Development planned for land Allentown Diocese sold to pay for abuse compensation
About 53 acres across from Hamilton Crossings could become a development including retail, apartments, office and medical office buildings.
The Diocese of Allentown sold the land at 617 N. Krocks Road in Lower and Upper Macungie townships for $7.5 million in December to help pay for a compensation programs for victims of clergy sexual abuse. Now the new owners, Lower Macungie Mixed Use
Development, are trying to put together a plan for a mixeduse development, said James Balliet, owner of James Balliet Property Group, which is marketing the project.
A sign on the property shows a rough plan for apartments, retail and office buildings, called The Shoppes at Hamilton.
“It’s just a very well, conveniently situated property in a burgeoning township. The success of Hamilton Crossings kind of speaks for itself,” Balliet said. “There is significant interest in the property just from where it’s situated. That area’s on fire right now.”
Plans haven’t gone before Lower Macungie Township yet, and the details, like how many residential units there will be, are still up in the air, he said. A small corner of the property is in Upper Macungie Township.
Balliet said The Shoppes at Hamilton would likely have some amenity-based retailers, like a small grocery store.
Ron W. Beitler, the Lower Macungie Township commissioners president, said the property is zoned for mixed use. It’s location — surrounded by a bypass, a cemetery, an electric substation and an industrial area — might not seem like it’s ideal for apartments.
“I think we can deal with that if the developer is willing to work outside the box and work creatively,” Beitler said. “We’re rowing in the same direction, [toward] a high quality project that will hold value over time.”