Planning has begun for a new State Police barracks Troop N of Lehighton.

The present station at 5730 Interchange Road, Lehighton, has become too small and cramped for normal day-to-day activities.Members of the Carbon County Planning Commission reviewed plans to build a new 8,235-square foot facility at a new location in Towamensing Township, approximately four miles east of the present station. It would be located at the intersection of Sei Pike Lane and Interchange Road, Route 209, which is presently a horse pasture.The property covers approximately three acres. The site would also include an impound lot and parking area.The review was completed by Ivan O. Meixell Jr., planner for Carbon County.While the preliminary-final plan submitted by developer Salvadore Melo of Melo Enterprises did not meet the commission's approval, Melo can move the project forward by meeting the criteria listed in the plan.Melo said that the plans call for the police station to be built next year."Logistically, it is a good location," he said.Meixell said that a police barracks is not permitted as a permitted use under the municipal code and that the developer must apply for a variance.He noted that the plans lack a driveway radius access and the name and address of the owner are not shown on the plan, nor are the right of way widths of Sei Pike Land and Interchange Road. Also lacking are the location of soil percolation test and the results of the soil percolation test and probe holes.Meixell said that the location of the well, connection to the storm water inlet, roadway drainage pipes, storm water run off calculations, wetland statement, also were not shown. The plans also lack the tie-ins in the existing cart way, the signed statement of the engineer, and soil and erosion control plan.The plans also show no method of ownership, maintenance and repair of storm water drainage facilities and other improvements, in perpetuity. Also the private deed restrictions are missing.Melo noted that another developer had wanted to put the police station in Polk Township, which may have caused Towamensing Township to get its own police department.