Won't Sell Land For New Radar Tower

The FAA wants to put a new radar tower somewhere near Allentown, PA. The agency thought they'd found the perfect spot for it, too -- on land owned by Lehigh University. Just one problem: the school isn't selling.

The announcement of Lehigh's decision came during a local township meeting Wednesday night, when Lower Saucon Township Manager Jack Cahalan told those in attendance the university did not wish to let go of the land for the proposed South Mountain radar tower. Lehigh's Dale Kochard confirmed the news the next day.

"The board of trustees met and determined that the recommendation by the FAA to place the radar tower on our property was not in the best interests of Lehigh and we are asking them to consider other alternative locations,"  said Kochard, who is Lehigh's executive director of community and regional affairs.

The university's plans for future growth were a key factor in its decision, Kochard told the Express Times newspaper.

Intended as part of a nationwide program to improve air safety, the proposed tower was supposed in operation by summer 2008. The tower would service nearby Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE.)

Although the university has decided not to sell the land, that doesn't mean the end for the tower. The government could choose to condemn and seize the land through eminent domain, Lehigh Valley International Airport executive director George Doughty said.

There is also an outside chance the city of Bethlehem, which lies east of Allentown, could co-locate the tower with the area's "Star of Bethlehem," providing the local Christmastime light display with a permanent home while also giving the FAA prime land for the radar tower.

FAA spokeswoman Arlene Murray told the Express-News the FAA had not yet been notified of Lehigh's decision -- but that if the proposal had indeed been turned down, the agency would "certainly explore its options."

FMI: www.faa.gov