final phasing plan from engineers representing Chesapeake Homes for the Rabenol Farms II development.

The project, re-named Parkland Gardens, was presented to planners in 2008 and is now scheduled for build out in smaller phases.

“Since that time, the housing market has changed and with the way banking is today and the longevity in the sale of homes, we’re making the first phase 1A and 1B,” said David Lear, a project engineer from Lehigh Engineering Associates of Walnutport.

Phase 1A will consist of building 29 homes with a temporary cul-de-sac within the development. Phase 1B, when built, would entail major improvements to the intersection of Krocks and Schantz roads.

“Our comfort level with this that 29 homes doesn’t trigger the need for improvements on Schantz Road,” said Community Development Director Bruce Wlazelek.

The developments second phase would require the re-development of the intersection of Krocks and Schantz roads and an escrow deposit of more than $300,000 by the developer.

In other business, planners voted to send to the Board of Supervisors for its review and an eventual public hearing.

The most dramatic changes to the SALDO revolve around the and the amount of money per dwelling developers would need to shell out as a direct result.

Wlazelek said the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission must comment on the plan and supervisors will likely call for a public hearing in May before changes can be adopted in June, at the earliest.