UPPER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — Upper Macungie Township may soon get another warehouse.
The township Planning Commission on Wednesday discussed a sketch plan for an 82,000-square-foot warehouse on Nestle Way, across from the township municipal building.
Planners also voted unanimously to recommend approval for a final land development plan for three warehouses at the site of the former Air Products headquarters.
- Upper Macungie Planning Commission on Wednesday discussed a sketch plan for a proposed warehouse
- The warehouse would be at 121 Nestle Way and 8361 Schantz Road, across from the municipal building, and would be about 82,000 square feet
- Planners also recommend approval for a final land development plan for three warehouses at the former Air Products headquarters
The newly proposed warehouse would be at 121 Nestle Way and 8361 Schantz Road.
The plan is in the township’s Light Industrial zoning district, and is a permitted use.
The Planning Commission discussed potential roadway improvement plans for the site. Vice Chairman Paul McNemar said the township is trying to add another interchange to Interstate 78, which would be constructed at the other end of Nestle Way.
“It's expected that once that interchange starts becoming on line and operational, there will need to be capacity improvements constructed at this intersection,” McNemar said.
Township Planning and Zoning Administrative Specialist John Toner III said the interchange would not be built for a decade or more.
The commission took no official action on the plan.
Air Products site plans
Township planners voted unanimously to recommend approval for a final land development plan for three warehouses at 7201 Hamilton Blvd.
The plan now goes before the township Board of Supervisors.
The site used to be the headquarters for Air Products and Chemicals Inc. Air Products is selling the land to a warehouse developer.
Together, the warehouses would cover 2.61 million square feet. Residents have expressed concern about the development’s impacts on traffic, water runoff and noise.
Previously, the plan was for warehouse developer Prologis to own and operate the warehouses. But Air Products' Vice President of Strategic Projects Patrick Garay said at a previous meeting that discussions with the company are “on a pause” because of the economic conditions.
Bottom line is, we understand you're going to expand, but you’re going too big.Tim Helmer, Planning Commission member
Planners also discussed a proposed expansion of XPO Logistics, a truck terminal at 7649 Penn Drive.
The proposed expansion would be about 18,000 square feet, but the board told the applicant it would not be permitted to expand that much.
“Bottom line is, we understand you're going to expand, but you’re going too big,” Planning Commission member Tim Helmer said.
Planners also were concerned that the expansion would cause more noise; the building is near daycare center Allentown KinderCare and two hotels, Staybridge Suites Allentown West and Sleep Inn Allentown-Fogelsville.
The planning commission also reviewed a plan to demolish the existing gas station at 5917 West Tilghman St. and replace it with a convenience store, car wash and retail spaces.
Planners discussed how the developer could help improve the nearby intersection of Tilghman Street and Blue Barn Road. Chairman Charles Deprill said the intersection is so dangerous, he is surprised there has not been a fatality there.
“The safety of the intersection has to be improved, and not necessarily all by you, but you could help,” Deprill said.
Toner said the township soon will pursue grants to fund efforts to make the intersection safer.
