Local Markets
North Whitehall Wal-Mart gets conditional OK
Wal-Mart took a step closer toward coming to North Whitehall as township supervisors voted Wednesday to give preliminary approval to the retailer’s subdivision plans. Wal-Mart’s application next goes to the township planning commission and then back to the supervisors for final approval. The store will be located off route 309.
Source: The Morning Call, 9.4.08
Another transfer tax revenue loss for Allentown
Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski froze all nonessential spending this week to help plug a projected $1.9 million hole in the city’s budget. The city is on pace to see $1.5 million less than projected revenues from real estate transfer fees. The slowing housing market is affecting transfer tax revenue in all municipalities in the Lehigh [...]
8Sep2008 | GoValley | 0 comments | Continued
Lower Macungie Gets New Traffic Light Summer 09
Lower Macungie residents lobbying for a traffic light at a dangerous township intersection will have to wait until next summer.
Township officials said last week that a planned signal at Lower Macungie Road and Wild Cherry Lane near the Turnpike should be up and operating by June or July 2009. Some of the work is expected [...]
Two-way traffic for Seventh Street in Allentown?
Allentown officials are considering a switch to two-way traffic on one-way southbound Seventh Street, a gateway thoroughfare into the city. Some Seventh Street merchants and residents think the concept is worth considering as a way to subdue speeding motorists and to bolster business development and pedestrian safety.
Source: The Morning Call, 9.3.08
Lehigh Valley Market Update August 2008
Comparison of Lehigh Valley Home Sales from August 2007 to August 2008:
// –> // –>
Number of Sales - During August 2008, 520 sales were reported, down approximately 23.4% from August 2007 at 679.
Average Sales Price - The average sales price for August 2008 was recorded at $228,000, down approximately 5.8% from August 2007 when the average sales [...]
Lehigh County tax rate to hold steady
Lehigh County residents can expect a stable tax rate for the third year in a row. County Executive Don Cunningham said Thursday the tax rate would remain at 10.25 mills, though the $405 million budget has increased by about $4.5 million over last year.
Source: The Morning Call, 8.22.08
Forks Twp Speeds Up Crayola’s Solar Power Plant
Forks Township planners have decided to speed up the approval process for Crayola’s proposed solar power plant.
The Planning Commission on Thursday night agreed to rule on the plan in two weeks, rather than next month, after hearing a proposal that impressed commissioners and residents.
The crayon company hopes to turn roughly 15 acres of its property [...]
Palmer planners review luxury apartments
The builders behind a proposed development of 216 luxury apartments and 100 town houses said it will bring a “high class” of residents to the township. The Palmer township planning commission got its first glance Tuesday at Woodridge Falls III, proposed for 40 acres just south of Freemansburg Avenue and Dunkle Street.
16Aug2008 | GoValley | 0 comments | Continued
Mack Trucks moving Allentown HQ
On Thursday (Aug 14), Mack Trucks announced it was closing its Allentown headquarters facility and moving the entire 600-job operation to Greensboro, North Carolina. The move comes as a surprise to many, including Mack employees and elected officials. The company does, however, plan to invest $20-million in the Macungie manufacturing facility and add about 200 [...]
15Aug2008 | GoValley | 0 comments | Continued
Lehigh Valley Market Update July 2008
Comparison of Activity from June 2008 to July 2008
// –> // –>
List Price to Sold Price Ratio:
The average sale price compared to list price for residential properties sold in the Lehigh Valley during the month of July 2008 is 97%, which remained the same since April 2008.
New Construction:
For newly constructed homes with 4 bedrooms and [...]