The Lehigh Valley Warehouse Episode

Posted On March 13, 2025 By lvwithlove In /  
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Guests:

  • Becky Bradley – Executive Director, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
  • Susan Lawless – Supervisor, Hanover Township (Northampton County)

In this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley With Love, hosts George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren dive into one of the most talked-about topics in the region: the Lehigh Valley warehouse boom. They’re joined by Becky Bradley, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and Susan Lawless, a Supervisor in Hanover Township, Northampton County, to explore how warehouses became such a dominant force in our local economy, what the future holds, and how local governments can navigate the challenges that come with rapid industrial growth.

If you want to stay informed and have a say in the future of development in the Lehigh Valley, there are ways to get involved:

  1. Attend Township and City Meetings – Local government meetings are where zoning and development decisions are made.
  2. Join a Planning Commission or Zoning Board – Many townships seek community members to help guide policy.
  3. Take a Planning Course – The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission offers courses through the Lehigh Valley Government Academy (LVGA) to educate residents and officials on zoning, development, and planning.

📚 Learn more about LVGA courses: https://lvpc.org/lvga

Watch Episode

Watch: https://youtu.be/OGKN7OoMOy8
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Thank you to our Partners!
WDIY

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

Episode Recap: The Lehigh Valley Warehouse Boom—Growth, Challenges, and the Future

How Did Warehouses Take Over the Lehigh Valley?

If you’ve driven through the Lehigh Valley recently, you’ve likely noticed a skyline of massive warehouse buildings appearing along major roadways. But why has this explosion in warehouse development happened, and what does it mean for the future of the region?

According to Becky Bradley, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC), the warehouse boom is not a coincidence—it’s the result of a perfect storm of economic conditions, geographic advantages, and shifting supply chains.

  • Since 2015, over 48 million square feet of warehouse space has been approved across the region.
  • The Lehigh Valley’s proximity to major metro areas like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. makes it a prime location for distribution centers.
  • Hurricane Sandy (2012) was a turning point, causing supply chains to shift inland after flooding devastated coastal infrastructure, pushing logistics hubs further west.
  • Pennsylvania’s tax structure and zoning laws make it more attractive for industrial development than neighboring states like New Jersey, where regulations are stricter.

“Our region is now competing with the Port of New York and New Jersey in terms of industrial footprint.” — Becky Bradley

The question now is: What’s next?

Warehouses Bring Jobs—But at What Cost?

The growth of the warehouse and logistics industry has created tens of thousands of jobs, making it one of the largest employment sectors in the Lehigh Valley.

  • Over 40,000 people work in warehouse and trucking jobs in the region.
  • This sector is now the second-largest employer, trailing only healthcare.
  • The average warehouse lease lasts just seven years, meaning businesses frequently change, affecting job stability.

On the surface, this seems like a positive economic boost. However, Susan Lawless, Supervisor of Hanover Township (Northampton County), warns that the benefits need to be weighed against the costs.

Some key challenges include:

  • Road and infrastructure damage: The influx of heavy trucks increases wear and tear on local roads, putting pressure on townships to cover repair costs.
  • Traffic congestion: Residents in warehouse-heavy areas have seen major increases in truck traffic, impacting local commutes and safety.
  • Municipal budget strain: While warehouses generate tax revenue, local governments must plan for long-term infrastructure maintenance, which is often more expensive than the revenue generated.

“Some townships love the tax revenue, but they won’t say it publicly.” — Becky Bradley

Zoning, Farmland, and the Fight for Smart Development

With warehouse developments expanding rapidly, many residents and officials are asking: How do we balance economic growth with preserving the Lehigh Valley’s character?

One major concern is farmland loss. The Lehigh Valley has a rich agricultural history, but as more farmland is sold for industrial development, that legacy is at risk.

  • 10% of the region’s land is currently protected as preserved farmland.
  • Both Lehigh and Northampton counties have farmland preservation programs, but funding is limited.
  • Some municipalities are revising zoning laws to slow down warehouse growth and protect open space.

For local governments like Hanover Township, the key is zoning and planning ahead. However, Pennsylvania’s zoning laws limit how much control townships actually have.

“If a local government has a use allowed in its zoning, you can’t really deny it.” — Becky Bradley

Susan Lawless emphasized that municipalities need to be proactive in revising ordinances if they want to guide development in a way that benefits residents.

“Development doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We have to think about how it fits into the fabric of our community.” — Susan Lawless

The Future of Warehouses in the Lehigh Valley: What Comes Next?

With the Lehigh Valley’s industrial footprint now rivaling the Port of New York and New Jersey, the warehouse boom is far from over. But what does the future hold?

  • Leases are short-term, meaning buildings could become vacant in a matter of years.
  • More companies are looking at automation, which could impact job stability.
  • Freight moving through the region is expected to grow from $60 billion to $100 billion per year by 2050.

To navigate these changes, local officials, businesses, and residents need to work together to ensure sustainable growth. That means investing in infrastructure, improving zoning laws, and exploring ways to diversify the economy beyond warehousing.

How You Can Get Involved in Local Planning

If you want to stay informed and have a say in the future of development in the Lehigh Valley, there are ways to get involved:

  1. Attend Township and City Meetings – Local government meetings are where zoning and development decisions are made.
  2. Join a Planning Commission or Zoning Board – Many townships seek community members to help guide policy.
  3. Take a Planning Course – The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission offers courses through the Lehigh Valley Government Academy (LVGA) to educate residents and officials on zoning, development, and planning.

📚 Learn more about LVGA courses: https://lvpc.org/lvga

 

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Susan Wild on Public Service, Politics, and the Future of the Lehigh Valley

Posted On March 2, 2025 By lvwithlove In /  1
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Guests:

  • Susan Wild – Former U.S. Congresswoman, Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District

In this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley With Love, hosts George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren sit down with former U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild to discuss her time in office, the current state of politics, and the future of the Lehigh Valley. From advocating for lower prescription drug prices to ensuring the Lehigh Valley gets the attention it deserves on the national stage, Susan shares insights from her career and what comes next.

Watch Episode

https://youtu.be/DAfVHJVY_PQ?si=uqXa167FCrF-SHAW
 

 

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Thank you to our Partners!
WDIY

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

Episode Recap

Life After Congress & Future Plans

Susan Wild reflects on her six years representing Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District and shares how she’s still deeply involved in advocating for local organizations and causes. While she has not yet made a final decision about running for office again, she emphasizes the importance of supporting Democratic candidates who can challenge Ryan Mackenzie in the next election.

“I think it’s really important that somebody run on the Democratic side who can beat Ryan Mackenzie… If it’s not me, I will be getting behind whoever the strongest Democratic candidate is.”

Advocating for Community Resources

Wild discusses how the Lehigh Valley has historically been overshadowed by Philadelphia and Pittsburgh when it comes to securing federal funding. During her tenure, she made it a priority to ensure that the Lehigh Valley received its fair share of resources.

“We’re the third largest and fastest-growing region in Pennsylvania, and I made it my mission to bring millions of dollars back to the Lehigh Valley.”

She also highlights the critical need for continued support for local organizations, especially as political shifts at the national level could lead to funding challenges for nonprofits, education, and healthcare.

Lowering Prescription Drug Costs

One of Susan’s proudest accomplishments was her work on lowering the cost of prescription drugs, particularly insulin. She explains how she came to realize the severity of the issue through conversations with constituents and how it became a legislative priority.

“I made it my mission to push for reduced drug prices, and we finally made breakthroughs through the Inflation Reduction Act. Insulin costs have come down, and we’re continuing to negotiate lower prices for other life-saving medications.”

The Problem with Modern Politics

The conversation shifts to the broader political landscape, where Wild discusses how modern political figures are more focused on gaining attention than governing. She criticizes the influence of money in politics and how viral moments often dictate fundraising success.

“Some of the craziest things we’ve seen—like people suggesting we put Donald Trump on a $250 bill—are done for attention because they know it will bring in donations.”

She also highlights the challenges of being a moderate politician in today’s political climate, where bipartisan efforts often go unnoticed compared to the more extreme voices on both sides.

The Lehigh Valley’s Future

Looking ahead, Wild expresses optimism about the Lehigh Valley’s growth but warns about the challenges of urban sprawl and warehouse expansion. She stresses the importance of balancing economic development with responsible planning.

“We need to ensure that we don’t turn the Lehigh Valley into just another suburb of Philadelphia. Growth is great, but it has to be done in a way that maintains our region’s character.”

Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

As the discussion wraps up, Wild talks about the need for younger voices in politics and her desire to mentor future leaders.

“If I decide not to run, it will be because I believe in mentoring and passing the baton. We need more young people in politics, and we have to give them the support they need.”

She shares her vision of creating an initiative in the Lehigh Valley to educate and engage young people in public service, whether through running for office or getting involved in advocacy work.

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