Politics & Government
LV Planners Oppose Rezoning Land Near Landfill
The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission voted Thursday not to recommend a zoning map change that would pave the way for IESI Bethlehem Landfill's expansion in Lower Saucon Township.
Following a recommendation from its Comprehensive Planning Committee, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission voted Thursday not to recommend rezoning dozens of acres of land to the west of IESI Bethlehem Landfill, in the area of Applebutter Road in Lower Saucon Township, according to published media sources.
The Express-Times reported that the planners found the rezoning proposal—which would pave the way for a proposed expansion of the landfill—to be inconsistent with Northampton County's comprehensive zoning plan.
WFMZ-TV reported that most of the 25 people in attendance at the meeting were residents who voiced opposition to an expansion of the landfill, but several endorsed it.
The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission is a recommending body, and township officials are not required to heed its advice, WFMZ also reported.
Lower Saucon Township planners are expected to consider the proposed changes to the zoning map that would allow for the landfill's expansion, and a public hearing about the possible rezoning is scheduled before township council for Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Saucon Valley School District.
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