SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — A developer’s request for a deadline extension of two phases of a project along North Cedar Crest Boulevard was unanimously approved by the township board of commissioners Wednesday.
The project, Ridge Farms, calls for construction of five apartment buildings totaling 60 units, 14 twin dwellings and one single-family detached dwelling.
The extension is for Phase 1B and Phase IC of the land development project.
Phase 1B’s extension is nine months, to May 15, 2026.
Phase 1C’s extension is for a year, to Aug. 7, 2026.
Jason Englehardt, of Langan Engineering & Environmental Services LLC, which represents the applicant, Kay Builders Inc., of Allentown, made the requests.
The extensions were needed, Englehardt told board members, to allow time to finalize all required agreements and to coordinate with state Transportation Department issues regarding roads adjacent to the development site.
Project still eyes September groundbreaking
The agenda item at Wednesday’s meeting called for an extension request of six months each for Phase 1B and 1C.
“Adding extra time is not, I think, a hindrance."David Manhardt, South Whitehall Township director of community development
However, several board members questioned whether stretching the extensions beyond six months would make more sense.
“I wonder if six months is enough time,” board member Chris Peischl said. “If not, they’re just going to have to come back. Maybe a longer extension is what we should do.”
Added David Manhardt, township director of community development: “Adding extra time is not, I think, a hindrance. They’re going to try to get it done as fast as they can. But it’s always nice to have a little bit of buffer.”
Despite the extension, the Phase 1B project is expected to break ground in September, Englehardt said.
The extension approvals are the latest in a series of extensions.
In a July 16 letter to April Wilk, township land development coordinator, a request was made for a six-month extension beyond the Aug. 15 deadline in order to satisfy the township’s conditions.
“We are actively working with township staff on satisfying the conditions of approval,” Englehardt said in the letter. “But anticipate that finalizing all the necessary agreements, posting security and recording the plan will require additional time beyond the Aug. 15 date to complete.”
The deadline extension is the second one granted since the Ridge Farms project was approved by the township in November 2023, with a requirement that all conditions of approval be finalized within 12 months.
An initial deadline extension of nine months was granted through Aug. 15 in October.
The property is zoned R-10 and TND-Residential Cluster Overlay District and is being developed as a TND-Residential Cluster Overlay, according to township documents.
