Palmer Township’s warehouse boom has redefined a community
Residents and some elected officials in Northampton County say their quality of life has been altered dramatically by the rise of warehouses in Palmer Township. In the last two decades, 6 million square feet of them have cropped up on land long used to grow corn. Some are questioning whether Palmer Township could have stalled some of the warehouse development, or planned it more effectively. The Morning Call and Lehighvalleylive.com partnered to explore the ongoing debate in the community that mirrors what’s happening in other Lehigh Valley towns where developers can’t build warehouses fast enough to meet demand.
Allentown City Council declares no confidence in Mayor Tuerk
In the wake of allegations of racism and discrimination at city hall, the firing of several city employees and a stalemate with the city’s 2024 budget, Allentown City Council on Wednesday night declared no confidence in Mayor Matt Tuerk. The vote was 4-3, with council members Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie Santos and Cynthia Mota voting no confidence, and Daryl Hendricks, Santo Napoli and Candida Affa against the measure. The vote is purely symbolic and has no legal power other than to represent some council members’ lack of faith in Tuerk’s leadership.
Parkland gymnast Elyse Wenner commits to LSU
LSU is a traditional NCAA powerhouse in football, basketball and also features one of the top women’s gymnastics programs in the country. It’s a program that Elyse Wenner, a Parkland High junior and highly recruited gymnastics standout, has committed to be part of. The Tigers are ranked No. 2 in the latest preseason rankings for the 2024 season, which will begin with a meet against Ohio State on Jan. 5.
Authorities ID man killed in Upper Macungie wreck
A Lehigh County man died Monday night after he was hit by a vehicle in Upper Macungie Township. Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio identified the man as Bruce C. Foley of Lower Macungie Township. Foley’s cause of death was determined to be multiple traumatic injuries, with the manner accidental. Township police said Foley, 69, was hit by an SUV about 7:15 p.m. while trying to cross the street in the 5600 block of Tilghman Street. He was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, where he died from his injuries.
South Whitehall shopping center sells for $17.8 million
The Dorneyville Shopping Center in South Whitehall was recently bought by LS Property Investments for $17.8 million, according to Institutional Property Advisors, which announced the transaction Monday. The seller was Joshi Hotel Group. The 101,651-square-foot center along Hamilton Boulevard is anchored by an Aldi supermarket and includes restaurant, medical, fitness and service-use tenants. IPA said it is 86% occupied.
7 Lehigh Valley establishments accused of liquor law violations
Seven Lehigh Valley establishments violated liquor laws, according to the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement’s monthly report. Licensees will have a chance to defend themselves against the citations before an administrative law judge, who may impose fines between $50 to $1,000 for minor violations, or up to $5,000 for more serious offenses.
Popular Lehigh Valley seafood restaurant gets new owners
Beck’s Land and Sea House in Bushkill Township announced on Facebook that three former employees will take over the restaurant following the original owners’ retirement. Bernie Yuhas will be the general manager, and Kyle Subbe and Pete Matson will be chefs; all three will be owners. The property at 997 Bushkill Center Road, originally a 19th-century stagecoach inn, was renovated in 2003 into the restaurant it is today.
