Strawberry Acres Meetings Relocated

• The Planning Commission's public meeting next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. has been moved to the Schnecksville Fire Company's main hall.

• The Board of Supervisors' public meeting on Aug. 5 has been moved to Lehigh Carbon Community College's Community Services Center.

The planning commission will review and make a recommendation on Strawberry Farms Senior Living's revised plan to build either a mix of 88 single-story homes, twins and triples or 108 units similar to condominiums that would be built in four three-story buildings. 


Original version:

The hearing on the proposed Strawberry Acres housing development will be presented Aug. 5 at the Lehigh Carbon Community College's Community Services Center.

The location of the North Whitehall Township Board of Supervisors meeting was switched from its usual location at the township building on Levans Road to accommodate the large crowd that is expected.

The revised plan calls for either a mix of 88 single-story homes, twins and triples or 108 units similar to condominiums that would be built in four three-story buildings.

The owner, 5077 Overlook Road LLC, scaled back plans for a 55-plus community that initially called for 120 townhouses on 24 acres.

Nearby residents have expressed concerns that the character of the neighborhood would be changed.

Strawberry Acres' new owner intends to continue using the remaining two parcels of 100 acres, a popular pick-your-own fruit farm, as a working farm, according to Township Manager Jeff Bartlett.

Barlett said the owners would still need some zoning variances under the revised plans, even if the planners and supervisors approve one of the new proposals.

The developer would need to apply for a variance to permit denser housing because the area is zoned agricultural/residential, which allows up to 90 units. The area's zoning permits an overlay district for a 55+ community.

The North Whitehall planners, who will make their recommendations to the township supervisors, will review the proposals at their meeting at 7:30 p.m. on July 23.

The North Whitehall board of commissioners will meet at 7:30 p .m. on Aug. 5 at LCCC's Community Services Center.