Meredith Keller

The Upper Macungie Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan (CPROSP) serves as a roadmap for enhancing quality-of-life amenities through improvements to parks, creation of new parks, preservation of open space, and advancements in recreational programs and services. The plan is guided by four key visions: ensuring accessible, safe, and inviting park spaces for all; developing innovative recreational programming; promoting abundant and quality open space for a healthy community and environment; and establishing a premier parks and open space system for generations to come. It aims to inform decision-making and prioritize the development and maintenance of valued facilities and services.

This document presents the Comprehensive Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan for Upper Macungie Township, outlining its development process and key components. The plan is built upon an inventory of existing resources, detailed analyses including open space and benchmarking, and culminates in 23 specific recommendations aligned with four visions. It proposes the establishment of new preserves and greenways, such as Fogelsville Quarry Preserve, Hassen Creek Greenway, Breinigsville Preserve, and The Jungle Preserve, and details various open space protection strategies to guide the township's long-term direction for parks, recreation, and open space.

The meeting started with a moment of quiet reflection, followed by a public hearing on proposed amendments to chapter 27, part five of the Upper Macungie Township Code of Ordinances. The amendments involved repealing section 27-508 and references to it in other sections. Discussion included the impact on existing businesses, the role of the zoning hearing board, and the enforcement of noise standards. The board also discussed additions and deletions to the agenda, including the removal of resolution letter E and motions H and I. Financial matters were addressed, including the approval of bills for August 2024. A presentation was given on the cash flow analysis for the community center project.

The meeting began with a review and approval of the previous month's minutes. A presentation was given on the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan, including a discussion of the plan's schedule, deliverables, and public participation components. Several waiver requests were reviewed and acted upon, including those for Hidden Meadows Phase Three and Lehigh Hills Phase Two. A final item involved a review of a waiver request for a warehouse development project on PA Route 100, with one commissioner recusing themselves from the vote due to a conflict of interest.

The meeting began with a moment of reflection, followed by agenda adjustments, including a change in the order of ordinances. Minutes from the September 5th meeting were approved, and bills were authorized for payment. A presentation on the Parks Recreation Open Space Plan was given, highlighting the plan's goals, process, and public input methods. Discussion and updates followed, leading to consideration of ordinance 2024-8, which amends noise regulations. Concerns were raised regarding grandfathering provisions for existing businesses, and a motion was made to approve the ordinance without the grandfathering section.