— UPDATE: As of Friday, April 4, township officials expect the hearing to be continued at a later date. Thus no testimony or action will be taken Monday.
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
One of the biggest developments in Bethlehem Township’s history will be reviewed Monday.
The township’s Board of Commissioners will review the Chrin V-7 plan for 264 apartments at the southeast corner of William Penn Highway and Route 33, the former site of a miniature golf course and restaurant.
The board will hold a public hearing Monday, April 7, before acting on the application, according to a legal notice from the township. The address of the property is 5218 William Penn Highway.
In February 2024, the developer won two variances for its proposed nine buildings, a mix of one- and two-bedroom “garden apartments,” and a clubhouse on 16.9 acres.
The land is vacant now. The proposal has drawn residents’ complaints about traffic, water runoff and more, but is probably going to move forward.
William Penn Highway and Freemansburg Avenue, two east/west throughfares in Bethlehem Township, have drawn developers’ interest. Commercial buildings, housing and a huge warehouse on Freemansburg Avenue, near the western border of the township, are in the works.
Easton Avenue, which becomes William Penn Highway as it goes east, is the site of about 280 new apartments. Some are up and more are being built at the site of the old Bethlehem Drive-In theater.
On Farmersville Road on the old Miller Farm, more than 100 housing units are planned, about a mile north of what has been deemed by some to be the worst intersection in the township, where Farmersville meets Freemansburg Avenue.
Chrin V-7 is seeking a conditional use for the site at William Penn Highway and Route 33. A conditional use is one that is allowed, but on which the township may impose additional conditions.
This plan has been in the works for awhile, is proposed for vacant land that is privately owned, and it will almost surely go through.
The Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, April 7, at the municipal building, 4225 Easton Ave.
Agendas are subject to change. Check the township website for details.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 
We need more housing in the area. Honestly, this is an ideal location for high-density housing–right next to an expressway that leads to two other expressways within a couple of minutes. The traffic impact on local roads should be quite moderate. Everyone wants to lock the gates once they get inside, but we need places for the next generation to live.
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This area is becoming very overcrowded. This is changing the landscape of Bethlehem Township. What a sad day.😩😩😩😩
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