Sunday, July 05, 2009

New Route 33 Interchange - Good or Bad?

The Morning Call has a story on the proposed interchange in Palmer Township for Route 33 and discusses the pros and cons of it (read the article here).

Palmer Twp recognizes they have a tremendous potential for financial gain from the project. Upper Nazareth, at least the supervisor quoted, is more concerned with the potential cost.

There is undoubtedly commercial growth around highway ramps. Look at the recent development along route 33 from 248 south for proof. The question really is which school district will benefit from that development, and at this point it seems the Chrin plan is all about development in Palmer, with minor development in Tatamy, so Easton will be the primary beneficiary.

1 comment:

lineflat said...

I understand that this could potentially have a positive impact as far as tax income, as well as a significant increase in property values for those who live near the proposed interchange, but I really hate to think that we need to cover every square foot of our area with crowded housing developments, McDonalds, Burger Kings, and Wal-Marts.

For example, I would love to have a huge sports/recreational complex like Moore Township does, instead of just more fast food and strip malls that come along with a new interchange.

I don't think the tax benefit from additional business is real anyway. The interchange and easy access to 33 would make the surrounding area MUCH more attractive for housing development, which would mean more developments, more kids in the schools, and further expansion of the Lesky 'campus'. I agree that most of the benefit would probably go to Easton, but most of the longer term cost would probably come to us. Why don't we take a deep breath and consider our current tax situation before we talk about further expansion?