LEHIGH VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM Via Microsoft Teams AGENDA

DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WE WILL NOT BE MEETING IN-PERSON. THE MEETING CAN BE ACCESSED AT http://tiny.cc/FC2021mtgs OR VIA PHONE 610- 477-5793, Conf ID: 801 580 965#

Roll Call

Courtesy of Floor

Chairman’s Report

Minutes 1. ACTION ITEM: Minutes and Review of Roll Call Actions of the March 25, 2021 Commission Meeting (JW) (see page 3) a. Actions: i. Minutes of the February 25, 2021 Meeting ii. East Allen Township – LURS – Airport Road Commercial Park Warehouse iii. Upper Macungie Township – LURS – Yourway Facility Expansion iv. Comprehensive Planning Committee Summary Sheet v. Environment Committee Summary Sheet vi. City of Allentown – Street Vacation – S. Bryan Street vii. WBLV – Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Local Plan, Program Year 2021-2024 viii. Adjournment

Comprehensive Planning Committee: 1. Action Item: South Whitehall Township – Land Use of Regional Significance – Parkway Manor Elementary School (SS) (see page 12) 2. Action Item: Lower Macungie Township – Land Use of Regional Significance – Mertztown Residential Subdivision (JS) (see page 17) 3. Action Item: City of Bethlehem – Zoning Ordinance Amendment – OMU Zoning District Design Standards (JS) (see page 21) 4. Action Item: Comprehensive Planning Committee Summary Sheet (JS, SS) (see page 23)

1 Environment Committee: 1. Committee Summary (SR)

Transportation Committee: 1. Action Item: Allentown Street Vacation – Dale Street from Catasauqua Avenue to N. Brick Street and unopened part of N. Brick Street (SO) (see page 24)

Old Business: 1. INFORMATION ITEMS: Activity Reports: a. Monthly Subdivision, Land Development, Stormwater and Municipal Ordinance/Plans Report (BB) (see page 27) b. Quarterly Subdivision, Land Development Report (BB) (see page 28) c. COVID-19 Pandemic Highway Traffic Monitoring (BH) (see page 29)

New Business: 1. INFORMATION ITEM: Recognitions a. Coalition for Appropriate Transportation – Walk/RollLV: Active Transportation Plan b. Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence for Innovative Planning + Sound Land Use Practices for FutureLV: The Regional Plan (see page 33) i. Ceremony – May 19, 9:00 AM

Communications: 1. INFORMATION ITEM: Morning Call Business Cycle Column (MA) 2. INFORMATION ITEM: Monthly, Plan Lehigh Valley Talk Show on WDIY, Lehigh Valley Public Radio, 88.1! (MA)

Executive Director’s Report: 1. Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code Basic Training

Public Engagement and Participation: 1. Engagement and Participation (MA) (see page 35)

Next Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Meeting: Thursday, May 27 @ 7:00 pm

LEHIGH VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION

Minutes from the Thursday, March 25, 2021 Meeting

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LVPC held a virtual public meeting on Thursday March 25, 2021. The meeting was advertised in the Lehigh Valley Press on December 28, 2020.

Mr. Zebrowski chaired the meeting.

Ms. Winton took Roll Call.

Members in Attendance:

Lehigh County Geoff Brace, Percy Dougherty, Bob Elbich, Michael Gibson, Steven Glickman, Michael Harakal, Kent Herman, Richard Molchany, Joyce Moore, Christina Morgan, Kathy Rader, Joshua Seigel and Kevin Schmidt

Northampton County Christopher Amato, Liesel Dreisbach, Andrew Elliott, Charlies Elliott, Mike Gibson, Susan Lawless, Carl Manges, William McGee, John McGorry, Stephen Melnick, David O’Connell, Pamela Pearson, Tina Smith, Gerald Yob and Greg Zebrowski

Members Absent:

Lehigh County Ce-Ce Gerlach, Jamie Johnson, Leonard Lightner, Owen O’Neil and Stephen Repasch

Northampton County Janell Connolly, Malissa Davis, Darlene Heller, Kevin Lott, and Spirit Rutzler

Staff Present: Matt Assad, Becky Bradley, Michael Hanes, Brian Hite, Simon Okumu, Tracy Oscavich, Sue Rockwell, Jill Seitz, Samantha Smith, and Jennifer Winton

Public Present: Liesel Gross, Walter Hungarter, Erin Keller, James Sieracki, Charles Volk and Jeff Ward

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR Ms. Keller stated that she would like to discuss the NIZ and the ANIZDA Board’s effect on housing costs in the City of Allentown. Ms. Keller referenced the March 24 article in the morning call regarding housing costs and income to rent ratio. Mr. Zebrowski stated that the LVPC provided that data for the article and will present on that information later in the meeting. Ms. Keller stated that she will defer her comments until after the LVPC presentation.

MINUTES Mr. Zebrowski stated that the minutes of the February 25, 2021 LVPC meeting are attached. Ms. Smith made a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. McGee seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT None this month.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Comprehensive Planning Committee Mr. Melnick presented the March Comprehensive Committee items with staff presenting information.

1. East Allen Township – Land Use of Regional Significance – Airport Road Commercial Park Warehouse Ms. Seitz reviewed the Land Use of Regional Significance for East Allen Township. The project proposes to demolish an existing strip mall and commercial park and construct a 452,400-sq. ft. warehouse at the southwest corner of the intersection of Airport Road and Nor- Bath Boulevard. Ms. Seitz stated that the overall project location is reasonably able to accommodate development, however the proposal is generally inconsistent with FutureLV due to the lack of sewer and adequate transportation infrastructure that would otherwise mitigate adverse impacts to the community and are essential to the long-term success of the development. Mr. Melnick stated that in the strip center there are four existing businesses that are likely to be impacted by the demolition of this site and that there is no mention of what is going to happen to the businesses that are going to be displaced by this project. Mr. Amato stated that he has a number of concerns about the project and shared his sentiments. Mr. Elbich expressed his sentiments for the site’s history with small businesses and stated his agreement with the LVPC comments. Mr. Zebrowski stated that the staff should address that Northampton County has put significant monies into the Nor-Bath Trail and that this project would present a hazard to those on the trail. Mr. Zebrowski also shared additional comments with the Commission regarding cost-benefit analyses and the importance of local incubator spaces in the Lehigh Valley. Ms. Bradley stated that the vote on the letter would be that the Commission is not in support of the project. Ms. Bradley also stated that CBRE released an analysis on the cost per square foot for existing warehouse facilities and shared that information with the Commission. Mr. McGorry asked if there was some way that Lehigh and Northampton County could increase the land value in the region to discourage warehouse development. Mr. Zebrowski stated that the Lehigh Valley is marketed as the place to come and place to be and we are now bearing the up and down-side of development because of that. Mr. Molchany stated that the project is in the worst possible location unless the township requires infrastructure improvements, and that Bath Borough is not prepared for the impacts of this site. Mr. McGee stated that it appears the project is setting the foundation for a new industrial park. Mr. Charles Elliott inquired about Ms. Bradley’s previous information regarding CBRE’s findings and the net revenue. Ms. Bradley stated that she will get back to Mr. Elliott after double checking the report. Ms. Rader stated that the curse is the location of the region. Ms. Rader continued by stating that with the lessened interest in generational farming, farmers are selling their land as their retirement funds. Ms. Rader concluded by stating that review of the Municipalities Planning Code is essential for the Commission members as they need to understand what the MPC allows municipalities to control and not control is essential to the role of the Commission. Mr. Ward asked if the Commission’s per-view extends to weighing alternate proposal options. Ms. Bradley stated that it does not according to the Municipalities Planning Code. Ms. Keller shared her sentiments regarding warehouses and their impact to

the region. Mr. Glickman asked if the warehouse across the street is in the same Township and that the comments for that review were similar to those proposed for this project. Ms. Seitz confirmed that both projects are located in the same township and that the development across the street was also determined as inconsistent. Mr. McGee made a motion to approve the staff comments. Ms. Moore seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

2. Upper Macungie Township – Land Use of Regional Significance – Yourway Facility Expansion Ms. Smith Reviewed the Land Use of Regional Significance for Upper Macungie Township. The project proposes a total of 163,316 square feet of improvements at the existing pharmaceutical facility located on Snowdrift Road, including an expansion of the existing building, construction of a pharmaceutical distribution and storage facility and a new testing facility. The proposal is in a Development area of the General Land Use Plan and is generally consistent with FutureLV as the uses and size of the proposed expansion serves to ‘match development intensity with sustainable infrastructure capacity’ (of Policy 1.1) and ‘promote next generation manufacturing and technology’ (of Policy 4.2). Mr. Molchany made a motion to approve the staff comments. Ms. Dreisbach seconded the motion. With Ms. Rader abstaining from the vote, the motion passed.

3. Comprehensive Committee Summary Sheet Mr. Melnick stated that the Comprehensive Planning Committee Summary Sheet is in the packet for review. Mr. Dougherty made a motion to approve the summary sheet. Mr. Elbich seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Environment Committee Mr. Repasch was not present at the March meeting. Mr. Zebrowski presented the report for the Environment Committee with staff providing information.

1. Environment Committee Summary Sheet Mr. Zebrowski stated that the Environment Committee Summary Sheet is in the packet for review. Mr. Charles Elliott made the motion to approve the summary sheet. Ms. Moore seconded the motion. Ms. Morgan abstained from voting on the Plainfield Township item. Mr. Herman abstained from voting on the Lehigh County Authority item. The motion passed.

Transportation Committee Mr. Herman presented the report for the Transportation Committee with staff providing information.

1. Transportation Committee Summary Sheet Mr. Herman stated that the Transportation Committee Summary Sheet is in the packet for review. Ms. Keller asked why the City of Allentown was vacating S. Bryan Street. Mr. Herman stated that it was a private request from the citizen for parking. Mr. Herman made a motion to approve the summary sheet. Ms. Pearson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

2. Transportation Committee Report Mr. Hanes shared a brief summary of the Transportation Committee presentations that occurred at the March 25 Transportation Committee Meeting. Mr. Hanes also stated that the Comment period on Pennsylvania’s Transportation Plan is open until April 14, 2021 and encouraged the Commissioners to complete the survey and that the team would follow up with a link to the survey.

OLD BUSINESS 1. Monthly Activity Report Ms. Bradley presented information on the February Monthly BuildLV: Subdivision and Land Development Report. The report will be distributed publicly around the 15th of each month and is available at lvpc.org. Mr. Hite reviewed the Traffic Count data with the Commission as well.

NEW BUSINESS 1. Workforce Board Lehigh Valley – Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Local Plan, Program Year 2021-2024 Ms. Oscavich stated that the Lehigh Valley’s Workforce Development System Roadmap allows for the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley’s vision, mission, and goals to align and integrate with state and local plans that identify workforce development to create a comprehensive workforce system. The WBLV local plan looks to improve the region’s workforce system and identifies solutions to the issues of our region today. The Local plan also identifies foals to achieve a holistic workforce system that meets the needs of employers and employees in the Lehigh Valley. Ms. Oscavich continued by stating that through partnership and collaboration, FutureLV offers support of the WBLV’s draft local plan as it is consistent with many parts of FutureLV as noted in the letter located in the meeting packet. Mr. Zebrowski asked for a motion to approve the staff comments on the WBLV’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Local Plan. Mr. Harakal made the motion to approve the staff comments. Mr. O’Connell seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

2. Housing Updates Mr. Zebrowski asked if Ms. Keller if she would like to share her comments prior to the housing presentation. Ms. Keller shared her concerns with the NIZ and ANIZDA board regarding equity in the City of Allentown. Mr. Zebrowski thanks Ms. Keller for her comments and asked that Ms. Bradley and her team begin their presentation. Ms. Bradley, Ms. Seitz and Ms. Smith presented various housing updates with the Commission ranging from jobs and housing at risk to an analysis of the rising housing costs and planning for the new normal. Ms. Bradley began the presentation with an overview of the COVID-19 Pandemic’s impact on the global economy and the effects on housing and employment in the Lehigh Valley. As a result of CARES Act funding, the LVPC was able to further their housing work and complete a Jobs and Housing Assessment by school district to provide a picture of where the Valley is today, where it is likely to go and what actions communities can and should take to ease the burden facing our neighborhoods. Ms. Smith and Ms. Seitz reviewed the housing ownership and rental market on a regional perspective for the Commission, including a review of the DATALV Housing page and its interactive mapping tools that can be accessed at lvpc.org. Ms. Bradley concluded the presentation by inviting the Commission and Public to attend the April 15 WorkshopLV: Housing meeting which with discuss next steps as the pressures of population growth, rapidly increasing housing costs and unit shortages converge with the post-pandemic economy.

COMMUNICATIONS 1. Morning Call Business Cycle Column Mr. Assad state that the latest column was published on Sunday, March 14 and discussed the Lehigh Valley’s development in 2020. The next column is scheduled to

publish on Sunday, April 25 and will discuss housing and take a closer look at the rising costs, unit shortages and progression through the year.

2. Monthly, Plan Lehigh Valley Talk Show on WDIY Mr. Assad reminded the Commission that March 31 will be the LVPC’s first taping for the new WDIY 88.1 FM Lehigh Valley Public Radio Show, Plan Lehigh Valley. It will run at 6:30 pm on the first Monday of every month. The first show airs April 15.

3. LV Business Journal Monthly BuildLV: Report Mr. Assad stated that LVPC is developing a regular partnership with Lehigh Valley Business and that every month development statistics will be provided to Lehigh Valley Business and have a regular place in their print edition. This will we a similar print to the Development Snapshots on the LVPC webpage and it will begin publishing with the Lehigh Valley Business’s March 29 issue.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT 1. Governor’s Transportation Revenue Options Commission Ms. Bradley stated that the Transportation Revenue Options Commission was established in March 2021 through an Executive Order signed by Governor Tom Wolf. This Commission will develop comprehensive funding recommendations for Pennsylvania’s vast transportation network. Ms. Bradley stated that the Commission is comprised of stakeholders from both the public and private sectors and is chaired by PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. Ms. Bradley continued by giving a brief summary of the March 25 meeting and notified the Commission as updates on the RTOC’s work develop.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mr. Assad announced the upcoming engagement opportunities and Mr. Hite shared on the Commission’s efforts to support the community through an office wide food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank.

ADJOURNMENT Mr. Zebrowski stated that the next LVPC meeting is set to be virtual. Mr. Zebrowski asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Molchany made the motion. Mr. Zebrowski seconded the motion and adjourned.

Submitted by: Becky Bradley, AICP, Executive Director Jennifer Winton, Executive Secretary

7 1

LVPC FULL COMMISSION Thursday, March 25, 2021 Meeting E-Mail Ballot Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Restricting In-Person Interactions*

ACTION 1 ACTION 2 East Allen Township - LURS - Airport Road Minutes of the February 25, 2021 Meeting Commerical Park Warehouse

Commissioner Yay Nay Abstain Commissioner Yay Nay Abstain Geoff Brace X Geoff Brace X Percy Dougherty X Percy Dougherty X Bob Elbich X Bob Elbich X Mike Gibson X Mike Gibson X Steven Glickman X Steven Glickman X CeCe Gerlach CeCe Gerlach Michael Harakal X Michael Harakal X Kent Herman X Kent Herman X Jamie Johnson Jamie Johnson Richard Molchany X Richard Molchany X Christina Morgan X Christina Morgan X Joyce Moore X Joyce Moore 2nd Owen O'Neil Owen O'Neil Kathy Rader X Kathy Rader X Stephen Repasch Stephen Repasch Joshua Seigel X Joshua Seigel X Kevin Schmidt X Kevin Schmidt X Leonard Lightner Leonard Lightner Christopher Amato X Christopher Amato X Janell Connolly Janell Connolly Malissa Davis Malissa Davis Liesel Dreisbach X Liesel Dreisbach X Charles Elliot X Charles Elliot X Andrew Elliott X Andrew Elliott X Darlene Heller Darlene Heller Susan Lawless X Susan Lawless X Kevin Lott Kevin Lott Carl Manges X Carl Manges X William McGee 2nd William McGee 1st John McGorry X John McGorry X Stephen Melnick X Stephen Melnick X David O'Connell X David O'Connell X Pam Pearson X Pam Pearson X Spirit Rutzler Spirit Rutzler Tina Smith 1st Tina Smith X Gerald Yob X Gerald Yob X Greg Zebrowski X Greg Zebrowski X Totals 27 Totals 27

*LVPC Bylaws State, "In special circumstances, where the action of the Executive Committee is required prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting, the Chair may authorize a special mail, electronic or telephone ballot. A majority of the votes by said ballot shall authorize said action. A record shall be kept of the aye and nay responses to said ballot and shall be reported and ratified at the next regularly scheduled meeting." (Article VII., §4 §§d)

8 2

LVPC FULL COMMISSION Thursday, March 25, 2021 Meeting E-Mail Ballot Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Restricting In-Person Interactions

ACTION 3 ACTION 4 Upper Macungie Township - LURS - Yourway Comprehensive Planning Committee Summary Facility Expansion Sheet

Commissioner Yay Nay Abstain Commissioner Yay Nay Abstain Geoff Brace X Geoff Brace X Percy Dougherty X Percy Dougherty 1st Bob Elbich X Bob Elbich 2nd Mike Gibson X Mike Gibson X Steven Glickman X Steven Glickman X CeCe Gerlach CeCe Gerlach Michael Harakal X Michael Harakal X Kent Herman X Kent HermanAbstained - LCA Item X Jamie Johnson Jamie Johnson Richard Molchany 1st Richard Molchany X Christina Morgan X Christina MorganAbstained - Plainfield Item X Joyce Moore X Joyce Moore X Owen O'Neil Owen O'Neil Kathy Rader X Kathy Rader X Stephen Repasch Stephen Repasch Joshua Seigel X Joshua Seigel X Kevin Schmidt X Kevin Schmidt X Leonard Lightner Leonard Lightner Christopher Amato X Christopher Amato X Janell Connolly Janell Connolly Malissa Davis Malissa Davis Liesel Dreisbach 2nd Liesel Dreisbach X Charles Elliot X Charles Elliot X Andrew Elliott X Andrew Elliott X Darlene Heller Darlene Heller Susan Lawless X Susan Lawless X Kevin Lott Kevin Lott Carl Manges X Carl Manges X William McGee X William McGee X John McGorry X John McGorry X Stephen Melnick X Stephen Melnick X David O'Connell X David O'Connell X Pam Pearson X Pam Pearson X Spirit Rutzler Spirit Rutzler Tina Smith X Tina Smith X Gerald Yob X Gerald Yob X Greg Zebrowski X Greg Zebrowski X Totals 26 1 Totals 25 2

9 3

LVPC FULL COMMISSION Thursday, March 25, 2021 Meeting E-Mail Ballot Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Restricting In-Person Interactions

ACTION 5 ACTION 6

South Bryan Street Vacation - City of Allentown Environment Committee Summary Sheet

Commissioner Yay Nay Abstain Commissioner Yay Nay Abstain Geoff Brace X Geoff Brace X Percy Dougherty X Percy Dougherty X Bob Elbich X Bob Elbich X Mike Gibson X Mike Gibson X Steven Glickman X Steven Glickman X CeCe Gerlach CeCe Gerlach Michael Harakal X Michael Harakal X Kent Herman X Kent Herman 1st Jamie Johnson Jamie Johnson Richard Molchany X Richard Molchany X Christina Morgan X Christina Morgan X Joyce Moore 2nd Joyce Moore X Owen O'Neil Owen O'Neil Kathy Rader X Kathy Rader X Stephen Repasch Stephen Repasch Joshua Seigel X Joshua Seigel X Kevin Schmidt X Kevin Schmidt X Leonard Lightner Leonard Lightner Christopher Amato X Christopher Amato X Janell Connolly Janell Connolly Malissa Davis Malissa Davis Liesel Dreisbach X Liesel Dreisbach X Charles Elliot 1st Charles Elliot X Andrew Elliott X Andrew Elliott X Darlene Heller Darlene Heller Susan Lawless X Susan Lawless X Kevin Lott Kevin Lott Carl Manges X Carl Manges X William McGee X William McGee X John McGorry X John McGorry X Stephen Melnick X Stephen Melnick X David O'Connell X David O'Connell X Pam Pearson X Pam Pearson X Spirit Rutzler Spirit Rutzler Tina Smith X Tina Smith X Gerald Yob X Gerald Yob X Greg Zebrowski X Greg Zebrowski X Totals 27 Totals 27

10 4

LVPC FULL COMMISSION Thursday, March 25, 2021 Meeting E-Mail Ballot Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Restricting In-Person Interactions

ACTION 7 ACTION 8 Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, Workforce Innovation and Adjournment Opportunity Act Local Plan, Program Year 2021-2024

Commissioner Yay Nay Abstain Commissioner Yay Nay Abstain Geoff Brace X Geoff Brace Had to leave meeting early Percy Dougherty X Percy Dougherty X Bob Elbich X Bob Elbich X Mike Gibson X Mike Gibson X Steven Glickman X Steven Glickman X CeCe Gerlach CeCe Gerlach Michael Harakal 1st Michael Harakal X Kent Herman X Kent Herman X Jamie Johnson Jamie Johnson Richard Molchany X Richard Molchany 1st Christina Morgan X Christina Morgan X Joyce Moore X Joyce Moore X Owen O'Neil Owen O'Neil Kathy Rader X Kathy Rader X Stephen Repasch Stephen Repasch Joshua Seigel X Joshua Seigel X Kevin Schmidt X Kevin Schmidt X Leonard Lightner Leonard Lightner Christopher Amato X Christopher Amato X Janell Connolly Janell Connolly Malissa Davis Malissa Davis Liesel Dreisbach X Liesel Dreisbach X Charles Elliot X Charles Elliot X Andrew Elliott X Andrew Elliott X Darlene Heller Darlene Heller Susan Lawless X Susan Lawless X Kevin Lott Kevin Lott Carl Manges X Carl Manges X William McGee X William McGee X John McGorry X John McGorry X Stephen Melnick X Stephen Melnick X David O'Connell 2nd David O'Connell X Pam Pearson X Pam Pearson X Spirit Rutzler Spirit Rutzler Tina Smith X Tina Smith X Gerald Yob X Gerald Yob X Greg Zebrowski X Greg Zebrowski 2nd Totals 27 Totals 26

April 1, 2021

Mr. David Manhardt, Director Community Development Department South Whitehall Township 4444 Walbert Avenue Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104

RE: Parkway Manor Elementary School Student Drop-Off Improvements – Land Use of Regional Significance South Whitehall Township Lehigh County

Dear Mr. Manhardt:

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) will consider the subject application at its Comprehensive Planning Committee and Full Commission meetings, pursuant to the requirements of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). Discussion on agenda items largely happens during the Committee meeting. Both meetings are virtual, and we encourage your participation. The LVPC will issue a follow-up letter after the Commission meeting if Commission members have any additional comments. Meeting participation details are below:

• LVPC Comprehensive Planning Committee Meeting o April 20, 2021 at 12:00 PM o https://lvpc.org/meetings.html • LVPC Full Commission Meeting o April 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM o https://lvpc.org/meetings.html

The subject application is considered a Land Use of Regional Significance under FutureLV: The Regional Plan as an educational facility. The subject application proposes the construction of a new student drop-off facility to replace existing, undersized infrastructure. The project is located at 768 Parkway Road (parcel number 547696166892).

This proposal is generally consistent with FutureLV: The Regional Plan because it is located in a Development area of the General Land Use Plan, a Multimodal Accessibility

Buffer of the Transportation Plan and serves to ‘improve transportation performance measures’ (of Policy 2.6) through quality, sustainable design (of Policy 1.2).

The LVPC offers the following additional comments:

Traffic Management and Safety The LVPC applauds the proposal, which is designed to improve traffic management on the project site through inclusion of on-site vehicle stacking and will reduce congestion in the adjacent Parkway Road. The proposed design serves as an example of how an educational facility can simultaneously ‘right-size transportation infrastructure projects’ (of Policy. 2.2) and ‘promote context-specific design solutions’ (of Policy 5.4).

Multimodal Accessibility The LVPC commends inclusion of the proposed sidewalk along the Parkway Road, which serves to ‘support pedestrian-scale development’ (of Policy 1.2) and allows for access to the nearby Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) transit stop at the intersection with Tilghman Street.

Bicycle storage racks are encouraged within the site are encouraged to strengthen bicycle infrastructure (of Policy 5.3).

Transportation Considerations Tilghman Street, which is in close proximity to the project site through the intersection with Parkway Road, is a high-volume corridor. Additionally, the corridor is identified as a 2040 Congested Corridor in the Congestion Management Process plan. The proposal’s design will mitigate impacts to Tilghman Street through its implementation of traffic-calming measures (of Policy 5.1).

The LVPC notes that there is an interchange improvement project for Route 309, from the Interstate 78 interchange ramps to the Route 22 interchange ramps. Associated improvements to Tilghman Street begin at the intersection with Parkway Road.

Green Design The location of proposed sidewalks along Parkway Road intentionally avoids existing, mature trees so that they can be retained. This design is commendable and serves to ‘mitigate the effects of climate change’ (of Policy 1.3) and ‘minimize environmental impacts of development to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public (Policy 3.2).

The LVPC has copied appropriate representatives from neighboring municipalities for this land use of regional significance to ‘coordinate land use decisions across municipal boundaries’ (Policy 1.4).

Municipalities, when considering subdivision/land developments, should reasonably attempt to be consistent with FutureLV: The Regional Plan, as required by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) [Article 1§105, Article III§303, §304 & §306(a), Article VI§603(j)]. The LVPC review does not include an in-depth examination of plans relative to subdivision design standards or ordinance requirements since these items are covered in the municipal review.

If this proposal moves forward for approval, please call or email myself or another Community Planning staff person for information on how to obtain LVPC signatures on the final plans.

Sincerely, Samantha Smith Samantha Smith Chief Community Planner

cc: Renee C. Bickel, SPHR, South Whitehall Township Manager Gregg Adams, South Whitehall Township Planner Scott Pidcock, PE, South Whitehall Township Engineer Anthony Tallarida, PE, South Whitehall Township Engineer David Keppel, Parkland School District Director School Services Jonathan Rogers, EIT, KCE Inc. Scott Pasterski, PE, KCE Inc. Irene Woodward, Allentown Director of Planning & Zoning Thomas Beil, Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission Chair Lee A. Rackus, Whitehall Township Planning, Zoning & Development Bureau Chief Brian Horwith, North Whitehall Planning Commission Chair Charles Deprill, Upper Macungie Planning Commission Chair Molly Wood, LANTA Planner/Land Use Specialist Garrett Cook, Lehigh County Conservation District Engineer Geoffrey Reese, LVPC Director of Environmental Planning

ATTACHMENT 1

Act 167 Drainage Plan Review

April 1, 2021

Re: Parkway Manor Elementary School Student Drop-off Improvements Plans Dated March 3, 2021 South Whitehall Township Lehigh County

The proposed storm drainage concept presented in the plans dated March 3, 2021 and storm drainage calculations dated February 23, 2021 has been reviewed for consistency with the Little Lehigh Creek Watershed Act 167 Storm Water Management Ordinance, June 1999. A checklist of the Act 167 review items is attached for your information. As indicated on the checklist, each item of the Drainage Plan has been reviewed for consistency with the Act 167 Ordinance. A brief narrative of the review findings is as follows:

The proposed development is located within drainage district 176 of the Little Lehigh Creek Watershed as delineated in the Act 167 Plan. As such, the runoff control criteria for the site are a 30% Release Rate for the 2-year storm and a 70% Release Rate for the 10-, 25- and 100-year return period storms. Based on review of the plans and calculations, the following deficiencies are noted. The drainage areas used for the pre-and post-development calculations need to match. The point of interest numbering is incorrect on the post- development drainage area map. The impervious cover associated with drainage areas 3 and 4 need to be verified. The 427.5 elevation contour used for calculating the volume of the pond in point of interest 1 needs to be shown on the plans, and the basin should be routed for the 10- through 100-year events. The calculations need to verify that the 15-inch pipe connecting the two parts of the detention basin is sufficient to equalize flow between the basins. The summary table for drainage point 2 needs to be clarified as a simple pre- versus post- development comparison. Therefore, the Drainage Plan has been found to be inconsistent with the Act 167 requirements.

Note that only those details of the Drainage Plan included on the checklist have been covered by this review. Therefore, notable portions of the Drainage Plan not reviewed include any aspect of the post- construction storm water management plan concerning water quality, the details and design of any proposed water quality BMPs, the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan and the details of the runoff collection system (piping). These items are reviewed by the municipal engineer and/or others, as applicable.

Once the outlined issues have been addressed, the revised plans, completed application form and appropriate review fee will need to be resubmitted to our office. Please call me with any questions regarding these comments.

Sincerely yours,

Geoffrey A. Reese, PE Director of Environmental Planning

LVPC ACT 167 REVIEW CHECKLIST

Development Name: Parkway Manor E.S. Student Drop-off Improvements Watershed: Little Lehigh Creek Municipality: South Whitehall Township Reviewer: Geoffrey A. Reese, PE Date: April 1, 2021 Checked by:

Consistency Ordinance w/Ordinance Reference Item Yes No N/A Comment

301.A-G. General storm water management requirements...... X / /

H. Consideration of volume controls ...... X / / 302.A,B. Applicable Storm Water Management Provisions

Subarea(s) 176 30%/70% Criteria RR Criteria Key: RR = release rate; CND = conditional no detention

303.A. Design consistency with applicable provisions from 302.A. and B ...... / X / See Attachment 1 for details. B. Mapping of Storm Water Management District Boundaries ...... X / / C. Downstream capacity analysis ...... / / X D. Multiple discharge points within a single subarea ...... / X / See Attachment 1 for details. E,F. Multiple discharge points within multiple subareas ...... / / X K. Documentation of no increase in peak or volume ...... / / X L. Documentation of “no harm” downstream ...... / / X M. Regional or subregional detention analysis ...... / / X N. Capacity improvements analysis ...... / / X

304.A. Computation method (rational or soil-cover-complex) ...... X / / Soil-cover-complex method used. B. Verification of detention design by routing ...... / X / See Attachment 1 for details. C. Minimum detention pond freeboard specifications ...... / X / See Attachment 1 for details. E. Soil-cover-complex method design rainfall ...... X / / F. Rainfall intensities for rational method ...... / / X G. Curve Numbers for soil-cover-complex method ...... / X / See Attachment 1 for details. H. Runoff coefficients for the rational method ...... / / X I. Volume control storage volume ...... / / X K. Common time of concentration ...... / / X L. Manning equation to calculate watercourse capacity ...... X / /

403. Drainage Plan Contents ...... / X / See Attachment 1 for details.

April 14, 2021

Mr. Thomas Beil, Chair Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission 3400 Brookside Road Macungie, Pennsylvania 18062

RE: Mertztown Residential Subdivision – Land Use of Regional Significance Lower Macungie Township Lehigh County

Dear Mr. Beil:

• LVPC Comprehensive Planning Committee Meeting o April 20, 2021 at 12:00 PM o Meeting information: https://www.lvpc.org/meetings.html • LVPC Full Commission Meeting o April 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM o Meeting information: https://www.lvpc.org/meetings.html

The subject application is considered a Land Use of Regional Significance under FutureLV: The Regional Plan as a large residential development greater than 300 units. The subject application proposes to construct a residential community consisting of 264 single-family detached dwellings and 136 townhouses at Mertztown Road and Butz Road (parcel numbers 545492191847 and 546403301298).

The project site is located within the Preservation Buffer of the General Land Use Plan of FutureLV: The Regional Plan, which are areas where preservation is preferable, however certain factors may be present that are able to accommodate additional development. The subject location is capable of accommodating the proposed development due to the availability of public utility infrastructure, and the site is contiguous to existing development. Additionally, the existing zoning designation of ‘Urban’ and ‘Urban Residential Overlay’ zoning districts on the site indicates the Township’s anticipation of development in this location. However, certain aspects of the proposal that will increase the long-term viability of the project for both the

Township and developer present the opportunity for improvement:

Housing Attainability and Equity Considerations The LVPC’s 2020 Equity Analysis indicates that the proposed development is located within a Census Tract (63.02) that overall has Very High access to opportunity. Additionally, the project site is located in proximity to existing industrial developments that offer relatively lower-wage job opportunities.

The LVPC commends the diverse range of housing types included in the proposal and strongly encourages the Township to work with the developer to ensure housing opportunities are accessible for a wide range of individuals and households at a variety of income levels. FutureLV advocates for communities to ‘promote mixed-income neighborhoods’, and this location provides an opportunity to ‘expand housing options near employment areas’ (of Policy 4.5).

Transportation Impacts The LVPC reviewed a traffic impact study (TIS) for the proposal, originally submitted in 2014. The project is anticipated to generate an average of 3,527 trips per day, 638 fewer trips than the original proposal, based on the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual, 10th Edition. The LVPC encourages the Township to consider roadway and traffic control-related improvements that would help to mitigate these impacts and improve the level of service for affected corridors and intersections, to ‘support the expansion of technology, communications and utilities to reduce travel demands and optimize traffic flow’ (of Policy 2.5).

The LVPC commends the proposed extensions of Travers and Bridgeton Roads, connecting the project to the adjacent residential development, which ‘encourage an interconnected street network’ (of Policy 2.2).

Multimodal Accessibility The LVPC commends the applicant for the thorough inclusion of sidewalks along the proposed internal roadways and recommends extension of the internal sidewalks along the property frontages. Butz Road, in particular, should be improved with the same shoulder width as exists for a small portion of the road south of Ash Lane. Additional sidewalks along this roadway would encourage multimodal transportation opportunities and ‘promote safe and secure community design’ (Policy 5.1).

Project Site

The LVPC commends the pedestrian trail proposed in the southeastern portion of the site that both ‘creates community spaces that promote physical and mental health’ and facilitates improved connections to the proposed regional land trail along the Little Lehigh Creek (Policy 5.3).

Open Space and Sustainability The applicant is to be commended for the inclusion of street trees and the integration of natural landscaping throughout open space areas within the project site which serve to ‘reduce climate change impacts through mitigation and adaptation’ (Policy 3.4). Further inclusion of outdoor amenities such as benches and gazebos would encourage use and enjoyment throughout the year. These outdoor amenities and recreational opportunities provide widespread access to green spaces that support the physical and mental health of residents and visitors alike (of Policy 5.3).

A portion of the project site is located within a floodplain; however, the additional area of the project site is highly prone to flooding, only to be made worse by the substantial increase in impervious surface as the region’s climate turns wetter and wetter. The LVPC strongly recommends that the developer consider opportunities to incorporate green infrastructure into the project design, such as pervious pavements, to ‘minimize environmental impacts of development to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public’ (Policy 3.2).

Stormwater The project site is located within the Little Lehigh Creek Watershed. This watershed has a

fully implemented Act 167 Stormwater Management Ordinance. Comments relative to our review of the project’s stormwater management plan are included as Attachment 1.

The LVPC has copied appropriate representatives from all adjacent municipalities and Southwest Lehigh County Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan partner agencies in order to further ‘coordinate land use decisions across municipal boundaries’ (of Policy 1.4).

Should this proposal move forward for approval, please call or email myself or another Community Planning staff person for information on how to obtain LVPC signatures on the final plans.

Sincerely,

Jillian Seitz Senior Community Planner

cc: Nathan Jones, Lower Macungie Township Director of Planning/Community Development; Bryan McAdam, PE, Lower Macungie Township Engineer (CKS Engineers); Brent Tucker, PE, Pidcock Company; Howard Kutzler, Jaindl Land Company; Sharon Trexler, Alburtis Borough Manager; Michael Gibson, Emmaus Borough Planning Commission Chair; Emily Fucci, Lower Milford Zoning and Planning Director; Robert Glisson, Macungie Borough Manager; Brian Miller, Upper Milford Planning Coordinator; Charles Deprill, Upper Macungie Township Planning Commission Chair; David Manhardt, South Whitehall Township Planning Director; Kerry Rabold, Salisbury Township Planning/Zoning Officer

April XX, 2021

Darlene Heller, AICP Director of Planning and Zoning 10 East Church Street Bethlehem, PA 18018

RE: Zoning Ordinance Amendment – OMU Zoning District Design Standards (ADDITIONAL LVPC COMMENTS) City of Bethlehem Northampton County

Dear Ms. Heller:

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) considered the subject application at its Comprehensive Planning Committee and Full Commission meetings, pursuant to the requirements of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). Discussion from those meetings has resulted in the following revisions to the review letter issued on April 7, 2021 to reflect the comments of the Commission members.

The privately proposed zoning ordinance amendment refers specifically to a property located at 1170 8th Avenue, a key redevelopment site that is one of the most accessible locations in the region that poses significant impacts on the community character, identify and quality of life for both the City and Lehigh Valley.

The proposal is generally inconsistent with FutureLV: The Regional Plan because the presented amendments would result in suburban-scale development patterns that are not consistent with the character of the City or conducive to multimodal accessibility. Specifically, the proposal to allow additional parking between a building and arterial street does not ‘promote context-specific design solutions’ (of Policy 5.4) and would reduce safety and accessibility for pedestrians and transit users (of Policy 2.3). The LVPC strongly encourages reinvestment in this commercial area (of Policy 4.6) that is at a pedestrian scale (of Policy 1.2), in order for the future development to complement the unique history, environment, culture and needs of the Valley and City (Policy 5.4).

Although the amendments are intended for a specific site, the proposal would affect the entirety of the Office Mixed-Use (OMU) Zoning District, including any properties that may be zoned as OMU in the future. Amending the City Zoning Ordinance in the interest of a specific site and development does not align with best practices in planning (of Policy 1.4). Because the proposed amendment, if adopted would affect more than one property, and this zoning amendment proposal is directly related to a development proposed for a specific site, the LVPC recommends the developer seek a variance from the Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board, where the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code directs requests for relief. Following the legally-defined process for site-specific zoning issues supports ‘an efficient development process that is responsive to regional needs’ (Policy 1.4) without causing potential adverse effects to the entire zoning district and adjacent neighborhood.

Municipalities, when considering ordinance and map amendments, should reasonably attempt to be consistent with FutureLV: The Regional Plan, as required by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) [Article 1§105, Article III§303, §304 & §306(a), Article VI§603(j)]. Please send a copy of any final amendments that are adopted, per the requirements of the MPC.

If you have any questions regarding the content of this letter, please do not hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

Jillian Seitz Senior Community Planner cc: Robert Vidoni, Esq., City Clerk Judy Kelechava, Assistant City Clerk

Project Review Summary Sheet

Comprehensive Planning Committee Date: April 2021

Project Municipality Brief Statement of Purpose LVPC Comment

Multi-Family Development in CB and CL District: Generally consistent FutureLV – Zoning Proposes to extend regulatory scale, density and City of Supports ‘an efficient development process Ordinance parking exemptions for multi-family developments Bethlehem that is responsive to regional needs’ (Policy Amendment to the Central Business (CB) and Neighborhood 1.4). Commercial (CL) zoning districts.

1852 West Market Street Rezoning: Generally consistent with FutureLV – Zoning Map City of Privately proposed amendment considers rezoning ‘Encourages reuse of vacant and Amendment Bethlehem a vacant property from Limited Commercial (CL) to underutilized properties’ (of Policy 5.4). Light Industrial (LI) Zoning District.

Generally consistent with FutureLV – Zoning Short Term Rentals: Moore Serves to ‘expand small businesses and Ordinance Considers the addition of short-term rentals, Township entrepreneurship’ (of Policy 4.2). Amendment associated definitions and use standards.

April 22, 2021 Michael P. Hanlon 435 West Hamilton Street Allentown PA 18101 [email protected]

RE: Street Vacation Unopened Part of Dale Street from Catasauqua Avenue to N Brick Street and Unopened part of North Brick Street City of Allentown Lehigh County

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) will consider the subject amendment at its Transportation Planning Committee and Full Commission meetings, pursuant to the requirements of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). Discussion on agenda items largely happens during the Committee meeting. Both meetings are virtual, please see the meeting details below to attend. The LVPC will issue a follow-up letter after the Commission meeting should the Commission have any additional comments.

• LVPC Transportation Planning Committee Meeting o April 22, 2021 at 5:30 PM o https://lvpc.org/meetings.html • LVPC Full Commission Meeting o April 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM o https://lvpc.org/meetings.htm

Mr. Hanlon, The proposed street vacation was submitted by the City on behalf of Mr. Juan L. Betancourt of 1105 Catasauqua Avenue, Allentown, 18102, for unopened part of Dale Street from Catasauqua Avenue to North Brick Street and unopened part of North Brick Street. The unopened part of Dale Street connects to Catasauqua avenue Street (East) and unopened part of North Brick Street to the West. Currently, there is a ‘No Outlet’ sign on the unopened portion of Dale Street. Mr. Juan states that these Streets are currently “dead end roads and he is responsible for maintaining the unfinished streets, he would like to build a shed back into it, in addition he states that the dead-end streets serve no practical purpose to the public at this time”.

The proposed plan, submitted for recommendations under Section 304 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, was reviewed for general consistency with the intent of FutureLV: The Regional Plan.

Mr. Juan did not contact the adjacent landowners to sign off the street vacation petition letter as of receipt of the request for review. Street vacation requests require all abutting property owners to agree to the vacation, along with the City.

Image: Unopened portion of N. Brick Street (Courtesy of Google Street view)

For context, the neighborhood where unopened Dale Street and unopened N. Brick Street are located is residential and made up of a mix of low and medium volume roads. The opened portions of Dale Street and opened portion of North Brick street connects to Catasauqua Avenue a medium volume residential street within the City. Furthermore, Catasauqua Avenue is the main collector Street to majority of the residential roads and is the main feeder road to North Front Street that is the main ingress and egress to American Parkway to the South of the street vacate request. Both North Front Street and American Parkways roads reports an average daily traffic of over 18,825 vehicles as documented in PennDOT’s Traffic Repository website (TIRe).

Image: Unopened portion of Dale Street from Catasauqua Avenue

Since multiple property owners appear to utilize N. Brick Street for access to the side or rear of their properties and for storage, the City should consider the potential of a property owner being landlock or close off access should the street be vacated. As parking for the residential properties along Catasauqua Avenue is on street, it is recommended that the street vacation request be denied by the City, to ensure that adequate access to the rear of the lots on Catasauqua avenue be maintained. Should the street vacation be approved the section of Dale Street with the curb cut should be removed and sidewalk installed to provide continuity of the already existing sidewalk along Catasauqua Avenue.

Furthermore, there is a proposed Riverside Drive Multimodal Revitalization Corridor Project to the east of the requested street vacation. The unopened Dale Street and the unopened N. Brick Street may be an opportunity for a vital connection to Riverside Drive once completed, this consistent with the LVPC’s WalkRoll: Active Transportation Plan whose goal is to provide “Seamless Multimodal Integration – Provide seamless integration between trails, sidewalks, roads and public transit. (see the image from the https://www.buildriversidedrive.com website link). The City emergency management services team should assess the need for access both unopened Dale Street and N. Brick Street before any vacation request is approved, as well.

Additionally, Policy 2.2 of FutureLV: The Regional Plan, recommends that communities provide a “safe, well- maintained transportation network to move people and goods efficiently, while capitalizing on existing infrastructure.” Specifically, the policy encourages “an interconnected street network.”

Image: Unopened Dale and N. Brick Streets (Map Courtesy of Lehigh County, Described by LVPC)

We appreciate the City’s consideration of this goal in as much as it relates to the unopened part of Dale Street from Catasauqua Avenue to North Brick Street and unopened part of North Brick Street vacation request.

Sincerely,

Simon Okumu Transportation and Economic Systems Planner

26 March 2021 L V P C th Lehigh Valley Planning Commission 1961-2021 BUILD LEHIGH VALLEY BUILDSubdivision + Land DevelopmentLV Monthly Report

Plan Activity Regional Totals* 18 Lehigh County Northampton County Subdivision/Lot Line Adjustments 2 4 4 9 27 Development 7 9 Reviews: 29 Reviews: 38 16 Acres: 102.2 8 Acres: 623.6 Stormwater Management 6 6 Municipal Ordinances 6 12 and Maps Residential Non-Residential Subdivisions and Lot Line Adjustments 725.8 Acres Stormwater Management Municipal Ordinances and Maps * Includes preliminary and final plans

Types of New Development Housing: 247 Total Units Non-Residential: 1,907,902 Total Square Feet Industrial Single-Family Planned Public/ (Warehouse)* Detached Townhouses Apartments Residential Commercial Retail Quasi-Public I: 1,799,098 40 143 40 0 101,609 0 0 (W: 1,471,110)

sale

Assisted- Mobile Twins Living Home Park Condos Office Transportation Agriculture Recreational 4 0 0 20 7,195 0 0 0

* Warehouse number is a subset of industrial total square footage

Location of Development Year to Date Residential Units Non-Residential Square Footage

1000 4 mil

800 3.2 mil 1,907,902 600 2.4 mil

400 1.6 mil 247

200 800,000

0 0 Apr June Aug Oct Dec Feb Mar ’20 ’20 ’20 ’20 ’20 ’21 ’21 Interactive Map, Plan Details and Previous Reports at lvpc.org/subdivisionreport.html 27 th

BUILD LEHIGH VALLEY L V P C BUILDSubdivision + Land DevelopmentLV Lehigh Valley Planning Commission 1961-2021 2021 Quarterly Report: January-March

Plan Activity Regional Totals* 41 Lehigh County Northampton County Subdivision/Lot Line Adjustments 4 8 14 18 66 19 Development Reviews: 73 21 Reviews: 86 40 Acres: 358.9 Acres: 940 Stormwater Management 16 18 12 Municipal Ordinances 20 21 and Maps Residential Non-Residential Subdivisions and Lot Line Adjustments 1,298.9 Acres Stormwater Management Municipal Ordinances and Maps * Includes preliminary and final plans

Types of New Development Housing: 821 Total Units Non-Residential: 4,729,900 Total Square Feet Industrial Single-Family Planned Public/ (Warehouse)* Detached Townhouses Apartments Residential Commercial Retail Quasi-Public I: 4,348,041 236 209 316 0 131,384 5,585 50,292 (W: 3,720,790)

sale

Assisted- Mobile Twins Living Home Park Condos Office Transportation Agriculture Recreational 40 0 0 20 78,975 115,623 0 0

* Warehouse number is a subset of industrial total square footage

Location of Development Year to Date Residential Units Non-Residential Square Footage

1000 4 mil

800 3.2 mil

600 2.4 mil

400 1.6 mil

200 800,000

0 0 Apr June Aug Oct Dec Feb Mar ’20 ’20 ’20 ’20 ’20 ’21 ’21 Interactive Map, Plan Details and Previous Reports at lvpc.org/subdivisionreport.html 28 TOTAL VEHICLE TRAFFIC State Route 33 between Interstate-78 just east Interstate-78 just east of State Route 309 just Newburg Road and State of the State Route State Route 33 exit south of State Route Route 248 309 exit (Northampton County) 378 (Lehigh County) (Northampton County) (Lehigh County) 77,192 75,521 81,050

72,100 66,413 63,150 66,637 64,407 54,200 66,509

45,250 37,653

36,300 37,840 27,350

18,400

9,450

500 Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr May May Jun Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar 3 17 31 14 28 12 26 9 23 7 21 4* 18 1 15 29 13 27 10 24 8 22 5 19 2** 16 2 16 30

29 TOTAL TRUCK TRAFFIC Interstate-78 just east of the Interstate-78 just east of State Route 33 exit State Route 309 exit (Lehigh County) (Northampton County)

30,000

25,387 23,700

24,000

19,007

18,000 20,874

12,000

6,000

0 Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr May May Jun Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar 3 17 31 14 28 12 26 9 23 7 21 4* 18 1 15 29 13 27 10 24 8 22 5 19 2** 16 2 16 30 * August 4 was impacted by Hurricane Isaias ** February 2 was impacted by Winter Storm Orlena 30 LAST TUESDAY OF MARCH DAILY TRAFFIC 2019 VS. 2020 VS. 2021 2019 68,996 East 78 of 33 2020 37,926 2021 66,637

2019 71,304 East 78 of 309 2020 35,843 2021 66,509

2019 40,292 South 309 of 378 2020 20,236 2021 37,653

31 LAST TUESDAY OF MARCH DAILY TRAFFIC 2019 VS. 2020 VS. 2021

2019 22,815 East 78 of 33 2020 21,159

2021 25,387

2019 19,539

East 78 of 309 2020 16,579 2021 20,874

32 State recognizes slew of Lehigh Valley municipalities, leaders for ‘local government excellence’ in 2021 Governor’s Awards

By Kayla Dwyer The Morning Call | Apr 13, 2021 at 12:30 PM

The Lehigh Valley made a showing among the Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence this year, an annual tradition of the state Department of Community and Economic Development that recognizes local officials and municipalities for initiatives aimed at improving quality of life in their communities. Several municipalities — South Whitehall, Plainfield and Upper Macungie townships and Fountain Hill — were represented among the awards, as were larger bodies including Northampton County and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. DCED will hold a virtual celebration for the winners May 19. Here are the local winners and the reasons they were nominated: Kathy Rader, supervisor, Upper Macungie Township: One of eight local government officials recognized for their dedication to public service and their communities; nominated by Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors. Fountain Hill, in Building Community Partnerships category: For securing millions of dollars in grants and making improvements to municipal operations, including enhancements to a public works facility, vehicle upgrades for the fire department, security in the borough office, and road reconstruction; acknowledging the leadership of Borough Manager Anthony Branco. Northampton County, in Fiscal Accountability and Best Management Practices category: For its community mediation eviction diversion program, which collaborates with county departments, nonprofits and the local court system to satisfy overdue rent payments and mitigate evictions to help prevent homelessness and reduce the burden on the court system. Plainfield Township, in Innovative Community/Governmental Initiatives category: For installing the LifeAire Systems UV Biological Remediation System at the Plainfield Township Municipal Building with help of coronavirus relief funds, reducing exposure to airborne pathogens and assisting the township in resuming public operations. South Whitehall Township, in Innovative Community/Governmental Initiatives category: For working across municipal boundaries on projects such as the Jordan Creek Greenway, a 14- mile trail that, when finished, will connect four Lehigh County municipalities and the Trexler Nature Preserve. South Whitehall recently completed 1 mile of its portion and plans to build 2 miles connecting Parkland High School to Covered Bridge Park in the next two or three years; acknowledging the leadership of Christina Morgan, president of the Board of Commissioners. Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, in Innovative Planning & Sound Land Use Practices category: For creating FutureLV, the first regional plan for the Lehigh Valley, which links land- use comprehensive planning with transportation infrastructure funding, namely the $2.5 billion

33 long-range transportation plan; for helping school districts identify families that did not have internet connectivity so districts could deliver computers and hot spots; for developing a foreclosure and eviction risk tool in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia to identify households struggling with housing or job loss, allowing nonprofit leaders to direct resources.

Morning Call reporter Kayla Dwyer can be reached at 610-820-6554 or at [email protected].

Public Engagement and Participation Items

DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, 2021 PUBLIC MEETINGS ARE CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW. STAY UPDATED ON LVPC.ORG FOR THE UPCOMING EVENTS!

1. Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce – 2021 Virtual Real Estate Outlook Event • When: April 27 @ 12 pm • Register: Email [email protected] or call 610-264-4544 to save a seat

2. WorkshopLV: Environment • When: June 10th @ 4 pm via Microsoft Teams • Link: http://tiny.cc/WKE0610 • Phone: 610-477-5793, Conference ID: 873 327 0#

3. WorkshopLV: Multimodal + Freight Joint Meeting • When: July 21st @ 4 pm via Microsoft Teams • Link: http://tiny.cc/WK0721 • Phone: 610-477-5793, Conference ID: 352 010 579# .