LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners on Monday took another look at land development plans detailing a new site for Western Lehigh Services.
The site at 1500 Trexlertown Road is intended to serve as a new location for the commercial landscaping and snow management firm, with the latest plan featuring a few changes to the layout.
“By and large, we’re comfortable with what’s here.”Lower Macungie Township Engineer Bryan McAdams
The facility is set to include a main office and meeting rooms, a small nursery for display, and multiple garages for vehicle storage and maintenance, and material storage.
Western Lehigh Services now operates out of 7127 Ruppsville Road, Upper Macungie Township.
Township Planner Nathan Jones listed a few of the latest changes, including moving the main building to the point where there will be less parking in front.
Other structures have been shifted closer to the road, additional buffering has been added to help separate the property from a nearby mobile home park and a few other minor alterations.
“Last but not least, on the record plan, you will see that there is an easement in reserve for future sewer service," Jones said.
"Which is also a discussion point to ensure that properties along Trexlertown Road do maintain or have the ability, I should say, to connect in the future."
Township Engineer Bryan McAdams said that while his review of the project had technical points to address, “By and large, we’re comfortable with what’s here.”
McAdams said a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit still is needed, and is in the works.
A township and state Transportation Department review of some of the improvements also is needed, he said.
Public sewer extension
The subject of a public sewer extension that would sit within an easement at the south portion of the property also was addressed.
Officials said a note on the subject stated a post sanitary sewer easement could be relocated upon request from the township, subject to approval from the property owner.
"When this opportunity presented itself, we thought that this would be a very good location for us to still be close to most of our work.”Western Lehigh Services Vice President Jake Longenbach
That could happen if further connections to the public line are required in the future.
Western Lehigh Services Vice President Jake Longenbach previously said the company was growing at a good rate at its existing facility.
"When this opportunity presented itself, we thought that this would be a very good location for us to still be close to most of our work,” Longenbach said in October 2023.
Residents have previously expressed concerns over truck traffic along with noise and water pollution.
Those matters have been brought up in the dialogue between the township and the developer.
