WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — A revision of a retirement community’s sewage facilities plan for its expansion project can be submitted to the state for approval.
Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to authorize the submission.
The developer, Fellowship Community, wants to expand its facility with 24 luxury apartments over three buildings on its 67-acre campus along Mauch Chunk Road and Schadt Avenue.
Each apartment at The Suites at Fellowship Community would be 1,050-1,450 square feet.
The expansion requires addressing sewage facilities planning in accordance with Pennsylvania’s Act 537 Sewage Facilities Program.
Act 537 mandates comprehensive sewage facilities planning at the municipal level.
Municipalities such as Whitehall Township are responsible for developing and implementing official plans, sometimes called base plans or Act 537 plans, to address sewage disposal needs for existing and new developments.
Recreation fee hike
In other business Monday, new residential developments in the township will pay more in recreation fees.
Commissioners voted to amend and increase the fees only for new dwelling units.
Fees will increase from $2,500 to $4,200.
The fee is a charge that developers pay to the municipality instead of providing dedicated park land for a new residential development.
The fee is calculated to offset the increased demand for park and recreational facilities created by the new development. It is used by the township to acquire land or develop recreational facilities that will benefit the new residents and the community as a whole.
New developments increase the population, which, in turn, increases demand for public parks and recreational services. The fee helps cover the cost of providing these services for new residents.
Tax settlement agreement
Also, commissioners approved a tax settlement agreement among Lehigh County, Whitehall Township and Whitehall-Coplay School District and furniture store Raymour & Flanigan at the Whitehall Mall.
Raymour & Flanigan’s appeal of a real estate tax assessment will result in it paying $3,500 less in taxes annually.
