Lehigh Township supervisors discussed speeding issues on Route 248 near Pennsville.Resident Jim Hoppes discussed the intersection with Route 248.

Hoppes said he built his home 40 years ago and there was no traffic, but now it is horrible.There should be 350 to 450 feet of sight distance but there is only 250 feet. Engineer Phil Malitsch said speed limits and grades determine safe stopping distance. Ten feet from the intersection can be a safe stopping distance. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, a safe stopping distance is 10 feet from the intersection.To make it 15 feet would require a lot of earth work and moving power poles.Malitsch said that would cost at least $50,000 to $75,000; more if poles are moved.Supervisor Darryl Snover said the township could petition the state to drop the speed limit, but that would only encourage people to not obey the limit.Supervisor Keith Hantz suggested getting a price for the work.Route 248 is a state road, and Sycamore is a township road.Welcome signsHantz said the Lehigh Township Historical Society wants to place signs on about a half dozen historical buildings and several other spots.If they could be placed under the "Welcome to Lehigh Township" signs it would be the most suitable option.Money for roadsThere will be an additional $10,000 in the state allocation to the budget. A long list of possible roads to be worked on was given, but what can be done will depend on the cost.Public works has been given $5,000 because chains and other equipment break in winter. Fuel prices are unstable so extra money was allocated there.Hantz asked when the maintenance building can be put in the budget because the old building is bad. Township Manager Alice Rehrig said they have been adding $300,000 to the building fund the past two years.The cost will be over a million dollars, and Snover asked if the fund is large enough so the township can borrow the remainder without raising taxes.The township already spent $75,000.Supervisor Cindy Miller said the squad room needs flooring. The tiles are broken. It would cost $5,000 to replace them, but epoxy was mentioned as a possible replacement. Miller asked if it could be put off until next year.Walmart updateThe planning commission met concerning the new Walmart.A new plan may be submitted by the end of December for the 160,000-square-foot building with a gas station. It would be located in a field across Route 145 from Lehigh Engineering.Cell towersSupervisors discussed mini cell towers, monopoles 4 feet wide and 120 feet tall.The township would prefer if people consider co-location instead of new poles.Solicitor Dave Backenstoe said zoning requires towers to be 500 feet from a residence.The communication facilities can also be attached to existing structures such as phone poles.The ordinance covering specifically mini cell towers which has to go back to the planning commission.