St. Luke's University Health Network remains tight-lipped on its plans for a new hospital in West Brunswick Township.

Samuel Kennedy, SLUHN communications director, issued the following email statement on behalf of the network Thursday afternoon in response to questions posed by The Republican-Herald:"St. Luke's has initiated the first steps in the land development process for a new hospital in Schuylkill County. Further information about the project will emerge over the next few months as more detailed plans are submitted and reviewed. We are very enthused and encouraged by the initial response from the community."Kennedy also mentioned St. Luke's plans to open a St. Luke's Care Now urgent care center across from Cabela's on Route 61 in Berks County later this year.Kennedy said SLUHN does have other facilities in the county, including St. Luke's Miners Campus, Coaldale.Questions on investment costs, possible job creation, if land was being purchased or leased, and if the facility would be a full-service hospital were unanswered.The West Brunswick Township supervisors Wednesday approved a preliminary development agreement with St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem. According to the sketch plan for "Villages at Deer Lake, Apartments/Heathcare Campus," SLUHN appears interested in developing a 141,750-square-foot, three-story hospital facility with 80 proposed beds along Cinema Boulevard in Orwigsburg.