WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — A zoning amendment that would clear the way for construction of a Lehigh Valley Health Network medical facility and 190 residential units was advanced by the township board of commissioners Monday.
The zoning change request, which would redefine the 147-acre parcel in the area of Lehigh Street and MacArthur Road to an R-3 District from an R-2, will be reviewed by the township’s Legal and Legislative Committee.
The L&L Committee will review the request at its February meeting.
“This would address healthcare and housing in Whitehall,” Dan Quay, LVHN vice president of business development, told the board.
“We remain convinced health care is a good thing for Whitehall. But we obviously have a collaboration with a local developer looking to do residential on the site, as well.”
“I feel the northern part of this county deserves a hospital."Jeffrey Warren, president, Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners
The project first went before township commissioners a few years ago. The board suggested modifications then, which were made and led to the project resubmission.
A legal and legislative body creates local laws and ordinances, approves budgets, oversees city services, manages zoning and acts as a link between residents and city administration, ensuring local governance aligns with state/federal laws while addressing community needs.
“This is a nine-step process and we’re barely at the start,” said Graham Simmons, legal counsel for the applicant.
Forty-five acres have been targeted for a hospital and medical office center, Simmons said.
Quay could not say whether the hospital or the medical office center would be constructed first.
The residential units would be constructed on the remaining 102 acres.
Several board members were in favor of having a hospital built in the township. The nearest hospital to Whitehall — Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg, in Bethlehem — is 3.1 miles away.
“I feel the northern part of this county deserves a hospital,” Board President Jeffrey Warren said.
“I want a hospital that serves us now and in the future. I think it’s worth looking into this further.”
Sewage plan revision
Also Monday, commissioners unanimously passed a resolution for a submission to the state for approval of a sewage facilities plan revision for a land development project on MacArthur Road.
Whitehall MacArthur Road LLC has proposed to develop a parcel of land at 2150 MacArthur Road for a medical office building.
The township authorized the developer, Richard Thatcher, to submit the revision plan to the State Department of Environmental Protection for approval.
Reappointments
The following reappointments were approved:
Joseph Bonshak to the Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority through 2030.
Jonathan Bolton to the Planning Commission through 2029.
Jeffrey Warren to the Industrial Commercial Development Authority through 2030.
Janet Minnick to the Shade Tree Committee through 2028.
Boyd Kreglow to the Tax Appeals Board through 2028.
Douglas Sammak to the Water Authority through 2030.
John Gulycz and Allen Sandt, Jr. to the Building Code Board of Appeals.
Roger Reichard to the Zoning Hearing Board.
