Solving the Lehigh Valley’s Housing Puzzle: Affordability, Zoning, and What Comes Next

Posted On May 29, 2025 By lvwithlove In /  
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George Wacker and Jeff Warren are joined by Jill Seitz, Chief Community and Regional Planner at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and Michael Bernadyn, 2025 President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, for a deep dive into the region’s housing challenges.

From outdated zoning laws to increasing demand and shrinking affordability, the Lehigh Valley is at a tipping point. This episode brings together two perspectives—planning and real estate—to talk about how we got here and what needs to happen next.

“We have the jobs. We have the economy. What we don’t have is enough housing that works for everyone.” — Jill Seitz
“If we don’t address supply and density issues now, affordability is going to get worse—and fast.” — Michael Bernadyn

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/Smg4Rb1dgFE

Thank you to our Partners!

L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs

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

Housing Isn’t Just a Market Issue. It’s a Regional One.

Housing is one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing the Lehigh Valley.
In this episode of Off the Record, we hear from two people deeply engaged in the work:
Jill Seitz, Chief Community and Regional Planner at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and
Michael Bernadyn, 2025 President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®.

🎧 Listen to the Episode
www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/housingepisode

The numbers speak for themselves.

“We’re anticipating that we’re going to need about 20,000 new units of housing in the Lehigh Valley by 2030. And that’s in addition to what we’ve already got planned and in the works.” — Jill Seitz

But this isn’t just about building homes—it’s about building the right kinds of homes in the right places.

“People that live and work in the Lehigh Valley can’t always find housing they can afford or housing that suits their needs.” — Jill Seitz

“The challenge has always been, and still is, that we have more buyers than we have sellers.” — Michael Bernadyn

The Zoning Conversation We Need to Have

Much of the region’s housing strain comes down to barriers in zoning and local governance.

“We have 62 municipalities in the Lehigh Valley. And if you want to build a multifamily development, you’ve got to go through a very time-consuming process. And there’s a lot of resistance.” — Michael Bernadyn

“Communities want economic growth… but they don’t always want the housing that goes along with that.” — Jill Seitz

The solution? A shift in mindset—and a move toward regional thinking.

“Housing is not optional. It’s not a nice-to-have. It’s necessary if we want to keep growing.” — Jill Seitz

What’s Next?

The path forward requires policy alignment, regional cooperation, and a commitment to long-term solutions.

“We want to make sure that our municipalities are zoning for all types of housing. And that we’re working regionally to make sure there’s a place for everyone—whether that’s a first-time buyer, someone downsizing, or someone who wants to stay in their neighborhood as they age.” — Jill Seitz

“If we don’t start having these conversations now, and making changes now, the situation is going to get worse—and fast. But if we do act now, we can start to shift things in a better direction.” — Michael Bernadyn

This Episode Matters

This conversation isn’t just about housing markets. It’s about equity, sustainability, and what kind of future the Lehigh Valley wants to build.

📍 Learn More
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission → https://www.lvpc.org
Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® → https://www.greaterlehighvalleyrealtors.com

🎧 Listen to the full episode
www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/housingepisode

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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

www.lvwithlove.com
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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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