LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — A proposed massive commercial and residential complex took another step toward coming to life Thursday.
Lower Macungie Township Commissioners approved land development plans for the roads and stormwater management of the 58.8-acre mixed-use Lehigh Valley Town Center complex.
With the development's Topgolf entertainment center fully approved and moving forward for an opening next year, the rest of the project is moving through a lengthy land development plan approval process.
Township officials say they are meeting frequently with developers to resolve issues as they arise.
The project would include 550 apartment units across four six-story buildings, a 100-room hotel and 70,000 square feet of office space. Also, 65,000 square feet of medical office space, a 12,500-square-foot grocery store, 170,000 square feet of retail space, a parking garage, a 20,000-square-foot restaurant, and a Topgolf facility.Recent plans submitted to Lower Macungie Township
Commissioners on Thursday gave final land development approval for the initial roadway and stormwater facility construction, focusing on the point of access road for the town center and a new proposed service road.
Officials with the Jaindl-led project say they are awaiting a waiver request for road design standards because of a nearby cemetery. The township has stated that the cemetery would not be disturbed.
Final state Transportation Department approval also is being sought related to interface with a nearby bypass.
Project representatives say the main entrance to the facilities, which sit near Route 222 and Interstate 78, likely will be placed on Cedarbrook Road.
John McRoberts of the Pidcock Company said in response to a question about the design that a typical "T" intersection would not be ideal near the hotel to manage in and out traffic in response to commissioner questioning.
A stormwater basin would manage runoff for the mixed-use portion of the site and Topgolf facilities.
Other plans for the project
Recent plans for the project include 550 apartment units across four six-story buildings, a 100-room hotel and 70,000 square feet of office space.
Also, 65,000 square feet of medical office space, a 12,500-square-foot grocery store, 170,000 square feet of retail space, a parking garage, a 20,000-square-foot restaurant, and a Topgolf facility.
It will be on land bordering Schantz Road, Cedarbrook Road, state Route 222 and Interstate 78 in Lower Macungie Township at 361 Schantz Road and 4511 Cedarbrook Road.
The final plans for the lot containing Topgolf were given approval in February, bringing the 11.5-acre entertainment center on track for construction this fall and opening in 2025.
As for the rest of the project, zoning regulations were revised to allow for the project last year, along with conditional use approval.
John McRoberts of the Pidcock Company previously said it is having "close to weekly" meetings with PennDOT and are full speed ahead regarding driveway and roadway configurations.
The project still has several levels of final approval ahead of it, with more plans set to come before the township commissioners in the future.
