Upper Macungie approves preliminary Chobani expansion plan

Township supervisors unanimously approved a preliminary land development plan Nov. 5 for Chobani’s proposed expansion at 7356 Industrial Blvd., after an extended discussion about pedestrian safety, traffic and infrastructure improvements.

The project, identified as Project Pennsylvania, calls for a 62,260-square-foot addition to an existing 811,000-square-foot industrial building used for beverage bottling and warehousing.

The addition would occupy portions of the existing parking and loading areas and include milk receiving bays adjacent to 28 storage silos, additional loading docks and new stormwater management facilities.

Supervisors approved Resolution 2026-48 with several conditions, including construction of a pedestrian and bicycle side path along Industrial Boulevard, subject to engineering review.

Township staff said the planning commission recommended an 8-foot-wide side path along the west side of Industrial Boulevard, consistent with the township’s Vision Zero Action Plan.

The recommendation replaced an earlier proposal to accept a fee in lieu of sidewalk construction because engineering challenges complicated sidewalk installation along the property’s frontage.

Vice Chairman Sunny Ghai welcomed the expansion but emphasized the importance of pedestrian safety.

Ghai questioned how the proposed side path would connect to nearby bus stops and whether employees could safely cross Industrial Boulevard.

He suggested a marked crosswalk, but township engineering representatives said a midblock crossing could create safety concerns because of roadway conditions and a nearby curve.

Matt McHugh, an attorney representing Chobani, said the company would continue working with township officials to determine feasible improvements.

“We’re not trying to skirt the obligation,” McHugh said.

Supervisors agreed the path’s design, including lighting and related improvements, should meet the satisfaction of the township engineer.

The board also discussed whether Chobani should construct curbing along the path or provide a fee in lieu of construction. Supervisors said they wanted to ensure the company would not be charged for improvements it had already agreed to provide.

Chairman Jeff Fleischaker said the township and applicant would need to establish clear, enforceable conditions before final approval.

McHugh said Chobani initially sought preliminary and final approval but withdrew its final approval request to move the project forward while resolving outstanding engineering issues.

“We’re excited to make an investment in Upper Macungie Township,” McHugh said.

Traffic generated by the expanded facility also drew questions from Ghai, who raised concerns about the number of milk delivery trucks that could use Industrial Boulevard.

Ghai said the expansion could generate nearly 300 truck trips under certain assumptions and asked whether those trips were included in the project’s traffic analysis.

A township engineering representative said truck traffic is included in trip-generation calculations.

Jay Cutler, representing Chobani, said an existing regional distribution operation at the property would be phased out, potentially reducing truck traffic at the site.

Cutler also said efforts to increase allowable milk-hauling truck weights could reduce the number of vehicles needed to transport the same volume of milk.

Company and township representatives agreed to continue reviewing traffic conditions as the project moves toward final approval. Additional driveway traffic counts could be required if township engineers determine they are necessary.

Fleischaker said the preliminary approval establishes a framework for addressing remaining issues, including transportation improvements and wastewater infrastructure.

Supervisors approved the preliminary plan with revisions reflecting the discussion. Chobani must return for final land development approval before the project can proceed.

Upper Macungie approves preliminary Chobani expansion plan

Comments