Work Under Way for New Chapel at St. Joseph the Worker

Excavation for the at  parish in Orefield began Monday, after township and church officials reached temporary agreement on unresolved zoning issues that had delayed construction.

Township officials released a foundation permit to Bracy Contracting of Allentown, after Msgr. Robert J. Wargo indicated in a letter that the church would add 27 more parking spaces as required. However, Wargo wrote that the church might appeal that requirement, yet would ultimately comply with the zoning board's final determination.

The church also agreed to resolve plumbing issues.

The church had applied to in June for a building permit for the $389,000 project. The plan calls for adding 1,892 square feet to the chapel and increasing seating to 104 from 15.

Daniel Puchyr, president of Bracy Contracting, said on Tuesday that the excavation for the footings for the new chapel was under way. He said a small existing room that was attached to the church had already been demolished, with township approval, to make way for the new construction. 

He said construction is expected to be completed by mid-April.

Puchyr said the church is likely to appeal the requirement for more parking spaces to the township zoning board. He said the church does not think the additional spaces are needed because it is not adding to the number of people who would be attending Mass on Sundays. He said the chapel would be used during the week, when fewer people attend services.