Jaindl Expands Vision, Proposes Stores and Restaurant off Walbert Avenue

Developer David Jaindl is expanding his development plans for farmland and other property off Walbert Avenue in South Whitehall.

In a move suggested in February by residents who would live near The Hills at Winchester, his proposed housing development on the former Rutz farm, Jaindl now wants to develop the Shoemaker Dodge property adjacent to the farmland and create a second access road to the development.

Jaindl told South Whitehall commissioners Wednesday night that he is proposing to build a 12,000-square-foot strip mall that would include six stores and a stand-alone, 5,000-square-foot restaurant at the Shoemaker site.

Jaindl said he had hoped to get feedback on his proposal from residents at Wednesday's meeting but none had attended.

Jaindl said he would build a commercial property that is "compatible with the neighborhood" and the township's comprehensive plan. He would be adding an additional acre of grass to the 4 1/2-acre site, which contains a large portion of blacktop.

Township officials have said The Hills at Winchester plan does not have enough access roads. After he acquires the Shoemaker property, Jaindl said, he would be able to create additional access by extending Hampton Road north of Walbert Avenue.

Jaindl said he would seek permission to rezone the Shoemaker property to neighborhood commercial if his proposal were to proceed. The property's commercial use was grandfathered in as an exception because the business, which has occupied the site for more than 75 years, pre-dates the residential zoning. The property would revert to a residential zone once it is sold.

Jaindl said he hopes to buy the property from the Shoemakers and has an agreement with them. A Shoemaker family member told the board he thought Jaindl's proposal was the most "neighborhood friendly" option.

Commissioner David Bond echoed that thought. "It's a class use of the property," he said.

Commissioner Dale Daubert said the proposal is "an asset to the township and and enhances our tax base, which we need very badly."

Commissioner Glenn Block said residents might have concerns about traffic.

President Tori Morgan asked if the concern about sufficient connector roads to the development remained with the creation of the Hampton Road extension.

"I think the tie into Hampton probably softens that concern," Jaindl said.

Jaindl's interest in the Shoemaker property grew after residents who live near the proposed Hills development raised concerns about increased traffic on Walbert Avenue and nearby roads in South Whitehall. 

Some residents at the February planning meeting suggested access to the housing development be created next to Shoemaker Dodge, across from Hampton Road. 

Jaindl Land Co.'s plans call for 90 single-family homes on about 94 acres of cornfields between Hampton Road and Penn's Crossing.