The proposed Lower Nazareth Township warehouse received conditional use approval from township supervisors.
A handful of angry residents got up and walked out of a Wednesday night meeting as Lower Nazareth Township supervisors gave the go ahead to a proposed 300,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility.
Township supervisors voted to approve the conditional use for the project on 28 acres just east of Route 33, between Hecktown and Newburg roads. FGC Hecktown LLC, an affiliate of F. Greek Development, is the developer.
Many of the residents who attended the Wednesday night meeting also opposed approval of the IDI warehouse that was debated over nine months in 10 hearings and often drew a crowd of 75 to 100 opponents.
The Greek and IDI developments are planned on adjoining property and is near the border with Palmer Township. Many of the opponents live on neighboring Val Vista Drive in Palmer.
About 30 people attended previous conditional use hearings on the Greek development and about eight people walked out Wednesday as supervisors unanimously approved the conditional use.
Residents bash warehouse proposal
"You totally disregarded the citizens of this township and Palmer," Palmer Township resident Ginger Buchser said as she walked out.
Supervisors' Chairman James Pennington said after the meeting that he is sympathetic with the project's opponents but the township must adhere to its zoning laws.
The Greek development is proposed in the light industrial zoning district and is permitted by conditional use. Some of those conditions include not negatively impacting the character of the existing neighborhood and not having a significant negative impact on traffic.
Opponents have expressed in the past that the developments will, in fact, negatively impact the neighborhood and add traffic congestion.
Township solicitor Gary Asteak stated in a written opinion that, in accordance with the township's comprehensive plan, the purpose of the light industrial campus zoning district is to provide sufficient space, in appropriate locations, to meet current and future anticipated regional needs for large-site industrial and commercial development.
Asteak's opinion conceded that the new development would add a relatively high volume of car and truck traffic. However, the close proximity to Route 33, which connects with Interstates 78 and 80, suggests the development is in an appropriate location.
"You have to try to accommodate all types of zoning," Pennington said. "We try to put them (warehouses) in the appropriate areas. Putting them next to a major highway is appropriate."
The Greek development must still receive final land development approval before it may proceed with construction. Greek representatives said potential tenants for the facility have yet to be determined.
John Best is a freelance writer. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.