Politics & Government

Developer Revises Strawberry Acres Plans

New owners of Strawberry Acres in Laurys Station present two new development plans to North Whitehall officials.

The new owners of Strawberry Acres in Laurys Station have presented North Whitehall officials with two new development proposals.

Township Manager Jeff Barlett said the plans for a 55-plus community on a 23.6-acre parcel were scaled back in both proposals:

—One calls for 88 residential units to be built, a mix of single-story homes, twins and triplets.

—The other calls for 108 units (similar to condominiums) to be built in four three-story buildings.

The initial plan called for 144 units, to be built on a portion of Strawberry Acres, Bartlett said. The new owners intend to continue using the remaining two parcels—100 acres in all—as a working farm, but Bartlett did not know whether they would continue with pick-your-own fruit.

Both of the revised development plans would allow for more green space. 

The North Whitehall planners, who will make their recommendations to the township supervisors, will review the proposals at their meeting on July 23.

The applicant is 5077 Overlook Road LLC. Barlett said the new owners would still need some zoning variances under the revised plans, even if the planners and supervisors approve one of the new proposals.

"There are still a lot of steps and a lot of time involved in this," he said.

Nearby residents have expressed concerns that the character of the neighborhood would be changed. A standing room-only crowd turned out for a supervisors' meeting in June when discussion was expected.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from North Whitehall