Council Approves Subdivision of Former Singmaster Property

Macungie Borough Council on Monday granted both preliminary and final approval to a development plan for the former Shelly Lumber Yard at 127-129 E. Main St.

The site was first home to the historic Singmaster Lumber Yard.

Developer Bob Irick, a principal of Irick, Eberhardt ad Mientus of Pennsburg presented the plan for the 6,959-square-foot lot that will include a two-story building. The first floor will contain office space, and the second floor will comprise two small apartments.

Also planned for the lot are eight parking spaces and a garden that will mitigate the impervious cover of the blacktop. The environmental component of the plan has been approved by Lehigh Conservation District.

Council also either waived or deferred borough ordinances that require builders to provide curbing, sidewalks and street trees.

"They'll be deferred until the time they make sense to install," Irick said.

Five of seven members of council unanimously approved the plan. Debra Cope was absent and David Boyko arrived after the vote.

Council members discussed the demolition of the lumber yard years ago, which was upsetting to many members of the community. As a result, preparations are in the works to create an ordinance that would provide for review of a demolition of any building constructed prior to 1940.