LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — The Lower Macungie planning commission reviewed a proposal Tuesday for a development that would include the Lehigh Valley’s first Sprouts Farmers Market.
The Arizona-based natural grocery chain would anchor a three-building retail development at 2550 Route 100.
Developer Jaindl Land Company’s initial plans, submitted in April, included only one building housing Sprouts.
The version reviewed Tuesday includes two additional buildings: a 23,000-square-foot “retail center” and a 5,000-square-foot building pitched as a bank.
“This is a neighborhood retail development that we're thinking is going to be able to provide a lot of walkability and biking access.”Lower Macungie Township Planner Nathan Jones
Aside from Sprouts, the developer has not found specific tenants for the new buildings, planners were told.
Aside from new buildings, the proposed development includes a trail system that ties in with an existing network at the St. Luke’s University Health Network building next door, also owned by Jaindl.
At the opposite end, the trails connect to the intersection of Route 100 and the planned Sauerkraut Lane extension; they would give pedestrians access to all three new buildings plus St. Luke’s offices.
“This is a neighborhood retail development that we're thinking is going to be able to provide a lot of walkability and biking access,” township Planner Nathan Jones said.
Focus on facades
Much of the planning commission’s commentary focused on the buildings’ facades, as members asked the developer to design buildings that mesh well with each other and match the neighboring St. Luke’s medical office building.
Commissioners asked the developer to bring renderings of its proposed facade and landscaping designs to an upcoming meeting.
Representatives for the Jaindl Land Company will return to the planning commission’s next meeting for a more formal review.Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission
Rocco Caracciolo, representing Jaindl at Tuesday’s meeting, assured members and township staff that the whole four-building complex will look cohesive.
Because the commission only conducted a sketch plan review Tuesday, planning commission members offered comments on the design but did not take any official action.
Representatives for the Jaindl Land Company will return to the planning commission’s next meeting for a more formal review complete with written comment letters from township planning and engineering staff.
