L. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – The Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners approved an open space land purchase Monday night at the administration building.
Lower Macungie to hire attorneys against proposal for 180 apartments
The purchase involves a 44-acre site located at 6300 Lower Macungie Road, across from Lower Macungie Middle School. The property had been the site of a proposed 30-building, 180-unit apartment complex known as Mill Creek Pointe Apartments. However, the plan garnered opposition from residents due to traffic and flooding concerns.
As a result, the township will now purchase the land from owner Jason Danweber for $9.4 million. The agreement stipulates the property will be "perpetually restricted" and maintained as permanent open space. Up to 60% of the land could be used for active recreation and 40% for passive recreation, or for land conservation purposes.
The purchase followed a hearing. The township has been negotiating with the landowner for "many months," according to township officials.
"We are aggressively pursuing as many properties as we can get," President Brian Higgins said of the township's open space agenda. "...I'm very appreciative to the Danweber family."
The legislative body also OK'd a just compensation agreement to acquire land through eminent domain.
On Dec. 11 of last year, the township filed a "declaration of taking" in the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County, pursuant to acquired property at 7800 Creamery Road for use as public park land.
To avoid the time, expense and prolonged litigation with the property owner Ronald Muse, the parties negotiated an agreement for all just compensation, damages and fees to be paid by the township to Muse.
On July 15, 2021, the township authorized the condemnation and acquisition of "certain portions of 7800 Creamery Road." Lower Macungie stated the purchase was in the "public interest and for the benefit of the traveling budget...to realign Quarry Road and widen Route 100 in conjunction with the extension of Sauerkraut Lane."
The agreement is worth $2.3 million.
"I'm overjoyed we can do this," Higgins said. "...It is an important acquisition to the future of the community."
Commissioners approved an agreement for management of the Lower Macungie Township pool this summer.
Emmaus Aquatic Club will once again manage the pool's entire operation, which begins with selective dates from May 24 through June 8 with everyday service from June 11 through Aug. 24. The season ends with dates on Aug. 30, 31 and Sept. 1.
The deal is worth $152,506.24.