ROBERT L.

FREEMAN 215 NORTHAMPTON STREET

DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN EASTON, PENNSYLVANIA 18042
LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE PHONE: (610) 253-5543
FAX:(610)250-2645

207 IRVIS OFFICE BUILDING

P.O. BOX 202136
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17120-2136
PHONE: (717) 783-3615
FAX: (717) 783-2152

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COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
HARRISBURG

December 20, 2022

Lower Saucon Township Council

3700 Old Philadelphia Pike
Bethlehem, PA 18015

Dear Members of Lower Saucon Township Council,

It is my understanding that Council is considering a change to the township's zoning map that is
the subject of a public hearing being held on Wednesday, December 21. Should this change be adopted
275 acres adjacent to the Bethlehem Landfill would be rezoned from Rural Agricultural (RA) to Light
Industrial (LI), allowing the landfill to expand. I write to express my concerns and opposition to this
proposed rezoning. As the Pennsylvania State Representative for that portion of Lower Saucon I have
been contacted by several constituents who either live in the affected area or are residents of other
parts of Lower Saucon. They have expressed concerns over the proposed rezoning, concerns which
share.

To begin with, it is my understanding that the Bethlehem Landfill's request to rezone the 275
acres came with proposed text amendments to the rezoning. As written, the text amendments remove
township and zoning hearing oversight which are significant safeguards to ensure accountability. These
proposed text amendments would also provide for a natural resource mitigation alternative that
jeopardizes the continued presence of open space in the township of an environmentally sensitive
nature. Additionally, the Bethlehem Landfill is requesting that the Township release the environmental
conservation easements located on the property in question. Releasing the conservation easements
completely undermines the original intent of those easements to protect environmentally sensitive
areas in the township. These 275 acres serve as a buffer area around the landfill, and preserves the
wonderful view shed afforded by the forested mountain area that overlooks the Delaware and Lehigh
National Heritage Corridor between the Borough of Freemansburg and the National Canal Museum in
Easton. It should also be noted that the removal of forested areas is a detriment to ground water quality
as forested areas act as natural recharge zones for groundwater.

Additionally, it is my understanding that the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) has
expressed that these proposed text amendments do not align with the intent of Future LV: The Regional
Plan that was developed to protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public. These
proposed text amendments reduce established safeguards and review processes that ensure that all
potential impacts on public health, safety, and welfare are considered. It was further recommended by
LVPC that reasonably stringent processes be retained to ensure that Township processes are

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coordinated with outside agencies as needed. The LVPC also advised against provisions that
create
opportunities for the development of natural lands and risk fragmentation of natural landscapes.
LVPC
recommends preserving greenways and prioritizes the retention of natural features near the Lehigh
River, which is in keeping with the recently updated Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan that Lower
Saucon is part of.

In regard to the Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan, the Township should be requesting input
from contiguous neighboring communities before proceeding with any change that would contradict the
plan. Additionally, the Township should be conducting and considering studies to determine the impact
on the health, safety, and welfare of the community prior to enacting zoning ordinances which deviate
from the recommendations of the LVPC, the Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan, and the stated goals
and historical objectives of Lower Saucon to preserve this land from development.

Finally, there is the issue of Applebutter Road, which serves as the main entrance to the landfill.
That road was not built to withstand the heavy trucks that travel to the landfill. Reports of overweight
trucks and accidents along the very sharp curves in the road are legitimate concerns. An expanded
landfill will continue to draw more heavy truck traffic and continue the deterioration of the roadway
over time.

For all of these reasons and concerns I urge Council to oppose the proposed rezoning.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Freeman
State Representative
136th Legislative District