UST Council Considers Expansion of Community Park

The Upper Saucon Environmental Advisory Council, at a recent meeting, considered possible land acquisition around the  for future expansion.

The matter came up in relation to the possible purchase of the Laubach property -- 3.64 acres at 6009 Old Bethlehem Pike, near the Saucon Rail Trail and next to the Community Park.

“It's an ideal place to expand outdoor experience,” said council chairman Thomas Gettings.

The property was appraised at $220,000. Council member Alfred Cancellieri mentioned that the property's owner is open to receiving payment over several years.

The council is waiting on the township Parks and Recreation Commission to weigh in on the property.

“We should strike while the iron is hot,” said council member James Ward.

Purchasing the Laubach property would open up the surrounding area for multiple outdoor purposes. It would be added to other township-owned land across the street from the Community Park.

Council discussed getting money to buy the land through the Lehigh County Green Futures Fund, which works with municipalities to help buy open space.

In other matters, the council received a report on the Guppy Property at 512 Liberty Street. The property is landlocked and is difficult to access. The township owns a parcel next to the property but has not developed it.

“It would be difficult to access with a vehicle,” said Joseph Geib, the township's special projects coordinator.

Township Manager Thomas Beil said he had spoken with the owners to propose donating the property but they refused. The owners bought the land for around $126,000 and were hoping to recoup up to $100,000 of the cost.

“That's more than we are willing to entertain,” Gettings said.

The council discussed ways to make the land usable in the future but could not make definite plans. “There are a lot of maybes,” Ward said.

The council reviewed two other properties but made no decisions. A 13.6-acre property at 4505 E. Valley Road owned by the Stabler Land Co. has not transferred ownership to the township. The other parcel -- 37.3 acres  at 5702 Limeport Pike -- is being considered for sale as an agricultural conservation easement to Lehigh County.

Meanwhile, an open space analysis by the Wildlands Conservancy will look at the council's open space map to provide a dollar figure on the council's goals.