Keith and Audrey Fox, residents of Hatchery Road, brought their concerns before Penn Forest Township supervisors at the Dec. 4 monthly meeting about what will happen when the Hatchery Road bridge over the Pennsylvania Turnpike is replaced this spring.

The couple and six other families will be cut off from access to the rest of the township for about a year.

Their access to Penn Forest emergency services, mail and more will be to drive Hatchery Road east past the Bethlehem Water Authority properties into Kunkletown, then swing though Towamensing Township past St. Luke’s Hospital and uphill to Route 903 - a distance of about 25 miles.

Concerns about ambulance and fire company access were also expressed.

Conversation concentrated on the notice the Turnpike officials had given the township.

No notice was given to the families. Turnpike officials claim to have provided notice to the affected townships in July 2021 via letter, and then in November 2022, also by letter. Supervisors have no memory of either notice, and a records search has been started through the township’s paper records.

A notice sent in May 2023 is acknowledged by the township.

At that time, supervisors chairman Roger Meckes reached out to Turnpike officials, project engineers, state Sen. David Argall and Rep. Doyle Heffley in the hopes that a conversation could be started. Turnpike officials say the project is now well underway.

Efforts to communicate concerns to the Turnpike staff and leadership will continue.

Representatives of Beltzville Lake Estates homeowners’ association asked the supervisors if the speed limit on Forest Road can be reduced from 35 mph to 15, matching the HOA’s limits on its own roads.

Forest Lane enters the development from Towamensing Township, and is .95 miles into the development before ending. Discussion ranged from having the township engineer prepare a quote for the cost, to considering offering the entire stretch of road to the HOA. If accepted, they could set their own speed limit. The HOA would also be responsible to maintain it.

No action was taken, and the subject was tabled for January.

Other business

• Supervisors voted to approve the development agreement for Dom N Ali’s restaurant. A cash security for the project was provided for escrow.

• Supervisors voted to release Rital LLC’s escrow balance for Sunny’s Route 534 gas station.

• The township will hold the first of its monthly zoning and SALDO workshops working with the Natural Lands Trust on Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. in the municipal building, continuing the second Thursday of each month. The public is encouraged to attend.

• It was agreed to open the Transfer Station on Dec. 26. The Transfer Station is not normally open on Tuesdays. The Transfer Station will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25.

• Supervisors adopted the 2024 budget of $2,614,028 for the General Fund, $681,300 in Sanitation, and $272,346 in Liquid Fuels - all balanced.

• Software that would add late fees to all late-paying Short Term Rental properties will be bought at a one-time cost of $1,500.

• Both Penn Forest Township volunteer fire companies submitted their official lists of members who qualify for the township’s volunteer tax credit. Those qualified get a refund of the municipal earned income tax and a free garbage permit. The list was approved.

• Miracle Ford’s quote for the new truck was adjusted up $1,200 for the four-tire set of rear wheels. The truck will also get an upgrade for safety lighting for $2,175, and a bed liner for $1,650. The truck is expected to be delivered mid to late next year.

• It was agreed to rework the plow controls on one of the older trucks, converting from hydraulic to electric - and adding additional electric for safety lights. Cost is $3,500 by West End Equipment.

• Titan Tree Service continues its work along township roads. They will be working through the township for a few months more.

• The tree lighting with Santa event at the park was well attended. It was noted that the tree could use a star on top. Judy Knappenberger proposed that a gazebo be bought and placed at the park near the playground. Discussion noted that the park committee is looking at more playground equipment to buy.

• The municipal building will be closed on Dec. 25 and 26 for Christmas.