BETHLEHEM TWP. Pa. — The site plan for a new three-story field house at Notre Dame High School has been approved by the township Planning Commission.
At 19,580 square feet, the new field house would be built on the same footprint as the current annex building, which is used daily for gym classes and the like, NDHS Principal Jaclyn Friel told planners on Monday.
Even some classroom space is planned for the new facility, among other similar recreational uses already taking place on site.
Planners voted without opposition to approve the plan. Planner David Wong recused himself from the vote.
“90-percent of our students are student-athletes, but 100-percent of our students are going to benefit from the new building."
Notre Dame High School Principal Jaclyn Friel
The township Board of Commissioners is expected to have the final say on the proposal on April 7.
With student enrollment and performance going up, officials said they are planning for the future.
“Ninety percent of our students are student-athletes, but 100 percent of our students are going to benefit from the new building,” Friel said.
The principal confirmed the updated field house at the 3417 Church Road campus would join other nearby facilities by crosswalk, including an auditorium updated to seat 600.
According to the new facility's plans, the all-new building wouldn't result in an increased need for off-street parking.
The plans were drawn up by Keystone Consulting Engineers of Bethlehem.
They're available for review at the Bethlehem Township Municipal Building, 4225 Easton Ave.