PALMER TWP., Pa. – The Palmer Township Board of Supervisors will soon vote on the preliminary land development plan for a mixed-use retail center known as “Chrin Commerce Center.”
On Tuesday night, Palmer supervisors tabled the preliminary plan for the “southeast quadrant lot 2” at Main Street and Trolley Line Drive. However, they are scheduled to vote on the preliminary plan Feb. 2.
The proposal, offered by the Charles Chrin Real Estate Trust, spans Palmer Township and Tatamy Borough. The plan for the Palmer side calls for two quick-service restaurants, driveways and stormwater management facilities. On the Tatamy side, the proposal consists of a 120,000-square-foot warehouse, a quick-service restaurant and two retail buildings.
The property is 4.55 acres on the Palmer side, with the Tatamy portion occupying 13 acres. The Palmer tract, which is currently an unused field with no existing structures, contains minimal slopes and has no floodplains or wetlands. For perspective, to the north is the future northeast quadrant site, while the Martin Guitar warehouse is south in Tatamy. Commercial businesses occupy the property east of the site in Tatamy, while to the west is the existing southeast quadrant lot 1.
Chrin officials said the warehouse would have a 50-foot height and feature 29 docking spaces.
A Jan. 14, 2025, planning commission project review recommended developers reevaluate the proposed road network to mitigate traffic impacts and provide adequate access for emergency vehicles, deliveries and the public.
Planners expressed walkability concerns, seeking to have developers enhance interior and exterior circulation for “safe walkability within the site footprint.” The commission also wanted a bike path across the property’s frontage and enhanced streetscaping across the property’s frontage.
Various Palmer Township departments offered their comments on the plan, with the engineer, geotechnical consultant and planning departments among several who had issues outstanding.
Most issues have been addressed, according to Craig Beavers, director of planning. He recommended preliminary approval Tuesday night.