LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — Another massive mixed residential and commercial complex is working its way toward reality in Lower Macungie Township, this time right across the street from the Hamilton Crossings shopping center.
The development, called The Shoppes at Hamilton, proposes 19,800 square feet of retail, 318 apartment units and an 88,000-square-foot hotel at 617 N. Krocks Road, bordering Route 222.
But concerns remain from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission about the busy Route 222 and North Krocks Road intersection that separates the proposed housing from the popular retail center and interactions with a nearby cemetery.
The comprehensive planning committee approved a set of recommendations for the project to be sent to the full planning commission, which meets at 7 p.m. Thursday.
After that, the finalized recommendations will be considered by the township and developer. LVPC plays only an advisory role in developments in the Lehigh Valley.
The township approved formal zoning amendments that would allow the project last March, and it previously was examined by the planning commission.
Concern for those crossing to the crossings
The planning commission letter to Nathan Jones, director of community planning and development for Lower Macungie Township, focuses in large part on pedestrian concerns the development will create.
To emphasize, at Tuesday's meeting Senior Community and Regional Planner Bambi Griffin Rivera pulled up a photo of a man crossing the streets in the intersection as it now exists.
To access nearby groceries and bus stops at Hamilton Crossings, foot traffic would contend with a very busy — and very wide — intersection.
"No matter which direction this individual turns at the end of the sidewalk, he will cross seven lanes of traffic," Griffin Rivera said.
The LVPC letter notes strong recommendations for an extended timed pedestrian crossing light, adding a pedestrian refuge island and working with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to study alternative means to maximize safety and mitigate congestion.
LVPC Executive Director Becky Bradley said the commission would follow up with PennDOT about any interchange requirements for the current intersection.
A potential roundabout or grade-separated interchange installation to manage traffic flow at the interchange was discussed, and officials say related comments, upon further discussions with PennDOT, would appear in an updated letter before the full planning commission on Thursday.
Funeral processions also came up as a potential impact to traffic and congestion, this time at North Krocks Road and St. John Street and St. Paul Avenue because of nearby Resurrection Cemetery.
Currently, the access point to the proposed development and cemetery are shared. The planning commission recommended a roundabout at the intersection.
LVPC also recommended installing electric vehicle charging spaces and bike racks, increased sidewalks and considering the affordability of housing for future employees of the nearby commercial area to be considered when determining rents.
Lower Macungie officials previously stated concerns over access by emergency vehicles, the need for traffic signals on North Krocks and Cetronia roads, and the need to address light pollution.
Hundreds of apartments, separated retail
The plan is proposed by New Jersey company French & Parrello Associates through Lower Macungie Township Mixed Use Development LLC.
The land previously was owned by the Diocese of Allentown.
Listings by the James Balliet property group, which is managing retail leasing for the project, say a variety of lots are available from 1,500 square feet to 20,000 square feet.
Plans for the site published by the group in 2022show community walking paths, a pool and clubhouse, dog run area and pickleball court.
It envisions 12 apartment buildings of 23-36 units, a standalone hotel, and separate 19,800 square foot retail building.
Unlike the Lehigh Valley Town Center project, plans do not appear to show true mixed-use commercial and residential buildings.
Site plans in March also would include 740 parking spaces for the residential portion, 166 parking spaces for the hotel, 78 parking spaces for the commercial portion and five storm water detention basins for storm water management.
The only planned entrances to the development are on North Krocks Road, which is accessed to the south by Route 222.
