EASTON, Pa. — A plan to build a 1 million-square-foot warehouse on the former Pfizer Pigments site in Easton remains under scrutiny as city planners and residents continue to question its environmental impact, traffic effects and transparency.
The project, known as the Easton Commerce Center, is proposed by Easton Wood Ave Propco for 1525 Wood Ave., near the Route 22 interchanges at 13th and 25th streets. The facility would span roughly 23 acres of the property, with Bushkill Creek wrapping around part of the structure.
While warehousing is permitted in both Easton and neighboring Wilson Borough — where about 93% of the site lies — the project has drawn strong public opposition and scrutiny.
‘Incomplete’ plans
At the city Planning Commission’s Sept. 3 meeting, attorney Marc Kaplin, representing the developer, said the project meets all zoning requirements and has received necessary permits, including from the fire department, forester and planning department.
“There is law here,” Kaplin said during his opening remarks. “We have complied with everything. The planning commission is obligated to support the land development plan.”
Engineer and architect Donald Haas, testifying on behalf of the developer, said the project would not have adverse environmental impacts and would “improve, not worsen” the site. Several planners questioned the accuracy and completeness of the submitted plans, particularly how the project would address contaminated soil and floodplain encroachments.
Commissioner Kim Wagner said she found the plans “incomplete or confusing,” noting discrepancies in the proposed building’s height.
Tensions rose during the meeting as Kaplin objected to several questions, calling the discussion “a filibuster.” The hearing, which stretched past 11 p.m., was scheduled to continue Oct. 15.
The debate follows months of pushback from community members and the Stop the Wood Ave. Warehouse coalition, a regional group of Easton, Wilson, Palmer and Forks residents opposing the development.
At the commission’s July meeting, City Planning and Codes Director Dwayne Tillman said the coalition had raised four main areas of concern — floodplain compliance, noise, steep slopes and environmental protections.
Tillman said no noise variance was needed since the warehouse would sit 850 to 1,000 feet from the nearest homes. However, several commissioners questioned whether the noise from continuous truck traffic could remain within the city’s 77-decibel limit.
A traffic study projected about 900 truck trips daily, or roughly 1,800 total vehicle movements. Developers said upgrades, including new right-turn lanes on Wood and Hackett avenues, would mitigate traffic impacts.
According to project representatives, the warehouse would operate 24 hours daily with 300 employees across three shifts. The building would function as a “high-cube fulfillment” center with heavy automation and could accommodate at least two tenants, though none have been confirmed.
The developer has pledged about $5 million for environmental remediation. Wilson Borough Council granted preliminary and final plan approval last year.
Local concerns
The project remains controversial in Easton, where the city’s portion of the land requires additional review and floodplain approval.
Attorney Cody Harding, representing Stop the Wood Ave. Warehouse, said the project’s location — near Bushkill Creek and close to residential areas — makes it unsuitable for industrial development.
“The back north corner of that property is going to be on top of a 100-foot wall, and it’s going to be 300 feet from the residences on Bushkill Drive,” Harding said.
Easton Area School District Transportation Manager, Benjamin Bernhart, also brought up traffic concerns.
“The stop light at Bushkill Drive and 13th Street already backs up,” Bernhart said. “That intersection can not handle additional traffic.”
Coalition member Colleen O’Neal urged city officials to take a stronger stance on environmental compliance and transparency.
“We urge you to be bold in the choices you make,” she told the commission. “You’re in a position to help usher in a bright new era of smart development for our city and our region.”
On its website, the Stop the Wood Ave. Warehouse group cites Pennsylvania’s Green Amendment, which guarantees residents “the right to clean air, pure water and the preservation of natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values.” The group has published project renderings and encourages residents to engage in advocacy efforts.
The Easton Planning Commission is expected to resume its hearing on the Easton Commerce Center proposal on Oct. 15 at City Hall.
