Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge Parkland board to oppose proposed truck terminal near Orfield Road, cite student‑safety concerns
Summary
Two residents told the board a proposed warehouse/truck terminal with tractor‑trailer exits onto Orfield Road would add heavy truck traffic near bus stops; the superintendent said the district is monitoring the proposal and will speak up where "direct impacts to the schools" are evident.
Two members of the public urged the Parkland School District board to oppose a proposed warehouse and truck terminal in North Whitehall Township, saying the project would route tractor‑trailers onto Orfield Road near multiple school bus stops and create unacceptable risks for students.
Angelo Caganeo, representing North Whitehall Taxpayers for Smart Growth, told trustees he believes developer materials predict as many as 900 truck trips per day and called on the district to lead public opposition. "Just imagine for a moment adding 900 trucks... Orfield Road is gonna be 1 of the entrance and exit roads," Caganeo said, urging proactive action to protect students who walk and ride buses in the area.
Attorney Kelly Sullivan, who asked to read submitted remarks, told the board she had attended the township planning commission and believes the current plan includes tractor‑trailer access to Orfield Road. Sullivan said the proposal raises safety concerns at bus stops and that, in her view, the project may not conform to local ordinance. "It is critical that the school district speak out against this and stop this," she said.
Superintendent Dr. Madsen acknowledged the public comments, thanked residents for raising safety concerns and said district staff are in contact with a point of contact for the project. "We are keenly keeping an eye on it... we would need to speak up when there are direct impacts," he said, and confirmed the district intends to have representation at relevant township meetings when appropriate.
Board members expressed personal concern about truck traffic on Orfield Road; one trustee said the issue is a personal concern though the board must be mindful of statutory limits on what a district can directly control in another municipality. The superintendent said the district will continue to evaluate the situation and make its presence known at meetings where impacts to students and staff are at stake.
Next steps: District staff said they will continue to monitor the township process and participate in meetings where direct impacts to school operations or safety can be addressed.
