SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — South Whitehall Township needs people to help shape the future of development in the community.
Township commissioners are seeking applicants for vacant alternate seats on the Zoning Hearing Board.
- South Whitehall Township Zoning Hearing Board needs people to serve as alternate members
- The board typically meets twice a month for three hours and decides whether proposed development meets township zoning regulations
- They are paid a small stipend
The board is a quasi-judicial body that reviews appeals under the township’s zoning ordinance. Essentially, the board makes decisions about what is and is not allowed under township law regarding developments.
Commissioner Monica Hodges said the vacancies need to be filled because some of the current members of the board soon will go on medical leave, and the board can't function without five members.
“We want to keep the flow of projects going,” Hodges said.
Hodges said people with an engineering, legal or regulatory background may have an easier time understanding the cases, but emphasized that any interested citizen could succeed on the board.
“All citizens are encouraged to apply who have desire and commitment,” Hodges said.
Board Chairman Don Klein said people should apply for the vacancies because it’s a good way to participate in local government.
“It’s a privilege to work on the Zoning Hearing Board because you can do things for the community."Don Klein, chair of the Zoning Hearing Board
“It’s a privilege to work on the zoning hearing board because you can do things for the community,” Klein said.
Klein said the board has three-hour meetings once or twice a month, and they do about three hours of prep work for each meeting. Members receive a small stipend for their work.
Those interested in applying should complete the volunteer board member application form by 4 p.m. Jan. 16. The forms may be emailed to Township Manager Tom Petrucci at petruccit@southwhitehall.com, delivered in person or mailed to 4444 Walbert Ave. Allentown 18104.
