Braden Airpark Sale Decision Expected Sooner

Forks Township supervisors now have a resolution in place seeking input on the potential sale of the Braden Airpark on Sullivan Trail.

But will they get their chance?

Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss stated at Thursday night's Board of Supervisors meeting that the Lehigh Valley Airport Authority and its consultant may make a decision on what properties it might sell in the near future.

"A lot of rumors are circulating around," Chuss said. "Nothing has been decided yet. But the decision might be in less than four weeks. Their recommendation is coming up quicker than they indicated."

Township Solicitor Karl Kline presented supervisors with a resolution urging the LVAA and its consultant to appear at a public meeting to discuss the zoning of the Braden Airpark and its sale possibilities.

Supervisor Robert Egolf, who voted to approve the resolution, was not happy with its wording.

"If I were chairman of the board and I got something like this -- that I was urged to appear -- this is pretty strong language, language you use before you appear before a judge," Egolf said.

"I wonder if it goes too far," he said. "We should have a letter written by the township manager that we are concerned, that we are hoping to work together and open to meeting and let it go with that."

"So much is at stake here," Egolf continued. "I don't want to ruffle any feathers. Sometimes you get more with sugar than with salt."

Chuss and Supervisor David Billings said they understood Egolf's feelings but believed a strong message was important.

Chuss said the resolution accomplishes the township's goal of noting that it should receive input since the township holds the zoning rights on the property.

"We'd like to be informed before any decision about an important piece of our land," Chuss said.

"All other letters are saying they oppose it," Billings said. "This is the nicest version. I think they'll come."