Developer asks Emmaus council to vacate small Perkiomen Street strip to aid apartment stormwater plan

Chris McLean, an attorney for the petitioner, told Emmaus Borough Council on Feb. 2 that CSW Furnace Street Emmaus is seeking vacation of a short, wooded segment of Perkiomen Street adjacent to the Foundry Flat (previously Ironworks) apartment site to accommodate stormwater spray irrigation and other controls for a proposed fifth building on the property. “CSW is developing the Foundry Flat apartment project … it is 4 buildings generally located between South 4th Street and South 2nd Street,” McLean said, describing the area as landlocked and without improvements.

Michael Mayer, identified in the petition as a representative of CSW Furnace Street Emmaus, said the space the company wants to vacate is currently wooded and would be used only for low‑intensity infrastructure such as a spray irrigation trench to absorb stormwater, not for clear‑cutting or additional buildings. “There presently is a spray irrigation system to help off‑site the stormwater. That spray irrigation would then be in part placed in this Perkeomen Street location,” Mayer said.

Council members pressed the developer to speak directly with the adjacent homeowner before the borough proceeds. One council member recalled earlier objections from the neighbor when the original development was considered and said a proactive conversation could reduce opposition at a future public hearing. Developers agreed to do so and to provide clearer plan exhibits; council members asked for a meets‑and‑bounds legal exhibit suitable for an ordinance record.

Officials and staff also discussed stormwater and parking implications if a fifth building moves forward. Borough staff noted the proposed fifth building would add 36 units — increasing the project from 144 to 180 units if built — and that any change to stormwater management would require additional approvals from outside agencies, including the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Lehigh County Conservation District.

Council did not act to vacate the street at the meeting. Instead it referred the petition to the appropriate borough commissions and committees and instructed the petitioner to consult with the nearby resident and submit improved plan exhibits prior to any public hearing required by borough code. The petitioner said they will return once the commissions complete their reviews.