Residents object after land‑preservation item was handled without proponents at Lehigh Township meeting

At the May 27, 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors several residents criticized how a land‑preservation item from a prior meeting was handled when the proponents were not present.

Resident Zach Szoke said he was surprised and upset that the preservation matter was placed on the agenda and that, in his view, the item was effectively “squashed” when those who brought it forward were not present. He asked for outreach and courtesy when an item a resident initiates is to be discussed.

Supervisor Cindy Miller replied, “It was on the agenda and that is how she has always felt and she made the motion,” defending the board’s right to act on items listed on the agenda. Supervisor Jerry Pritchard said a board member has the right to make a motion when an item appears on the agenda, and that he had wanted a full board present for substantive votes.

Chairman Mike Jones directly addressed an allegation that he had been "in cahoots" with proponents and that his property would benefit from preservation; Jones said, “That statement is one hundred percent incorrect,” and explained his property could not be preserved because it is roughly three‑quarters of an acre.

Katherine Mack and other residents suggested combining the Ad Hoc committee’s zoning and SALDO review with a public presentation on land preservation so residents can hear both sets of proposals together and ask questions. Several residents urged clearer notification when citizens’ proposals are scheduled for discussion.

No formal action was taken on land preservation at the May 27 meeting; the public comment exchange concluded with board members encouraging further engagement through the Ad Hoc committee and upcoming planner meetings.