Moravian Hall Square steps closer to building Upper Nazareth age-restricted community

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

A decision about driveways is the only thing holding up the Upper Nazareth Township planning commission’s vote on a continuing care facility for elderly residents.

Moravian Hall Square representatives proposed the 143-home development just north of Nazareth Borough Park.

The plan received conditional use approval in May 2010. After a recommendation from the planning commission, it will head to the township supervisors for conditional preliminary planning approval.

If plans are approved, residents ages 62 and older would live independently in cottages, townhouses and duplexes and be entitled to care at Moravian Hall Square’s main campus in neighboring Nazareth. Shuttle buses would be made available, according to plans.

The planners have endorsed nine of 10 waivers sought by the developers, but they couldn’t come to an agreement at tonight’s meeting on a request to build driveways less than 75 feet from street intersections. They delayed the vote until the next meeting.

Phil Malitsch, an engineer with Hanover Engineering, told the board several stop signs have been added to the project for traffic safety. Township engineer Al Kortze told the board he was comfortable with the waiver for the driveways.

“I think they’ve gone to some considerable lengths,” Kortze said, noting other changes have allowed increased visibility for motorists.

The project finally is moving forward after nearly two years of discussions and a setback over density with the township’s zoning officer.

Zoning Officer John Soloe had determined Moravian Hall Square could build more than 20 homes in the western portion of the property as long as the total number of homes is less than 143.

The township planning commission asked the supervisors to appeal Soloe’s determination to the zoning hearing board, but the supervisors in November voted to stand by Soloe’s decision.

“I’m very happy and pleased that the township is working with us to make our concept a reality,” Malitsch said following the meeting. “Without the waivers, our concept would not be possible.”

Malitsch added the waivers create a more “homey environment” and the Moravians enjoy aspects that are “special and unique.”

If the project is approved, Moravian Hall Square representatives anticipate full occupancy in the development by 2015.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/nazareth/index.ssf/2012/01/moravavian_hall_square_steps_c.html