CONDITIONAL USE HEARING – April 3, 2024
Supervisors held a hearing for Overlook at Nazareth LCC which requested a Conditional Use from the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance pursuant to Article 27-310.6.A(1) to develop on slopes of between 15% – 25% on land near Michaels School Road and Sterner Road. The request was specifically for development on the west end of the property which is currently being used for agriculture.
Phillip Mallich—Director of Land Development for Tuskes—spoke about the project, explaining that the lots in question are located on existing roads and that 50% of the project area has to be dedicated for open space. Steep slopes are not anticipated to be disturbed and there should be no impact to existing homeowners. The lots in question passed septic testing.
Public Comment
One Michaels School Road resident said that storms blow snow off the farm fields onto the road, often causing it to close. Mr. Mallich said there were no plans to cut down the hill but that Michaels School Road would be widened.
Another resident said she had asked for a traffic report for Route 248 and Michaels School Road but hasn’t received it yet. She said the hill on the road is very dangerous. Drivers can’t see over it and stormwater runoff makes it slippery. She said she didn’t have anything against the development, but the area isn’t a good site for it.
A farmer in the area said he shares a 2,000 ft border with the property and expects an increase in stormwater from the development. He plans to take ‘before’ pictures of his property and may seek legal action if there is any erosion.
William Bartlett asked about the lack of a Statement of Hardship in the application. Gary Asteak said that those are usually only provided for a Zoning Variance.
Supervisors approved the Conditional Use of the steep slopes, with conditions about document submission.
Upper Nazareth Supervisor’s Meeting – April 3, 2024
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
The township office on Newport Avenue is currently under construction. Residents can enter through a side door. The box for Real Estate tax checks has been mounted onto a fence.
There is an open position on the Environmental Advisory Committee. Residents who’d like to serve should send a Letter of Interest to the Township Office.
April 11th at 6:00PM – Stormwater workshop to discuss the draft of the new policy
April 15-19th – Curbside collection of yard waste
April 20th – Yard Waste facility on Friedenstahl Ave opens
June 22nd – Free movie night at Tuskes Park
August 24th – Free movie night at Tuskes Park
November 29th – Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Township Municipal Building
PUBLIC COMMENTS
A Tatamy Road resident asked for an update on the agreement with Heidelberg about reducing the amount of flooding in his area. Scott Sylvainus said the township hasn’t heard back yet. The Resident thanked Brian Sayago and Kristen Mullen who canvassed the area recently to talk to residents about stormwater.
A farmer on Michaels School Road asked if the township would approve slope development on his property. Scott told him that he would have to apply and go through the same procedure as Overlook at Nazareth LLC.
SUPERVISORS COMMENTS
Brian Sayago asked about two bridge closures on Newburg Road. He requested for the information to be put up on the website. The bridge near Silvercrest will be closed until August 31st.
Brian reported that he attended a meeting with Heidelburg. He said the Moravian Historical Society is concerned about the effects of blasting on the Whitfield House.
TOWNSHIP SOLICITOR
A judgement has been issued in the Faust lawsuit. Property owners own the land to the center of the disputed paper roads (2nd Street, West Street, and Wood Street). Easements are in place to allow pedestrians access to transverse the property.
Approval of Ordinance No. 194 by a vote of 4 to 1 (Mullen against)—Compensation of newly elected Supervisors. For officials elected in the next election, salaries will rise from $1,875 to $2,500, which is more in line with other townships which have a population between 5,000-10,000 residents.
Approval of Ordinance No. 195—RCN Cable Franchise Agreement.
Approval of Resolution No. 24-09—open space acquisition of 32.94 acres for $990,000 on Newburg Road across from the Rising Sun development. The money comes out of the Open Space Fund which is paid for with Earned Income Taxes (EIT).
Approval of the grant of an easement on the property for pedestrian and non-motorized traffic.
TOWNSHIP MANAGER
Lisa Klem is working on grants to replace the playground equipment at Sycamore Park.
MS-4 STORMWATER
Approval to solicit bids for the Sycamore and Tewksbury Basin Retrofit Project.
There will be a Stormwater Management workshop on April 11th at 6:00PM
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Approval to advertise a Request for Proposal for a UNT Trails Feasibility Study.
Becky Bartlett covers these meetings because citizens have a right to know what their government is doing.
Upper Nazareth Township Meetings 