Planning commission rejects proposal to redevelop former ParkView Inn site
South Whitehall residents concerned about traffic, density
A plan to redevelop a vacant hotel in South Whitehall Township failed to pass the planning commission Thursday after residents voiced concerns about traffic and density.
A conditional use application for Premier Center Luxury Apartments, a mixeduse development at the former ParkView Inn site at 1151 Bulldog Drive, was shot down by a 5-0 vote after nearly two dozen residents spoke out against it during the commission’s remote meeting.
It now goes to the township’s Board of Commissioners for consideration with a recommendation of denial from the planners.
After several variations on the proposal going back to 2019, property owner E&B Hotel Partnership LP is now calling for six three- and fourstory buildings containing 360 apartments and commercial spaces, along with 35 townhomes and 909 parking spaces on the 23.5-acre site in the township’s
highway-commercial zone sandwiched between Route 309, Crackersport Road and Route 22.
The proposal drew the ire of neighboring residents who participated in the meeting,
citing the incompatibility of buildings reaching heights of 75 feet and the possibility of increased traffic seeking passage through their neighborhoods.
Jim Preston, the developer’s legal counsel, said the proposed use was “disassociated” with off-site impacts related to traffic, and that the developer would work with the township to minimize the impacts while maintaining it is not obligated to do so.
Don Sheatsley of Bulldog Drive said the proposal doesn’t work for the surrounding neighborhood.
“Legally it’s not a problem, but if you live in that area it’s a problem,” he said.
Rob Hoffman, a traffic consultant for the applicant, said the proposal will generate 3,540 daily vehicular trips, compared to a shopping center on a similar parcel which could produce 4,500 trips.
Planner Al Tope, calculating 17 dwelling units per acre under the proposal, said it simply doesn’t blend well with the surroundings.
“It’s a great deal more density than the adjoining properties,” he said.
The plan originally called for 402 dwelling units before it was pared down to 362, with 24 townhouse-style apartment buildings reaching three stories also scratched in favor of the smaller townhomes.