UPPER SAUCON TWP., Pa. — A new welcome center DeSales University has proposed got an approved plan review Tuesday from Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's comprehensive planning committee.
The Upper Saucon Valley-based university has proposed a 7,760-square-foot welcome center to be built off Station Avenue, Regional Planner Joseph Dotta said at the meeting.
The committee approved review of the project without comment.
- Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's comprehensive planning committee reviewed and offered recommendations for DeSales University's proposed welcome center Tuesday
- The 7,760-square-foot project also would include pedestrian improvements to the area
- LVPC will review the proposal during its full commission meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 24
Vice President for Campus Environment Marc Albanese said the projected $7 million one-story building would feature a glass front, tiered seating outdoors with Adirondack chairs surrounding the area, and a pavilion with a fireplace.
“The Robert J. Breslin Welcome Center will be a gateway to campus, essentially the front porch of campus."Vice President for Campus Environment Marc Albanese
“The Robert J. Breslin Welcome Center will be a gateway to campus, essentially the front porch of campus," Albanese said in a statement.
"It will be a first stop for visitors and prospective students. It will house touchdown offices for our admissions office, alumni office, and career development center; it will feature a swag store and presentation rooms; and it will be used to host receptions.
"Students will also be able to use the flex space to study after business hours."
Crews plan to break ground next summer, with an expected opening date of summer 2025, Albanese confirmed.
Other improvements planned
Beyond the welcome center, the project also would include additional improvements to the area, including emergency access drives, extending and connecting a concrete walkway for pedestrians, a new driveway and other improvements at 2755 Station Ave.
"This creates accessibility for all individuals, and prevents the need for people to navigate through the parking lot where cars are pulling in and backing up."Regional Planner Joseph Dotta
“The LVPC commends the inclusion of crosswalks throughout the proposal and the extension of the existing pedestrian walkways to the proposed expansion,” Dotta said.
“The LVPC applauds the proposed sidewalk connection directly from the parking area in front of Americans with Disabilities Act parking spaces, which connect directly to the pedestrian pathway.
"This creates accessibility for all individuals, and prevents the need for people to navigate through the parking lot where cars are pulling in and backing up.
"This design also allows anyone using a mobility device to quickly access the walkway safely after parking, which supports universal design and helps ensure transportation accessibility for all persons."
The improved pedestrian network will let students, faculty, employees and visitors to safely navigate the campus, “which improves efficiency of existing infrastructure," Dotta said
Recommendations offered
The commission offered offer a handful of recommendations for the plan, including restricting access to the emergency access driveway from Preston Lane or Landis Mill Road and adding a barrier that could be removed as needed to help limit access, mitigating the risk of vehicles entering an area intended for pedestrians.
“The LVPC advises the applicant to ensure proper geotechnical testing prior to any development at this location to minimize environmental impacts of development to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public."Regional Planner Joseph Dotta
Dotta also pointed out maps provided by the Bureau of Topographic and Geological Survey at the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources indicated surface depressions on the site near Landis Mills Road and Station Avenue.
“The LVPC advises the applicant to ensure proper geotechnical testing prior to any development at this location to minimize environmental impacts of development to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public," Dotta said.
DeSales, a private, four-year Catholic university, encompasses a 550-acre campus in Center Valley, with 3,016 students enrolled, according to its website.
With the comprehensive planning committee approval of the plan and suggested recommendations, it will move forward to LVPC’s full commission meeting, which will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24.
