The Nazareth Area School Board has authorized spending up to $1.8 million to purchase the Calandra property in Upper Nazareth Township.
The property was once home to the Calandra’s Cheese shop, which closed in 2020. The district acquired the property, which sits next to Nazareth Area Middle School, through eminent domain as a future site for athletic fields and administrative offices.
The district is in the process of figuring out “just compensation” for the property, which is owned by Charles C. Calandra and Salvatore F. Calandra, according to the school board meeting agenda. They inherited the property from their mother, Benedetta R. “Bessie” Calandra, who died in 2011.
The $1.8 million is an estimate until the school district and Calandra family complete the condemnation proceedings and arrive at a final price, according to a school district solicitor.
School board member Elmo Frey Jr. said it’s important for residents to know that the figure may come down.
The condemnation appears to have thwarted plans by Tuskes Homes to build 154 apartments on the site. Residents and Upper Nazareth Township officials have spoken in opposition to the Tuskes plan for apartments.
Attorneys and officials for Tuskes didn’t respond to messages seeking comment on their plans. A phone number couldn’t be found for the Calandra brothers. Other than Frey, none of the school board members had any comment prior to the unanimous vote at the meeting Tuesday, Feb. 10, to authorize spending up to $1.8 million.
Under Pennsylvania eminent domain laws, governmental entities have a right to claim private properties if they serve a public purpose.
A school board resolution from November says condemnation is necessary due to increasing enrollment. The district says it needs the space to relocate its administrative offices and make more room in the high school.
Northampton County online property records say the school district took ownership of the property from the Calandras on Dec. 3, 2025.