After Passionate Debate, Age-Restricted Community Vote Tabled

The Upper Saucon Township Board of Supervisors tabled a vote Monday on a zoning ordinance that would be the first step to .

More than 20 township residents attended the meeting, voicing concerns about increased traffic and flooding. The ordinance, known as a "land overlay," would allow the 55-and-over community.

According to David Biddison, director of operations for developer Traditions of America, Upper Saucon is the right place for a 55-and-over community. 

“There’s a need for age-qualified communities,” Biddison said. “People get older and are less able to maintain their properties. Residents would be able to move in and have these issues taken care of.”

Biddison explained that the community would be equipped with a pool, gym, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, nature trails, and among others amenities, a 24-acre public park with five athletic fields.

The park, which would be next to , has been part of an

Larry Turoscy, president of Lehigh Engineering Associates Inc., prepared an extensive graph showing significantly less traffic on the roads near the proposed development than if the land were developed for single-family homes.

Residents disagreed, citing the increase in seniors in the workplace. Several also voiced strong opinions about possible flooding and sewer issues stemming from new development. 

Biddison stressed strict requirements placed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on every housing development plan. 

“We want to make this a first-class community,” Biddison said. 

The board will revisit the overlay issue during an upcoming fall meeting, possibly in October.