North Lebanon Township approves Sheetz land development plan

This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.

At its Monday meeting, the North Lebanon Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a land development plan for the 6,139-square-foot Sheetz proposed for construction at the intersection of state Route 72 and Long Lane.

In May, the board rejected a request by developers to waive sidewalks and curbing along both roads, waiving sidewalks along Long Lane but not the state roadway and citing safety concerns. Last month, they agreed to waive curbing along a portion of Long Lane, with developers voicing concerns about the flatness of the road.

Read More: Sheetz plans county’s first drive-through location at Long Lane in N. Lebanon Twp.

Though both residents and supervisors have voiced concerns about the traffic this development will generate, the usage is guaranteed by right.

Read More: What officials can and can’t do when it comes to approving land development

Supervisors also unanimously agreed to award the Jay Street Wall project to the lowest bidder, Allgyer Enterprises LLC, for $268,500, as well as a $10,000 total for select allowance items. If unexpected expenses are generated, these will be paid via change orders, similar to the recently completed Lion’s Lake restoration project.

The Jay Street Wall, first built in around 1950, has generated headaches for local officials in recent years as it has deteriorated beyond the point of repair. The wall protects the road from sediment falling from the adjacent properties.

Read More: North Lebanon Township to undertake Lion’s Lake, Jay Wall projects in 2025

Last year, the township received a PA Local Share Account Grant of $300,000 for the project, which was expected to cost $325,000 in total.

The township received nine bids, with a second-lowest bid of $299,000 and the highest bid at $674,400.

The board also unanimously approved a proposal with Geo-Technology Associates to serve as a geotechnical engineer on site for $11,800.

The project is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, and contractors will have the option of temporarily closing the road (with a detour) if necessary.

Supervisor Gary Heisey thanked township manager Lori Books and public works director Jared Balsbaugh for their efforts in securing the grant funds, noting that in past years, the board expected the project to cost $700,000 or more in township funds.

In other news, supervisors:

• Unanimously agreed to purchase a mini excavator from Cleveland Brothers, a COSTARS vendor, for $91,988, with $92,000 budgeted for the expense.
• Heard numerous concerns from residents and fire responders regarding hoarder homes and unresolved zoning violations.
• Heard that some residents are concerned about free-roaming chickens that wander into the road or other properties (not permitted by the International Property Maintenance Code, which the township has adopted), and directed residents to report infractions to county planning.
• Unanimously agreed to allow the Lebanon Valley Council on the Arts to install a mural at the Water Street Parking Lot restroom building at Lion’s Lake. The mural, designed by local kids, will be installed next week, starting Monday at 4 p.m, with the help of community members.
• Heard from Pam Tricamo of the Lebanon 250 PA Committee, who let the community know that the committee will be taking feedback from the community during a public meeting July 29 at 4 p.m. at the Expo Center.
• Unanimously agreed to award the line painting contract to Alpha Space Control Company for $17,850.
• Unanimously authorized solicitor Amy Leonard to advertise for the public auction of 801 Kimmerlings Road to take place Sept. 6 at noon.
• Unanimously ratified the township’s decision to continue using Bowman’s Insurance as a general liability insurance, with rate decreasing by 11.47 percent due to the police department no longer being on township insurance following the merger.
• Heard a presentation from Ron Birch about the Lebanon Valley Conservancy.
• Unanimously approved a 2026 Safety Grant Application, requesting $1,500 in matched funds.
• Unanimously agreed to release the remaining $2,970 in a letter of credit for 1111 Kochenderfer Road, as recommended by township engineer Steve Sherk.
• Unanimously approved a time extension letter for 799 Kimmerlings Road.
• Unanimously approved reports and minutes.

North Lebanon Township supervisors meet the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.