NORTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Plans to renovate North Whitehall Township’s municipal building are officially moving forward.
The township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Monday to grant approval to the final plan for the township building renovations.
The plan went through the same land use review process as every other development in the township.
“We practice what we preach here in the township,” Township Manager Randy Cope said.
The project’s estimated cost is just over $5 million. It is slated to be finished by May 2025.
Cope said previously that construction is expected to begin in June. All township staff except the Public Works department will be relocated to a different building starting in May.
Cope said he is finalizing the lease on their new location and will announce it when the agreement is finalized.
The renovated building will have a larger meeting room in a different location, a multipurpose room and more office space.
The first floor will also have a vestibule with a transaction window for the tax collector’s office, with drop-off boxes and will be open to residents after hours.
The plan also uses the second-floor space, which now is vacant, and provides more space for growth, according to officials.
Other business
The Board of Supervisors discussed a new law that would allow township staff to address nuisances such as tall weeds faster than they currently can.
Under the measure, the township would issue a violation notice. If it is not resolved, the property owner would face a $1,000 fine and could face a continued fine for every day the nuisance is not addressed.
Board Chairman Al Geosits asked for minor changes to the ordinance, such as ensuring issues like noxious weeds are covered. The board tabled the vote on the ordinance until its March meeting.
“This is a vital addition to our township. It's well-needed."Public Works Director Rick Holtzman
The board also voted to appoint Robert Thomas to a new position of General Services Supervisor for the township Public Works Department at a salary of $80,000.
Township Public Works Director Rick Holtzman said Thomas has a lot of experience working with stormwater management, which is an important issue in the township.
“This is a vital addition to our township. It's well-needed,” Holtzman said.
Thomas will start on Feb. 12.
