200-Townhouse Development Enabled by Zoning Map Change

South Whitehall Township Commissioners this week adopted a new zoning ordinance that will enable the development of a 200-unit townhouse development on the 1500 block of Blue Barn Road.

The change to the zoning map changes the zoning classification of about 5 acres from R-4 medium-density residential to R-10, the highest residential density the township allows.

There was almost no discussion before the vote at Wednesday night’s meeting. Commissioners had already held a public hearing on the proposed zoning change and the township Planning Commission had already discussed and recommended its approval.

The vote was 4-0 in favor of the change, with Commissioner Glenn Block absent from the meeting.

Frank Posocco paid $1.3 million for 40 acres on Blue Barn Road, between Chapmans and Crackersport roads, which includes a horse farm. Thirty-two acres of the development are in South Whitehall; the remainder is in Upper Macungie. The land abuts an industrial zone.

Posocco said he plans to build high-end garden apartments or condominiums with first-floor master bedrooms, a trend he said more homeowners want.