Nazareth Area School Board Approves Condemnation of Cheese Site

The Nazareth Area School Board voted unanimously on November 25, 2023, to move forward with condemning the former site of Calandra’s Cheese. This decision aims to repurpose the property for new athletic fields and to relocate administrative offices. This action comes amidst a proposal for a residential development that would include 154 apartments across five buildings at the site located at East Lawn Road and Friedenstahl Avenue in Upper Nazareth Township.

The development plan, proposed by One More Properties LLC, faced significant pushback from local officials. In April, the township zoning officer rejected the plan, citing concerns over the excessive number of proposed apartments for the 10-acre parcel. The company has since appealed to the township zoning hearing board, seeking permission for the project or at least guidance on a feasible number of apartments.

“The density is staggering,”

remarked Upper Nazareth Township solicitor Gary Asteak during a planning commission meeting in July, voicing residents’ concerns regarding traffic, potential sinkholes, and the impact on local schools already facing overcrowding. Following this, the planning commission decided to table the proposal, which has yet to be revisited.

On October 29, 2023, the developer presented to the zoning hearing board but opted to postpone discussions until December. This delay was attributed to ongoing conversations between the township and the developer regarding alternative uses for the site.

The school district’s resolution to pursue condemnation reflects its need for additional space due to increasing enrollment rates. The property in question is located adjacent to the middle school and the athletic fields shared by both the middle and high schools. Under state law, governmental entities can condemn properties deemed necessary for significant public use.

While the landowner has the right to contest the condemnation in court, it is common for property owners to negotiate the land’s value following condemnation. The exact financial implications for the Nazareth Area School District remain unclear at this stage, as condemnation proceedings typically involve an appraisal to ascertain fair market value.

The Calandra family, who originally opened their cheese business in 1949, are the listed property owners according to Northampton County records. They gained a reputation for their fresh mozzarella but ultimately closed the business in 2020.

As discussions around the future of the Calandra’s Cheese site continue, the Nazareth Area School Board’s decision reflects a growing demand for space to accommodate the district’s expanding student population.