Developer David Jaindl’s plan for a residential community for adults 55 and up on the former Rutz Farm off Walbert Avenue cleared a hurdle Thursday.

The South Whitehall Township Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend to township commissioners that they approve a zoning amendment that would create an overlay zoning district for an “Active Adult” development.

That clears the way for South Whitehall Commissioners to hold a public hearing on the zoning amendment before their Aug. 6 meeting and possibly vote on the issue at the meeting, according to Howard Kutzler, director of administration.