SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Another phase of a controversial development soon will be constructed.
South Whitehall Board of Commissioners on Wednesday granted final approval for Phase 1C of Ridge Farms, a mixed-use development that would include housing, shops and outdoor eateries.
Two other phases have final approval from the township: Phase 1A, which includes a St. Luke's medical office, and Phase 1B, which includes five apartment buildings with a total of 60 units, 14 two-unit dwelling units (seven pairs of twins) and various road extensions.Ridge Farms history
Ridge Farms sparked controversy in the township in late 2017, with hundreds of residents coming to township meetings to raise concerns about the development.
Phase 1C has 34 two-unit dwelling units (17 pairs of twins). It will be northwest of the Keneseth Israel Cemetery and to the west of Buchman Street, which will extend into the development.
Two other phases have final approval from the township: Phase 1A, which includes a St. Luke's medical office, and Phase 1B, which includes five apartment buildings with a total of 60 units, 14 two-unit dwelling units (seven pairs of twins) and various road extensions.
As part of Phase 1C, developer Kay Builders will make Buchman Street bigger as it goes into the development, from 22 feet across to 28 feet.
All the new streets would have sidewalks.
About a third of the 123-acre tract is dedicated to open space, which will be open to all residents, Project engineer Jason Engelhardt said previously.
The plan includes a walking path on that open space which eventually will connect to another section of Ridge Farms.
