Opponents of Wood Avenue warehouse make final plea before Easton planners' decision next month.

For more than a year, developers behind a proposed 1 million-square-foot warehouse at 1525 Wood Avenue have been seeking approval from the Easton Planning Commission. On Wednesday evening, opponents of the project had their last opportunity to present their case.

A group of Easton residents has actively opposed the warehouse, citing environmental, traffic, and community concerns. In May, they submitted a comprehensive binder of evidence to the commission. Following that, the developer, Scannell Properties, was allowed to respond, with their attorney, Marc Kaplin, calling several experts to testify across two late-night sessions.

During Wednesdays meeting at a crowded Easton City Hall, attorney Cody Harding presented witnesses supporting the opposition. Solicitor Joel Sheer emphasized that testimonies should address points raised by the developers experts in prior sessions.

The first expert, Daniel Brown, a 3D modeling specialist, showcased visual simulations of the site using official topography, engineering plans, and satellite imagery. Brown highlighted how the warehouse would dramatically alter the sites landscape, introducing large retaining walls and changing neighborhood sightlines, including views of the Silk Mill and Bushkill Creek. He argued that his renderings were more precise than the applicants promotional materials and verified using industry-standard software.

Kaplin raised objections regarding the accuracy of unofficial maps, the source of the engineering drawings, and questioned Browns qualifications. He insisted that only certified plans submitted by the applicant should guide the commissions decision.

Traffic engineer Peter Terry analyzed the projects traffic and noise reports. He noted that the developers study underestimated vehicle activity and noise by relying on off-peak data. Terry also observed that large warehouses typically include guard houses for security, a feature missing from the plans, which could significantly affect traffic flow on the property.

NYU Ph.D. candidate Bailey Hilgren critiqued the applicants noise assessment, suggesting that the study overlooked terrain effects, truck alarms, loading dock activity, and construction noise. She warned that projected noise levels already approach legal nighttime limits, leaving little margin for variation.

Former truck driver Jeremy Gold described typical warehouse operations, including truck arrivals, guard checks, and idling patterns. He highlighted exceptions to Pennsylvanias idling law for loading and unloading, which could influence local noise and traffic conditions.

With all testimonies concluded, the Easton Planning Commission is expected to make a decision at its December 3 meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Easton City Hall. Commission Chair Ken Greene acknowledged the thoroughness of the process and thanked community members for their continued participation.

Analysis of the 1525 Wood Avenue Warehouse Proposal: Environmental and Community Concerns

The ongoing debate surrounding the proposed 1 million-square-foot warehouse at 1525 Wood Avenue has come to a critical juncture, with the Easton Planning Commission set to make a decision at its upcoming December 3 meeting. After over a year of deliberations, both the developers and the opposition have had their say. The commission must now balance the potential economic benefits of the project with the concerns raised by local residents.

Opponents of the warehouse, led by a group of concerned Easton residents, have consistently raised valid issues, particularly related to the environment, traffic congestion, and the impact on the community. They have presented evidence of how the proposed structure would dramatically alter the neighborhood's landscape, obstructing views of key historical sites and the Bushkill Creek. The concerns are amplified by the lack of a comprehensive noise and traffic impact study that fully considers the realities of warehouse operations.

Traffic engineer Peter Terry’s analysis, which criticized the developer's underestimation of vehicle activity and noise, sheds light on a critical oversight. The absence of a guard house in the developer’s plans could also exacerbate traffic issues. The community's objections are not unfounded, especially given the high potential for disruption to the surrounding area.

However, the developer has also made its case, emphasizing that its plans are based on certified engineering drawings and industry-standard practices. Despite this, the opposition's witnesses, including experts in 3D modeling and noise analysis, have presented credible evidence that the development could lead to significant environmental degradation and a decrease in the quality of life for local residents.

In the coming weeks, the Easton Planning Commission will need to weigh these factors carefully. While the need for economic development is crucial, it should not come at the expense of the community’s well-being. The final decision will set a precedent for future developments in the area, potentially shaping the direction of growth for Easton.

Sources:

• Wood Avenue warehouse opponents plead case 1 last time. Easton planners to decide next month.

Author: Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a journalist covering culture, art, and literature. She is known for her creative approach and ability to produce in-depth features and interviews.