PALMER TWP., Pa. – The Palmer Township Board of Supervisors held an intermunicipal liquor license transfer for a convenience store Monday night at the municipal building.
CHR Corp. is requesting the transfer of a license from Michael Gulycz at 1616 Main St. in Catasauqua for a proposed Rutter’s at 1280 Main St.
On Aug. 4, 2025, supervisors granted final land development plan approval for the Rutter’s project. The plan called for a 13,267-square-foot convenience store with 14 gasoline fueling stations, four diesel fueling stations and 50 retail parking spaces and 94 for tractor-trailers.
Even though no locations currently exist in the Lehigh Valley, Rutter’s already has a presence in Berks and Schuylkill counties.
On Monday night, counsel for Rutter’s told the board that 72 company stores in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania sell beer and wine in a responsible manner, following all applicable laws.
An administrator for Rutter’s testified the company would sell the alcohol in compliance with state law during the hours of 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. through Sundays.
The board made no decision Monday night and is scheduled to announce its ruling later this month.
SALDO update
The board received a presentation on proposed Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance which is scheduled for adoption later this fall.
Michael Baker International, a subcontractor hired for the task, began the speech noting that SALDO regulates subdivision and land development.
Seth Koons, an associate with Baker, explained what plans and materials need to be submitted in an application; the process for review and approval; design standards for streets, blocks and recreation areas; and agreements and guarantees between the township and developer for improvements and maintenance.
The talk explained that a municipality’s SALDO laws and its zoning laws are related, but also different. The contractor said the goal was to replace Palmer’s current SALDO because it is outdated and no longer reflects the township. The revised document is easier to use and understand, and its “modern best practices” that will result in “safer streets and a healthy environment.”
Baker further showcased substantial changes to design standards content involving transportation, recreation areas, and plan submittals and plan review.
The updated SALDO, when completely implemented, will replace the 1994 ordinance.
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
Members of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission provided the board with commentary on comprehensive planning.
In a joint statement, the counties said they will pursue a comprehensive independent review of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.
Becky Bradley, LVPC executive director, asked the township to consider joining a multimunicipal planning group. This is where various regional municipalities organize formally to address not only regional planning issues, but also to secure state funding.
She stated further that a regional approach would benefit Palmer by coordinating across boarders for projects which have regional impact, strengthening regional priorities, sharing knowledge and resources, and improving any policy implementation.
Bradley told supervisors that Palmer would retain its planning autonomy if it joined a regional Easton partnership.
The board rendered no decision and said discussions about it would continue.
WFMZ-TV | Steve Althouse