tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40418711514418922682024-03-14T11:48:42.649-07:00The Poop and Water Extraction ChroniclesThe purpose of this blog is to document solid waste and water extraction projects that do not meet zoning requirements or are just very poorly conceived, in an effort to protect the rights and health, safety and welfare of neighboring landowners and residents. The initial project was Nestlé Waters in Kunkletown, Eldred Township. Later, the Synagro biosolids in Plainfield Township - the "Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center" was our focus. We all live downstream.Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.comBlogger264125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-28077782125973982022-01-14T20:34:00.012-08:002022-01-17T20:26:29.444-08:00First Look at Proposed Area for Biosolids to be Applied to Preserved Farmland by Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority in Plainfield Township<p> An August 19. 2021 memo from consultant Material Matters Inc to Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority detailing an "desktop" estimate of the regions of the ~80 acre preserved farm where Class B biosolids may be disposed of. The EPA DEP calls this "beneficial use". Approximately 51.6 acres were found to be possibly suitable, to be refined through an on-site inspection. An on-site inspection will reveal that the tributary and steep slopes may be an obstacle within the proposed region.</p><p>A map was included with the memo, depicting the application (disposal) boundary with a red line. For the purposes of taking a closer look, topographic lines and the location of the Little Bushkill Creek tributary are superimposed on map from the memo. The topographic lines are at 20' intervals. Since the aerial view of the map is at an oblique angle, the topo overlay and lots lines do not align perfectly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiivPnrIf5ohbXMwxkwtPsn3Ig4siMSoh82ooT4Is9ExwHQciS0DQkpMZ87Yk2p54M3Jqo-vjWgWCRBixHmTTo0_JwKVE1pNEdF3kom8BRdo_MJohNRzuAiuACkCMFCjXEt-RzEYpB09jHwLqwdZIOd7Xj1WR3wOTYNoYdHQZNxxE6T7UQ1XNNvs2Ux=s3300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3300" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiivPnrIf5ohbXMwxkwtPsn3Ig4siMSoh82ooT4Is9ExwHQciS0DQkpMZ87Yk2p54M3Jqo-vjWgWCRBixHmTTo0_JwKVE1pNEdF3kom8BRdo_MJohNRzuAiuACkCMFCjXEt-RzEYpB09jHwLqwdZIOd7Xj1WR3wOTYNoYdHQZNxxE6T7UQ1XNNvs2Ux=w640-h494" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The memo states that it is "copyrighted", but it was obtained via a Public Right to Know request.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigUdnjLrLTycw-ZCBF-f0TkRibjnR6T6q_8ElPkZvT5vBg8zg-75W2MbrWGtLOvq0VfQBsBYY7Vkug95-n4dRzJ4AWn1zAYCO69M-vvr-_kH6YrHrunoeTezrRqGffoMCrMS2pMhsy53N6w1vRCw-B-RWHMYflGIw_6IGSQqd9AuhCgQUlLcJevhZY=s1153" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigUdnjLrLTycw-ZCBF-f0TkRibjnR6T6q_8ElPkZvT5vBg8zg-75W2MbrWGtLOvq0VfQBsBYY7Vkug95-n4dRzJ4AWn1zAYCO69M-vvr-_kH6YrHrunoeTezrRqGffoMCrMS2pMhsy53N6w1vRCw-B-RWHMYflGIw_6IGSQqd9AuhCgQUlLcJevhZY=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXB0J2Zrgp-Y2hRugioxVPwblnKi3wZNYYZUm_kmmrqBwEWZKWRZL2Y6j_fOfP2ThYQKonZWMXrt3DVyoIysyzu_xNKKFb9w8FEFDlyIMS7Tkh0bLrwzzabWiqB4uJiCUhOnxJ_YwwFIh-sGYj1mRYbIibLizjdhHOAfiISU0_IL1Hs1bq0AWPDXdE=s1194" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXB0J2Zrgp-Y2hRugioxVPwblnKi3wZNYYZUm_kmmrqBwEWZKWRZL2Y6j_fOfP2ThYQKonZWMXrt3DVyoIysyzu_xNKKFb9w8FEFDlyIMS7Tkh0bLrwzzabWiqB4uJiCUhOnxJ_YwwFIh-sGYj1mRYbIibLizjdhHOAfiISU0_IL1Hs1bq0AWPDXdE=s16000" /></a></div><br />Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-86664427969798390142021-12-20T18:58:00.019-08:002021-12-22T06:12:06.474-08:00Yard signs objecting to Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority's plan to use preserved Plainfield Township farm to dispose of sewage sludge sprouting like blooming bacteria<p> If you drive through the center of Plainfield Township. you can not avoid seeing yard signs in opposition to NBMA's plan to dispose of 1000 wet tons of sewage sludge annually on the Hower Road farm that it purchased on November 1. Looks like someone received a heap of (activated?) charcoal in their stocking this Christmas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7P1p168opPkP8CIudRFI24VWv043myr3Quu8ih9fr9A8TYKwdu6aUV4ODLBbh68Wxhy30dRakUoAOcfyGzppd1sc9N6Bhmlo88DV5NaniZFOMe_ULAlHZXEl9bdsPimB5TgzOvGWzx3NHMpkKEVoshc0bmZ0pTqmmvZlYGQWFMK2Qi12aVrBvBlZL=s1028" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7P1p168opPkP8CIudRFI24VWv043myr3Quu8ih9fr9A8TYKwdu6aUV4ODLBbh68Wxhy30dRakUoAOcfyGzppd1sc9N6Bhmlo88DV5NaniZFOMe_ULAlHZXEl9bdsPimB5TgzOvGWzx3NHMpkKEVoshc0bmZ0pTqmmvZlYGQWFMK2Qi12aVrBvBlZL=w350-h400" width="350" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGSN5w6IdXpLfeofrotu7PBDwH8FYqmrXvtRt60Qaeqo2Is5U58C2hWOpMyDihz_KWAf96CZ7_CC3lbTPBsCmu6huAQUu7GY2SCqQ0ff00Hv92pBsvT6_7lchOhXSZIDx9rQKlZ0yoDJ80-VsyGlDYS-VbcFDHQqrt1rEb4NYcm5eEd8n5pZX-gxFq=s1920" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGSN5w6IdXpLfeofrotu7PBDwH8FYqmrXvtRt60Qaeqo2Is5U58C2hWOpMyDihz_KWAf96CZ7_CC3lbTPBsCmu6huAQUu7GY2SCqQ0ff00Hv92pBsvT6_7lchOhXSZIDx9rQKlZ0yoDJ80-VsyGlDYS-VbcFDHQqrt1rEb4NYcm5eEd8n5pZX-gxFq=w320-h181" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bangor Rd S of Gap View Rd<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi54066A9P7mJYn3JEPX7J6wBP8PCHKSn1M2Rm79GD_mOLWiPVX0h5a9c8XUwIp-xyS0Is0nNkGjjseSQxES3n0Dd1vD2P_dZ1lhhOA-1eBo9PwBWvJjZBgWLnHnOjF7JQAKuDBkeTNMt3wNhHXecMEVhgA2AJcd7SdVfXjIpdP1ujXoJPJbaBeBNWd=s3648" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi54066A9P7mJYn3JEPX7J6wBP8PCHKSn1M2Rm79GD_mOLWiPVX0h5a9c8XUwIp-xyS0Is0nNkGjjseSQxES3n0Dd1vD2P_dZ1lhhOA-1eBo9PwBWvJjZBgWLnHnOjF7JQAKuDBkeTNMt3wNhHXecMEVhgA2AJcd7SdVfXjIpdP1ujXoJPJbaBeBNWd=w320-h240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benders Church Rd at Colony Ln</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH9XWTzoXLZ4UxeE5AeuXHM8sG0nkBVuevLev-OsmUeIadK9qX2Wop9L0QCgykCmA4PWrYOi6oZ0dkQG7eblXVJX1Cz_BmNqbW9forSd0mRg4Q3_TqawPwHmksICnwyYZ14BtPKHyu2apEQq5NQGePKu9DUsaHaQbAAQVYSyGPMEaZjVlaWrVFmbZ_=s1920" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH9XWTzoXLZ4UxeE5AeuXHM8sG0nkBVuevLev-OsmUeIadK9qX2Wop9L0QCgykCmA4PWrYOi6oZ0dkQG7eblXVJX1Cz_BmNqbW9forSd0mRg4Q3_TqawPwHmksICnwyYZ14BtPKHyu2apEQq5NQGePKu9DUsaHaQbAAQVYSyGPMEaZjVlaWrVFmbZ_=w320-h181" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benders Church Rd<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfDet6cYZSUvAU27F44RiqfnjOJ0tnzcgsn62d_1K2ZGPT_TQdcriqavXkDMLRz9ufGIbtNhfmyhAhrWXnnfnqhW5RR9Bvx8IXJ9xupL3JF337v0KeAJNLjnSuEDy9hhd9ZoxPJiaSl6i-cCW2sYT4aSMJIgZ7PmiSQoo2AftvMZWyn2MIQL6dLSU0=s3648" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfDet6cYZSUvAU27F44RiqfnjOJ0tnzcgsn62d_1K2ZGPT_TQdcriqavXkDMLRz9ufGIbtNhfmyhAhrWXnnfnqhW5RR9Bvx8IXJ9xupL3JF337v0KeAJNLjnSuEDy9hhd9ZoxPJiaSl6i-cCW2sYT4aSMJIgZ7PmiSQoo2AftvMZWyn2MIQL6dLSU0=w320-h240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colony Ln</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPiRue3xPaA9YHtlFRTBV9X1QWTfWRaEScGxcWyA6DJxVoR3TET1XXHDG5GHbhjcpWj8ubQQfI-2hIWVVSvh1mzkJfCWhbmt9nm3C1yLL1AAcxYSFmay_ai7Rd4WNLX43arzSHbB-P9-tgfQ4SeeiA0Rx_VJ7N9gGO7yfCGTv_Cc6OCCmoN5DUy4SY=s3648" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPiRue3xPaA9YHtlFRTBV9X1QWTfWRaEScGxcWyA6DJxVoR3TET1XXHDG5GHbhjcpWj8ubQQfI-2hIWVVSvh1mzkJfCWhbmt9nm3C1yLL1AAcxYSFmay_ai7Rd4WNLX43arzSHbB-P9-tgfQ4SeeiA0Rx_VJ7N9gGO7yfCGTv_Cc6OCCmoN5DUy4SY=w320-h240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colony Ln<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhYkpf2vHnGw9_45qDcbJOtjpK-Q8N0NwRkHlbVjfAt7KFKvQ9HlZAIarpuMUv1-WFnhjEWzWYKvhE7apZq049RxFbq8KweMFyDvYnm-rbkujAFqS7cFePUcDFLZ8_A9hVB0hea8Y1LB6BHE-nr9FfjHzoKjyQQpifIcNbMuKBlpuVGj9v2ysuz89c=s1920" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhYkpf2vHnGw9_45qDcbJOtjpK-Q8N0NwRkHlbVjfAt7KFKvQ9HlZAIarpuMUv1-WFnhjEWzWYKvhE7apZq049RxFbq8KweMFyDvYnm-rbkujAFqS7cFePUcDFLZ8_A9hVB0hea8Y1LB6BHE-nr9FfjHzoKjyQQpifIcNbMuKBlpuVGj9v2ysuz89c=w320-h181" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edelman Village</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtc5guSbBZT_LIFvIAFbADnsBpc9k2ot5XBTM7aDojy5yvb2TwG0pXXEsoEcyKmSFNCcWFdG9O5OGMEcf3GaJHawI0RVcHmMJLsHk6h5TIIN0ywk9dueXFAAoLtV7DtYvOiL5s0chv0DqBsXvWXTnP1sh9ZYnoZ-BWzYjisVYJN0VQb7QT9t4jE59Z=s1920" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtc5guSbBZT_LIFvIAFbADnsBpc9k2ot5XBTM7aDojy5yvb2TwG0pXXEsoEcyKmSFNCcWFdG9O5OGMEcf3GaJHawI0RVcHmMJLsHk6h5TIIN0ywk9dueXFAAoLtV7DtYvOiL5s0chv0DqBsXvWXTnP1sh9ZYnoZ-BWzYjisVYJN0VQb7QT9t4jE59Z=w320-h181" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hower Rd at Bangor Rd</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZnUYOuoXDhNbFAHVKGm3NL9Jy97Q756Fr-mVxJ6-juSZMo4L5i7p13zpu3AugPHZCQoXy6qu_vpTJIjhMDA2-QU4nHKQSQ0jW3hd-UXZfOpCw4eyuEHKgc_i5LrLAy81WU2g0x5mRqDPLqHq2Px9_-o3fehTGYNO1VHeIWqpiXa1NQ_8R0q8c_9le=s1920" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZnUYOuoXDhNbFAHVKGm3NL9Jy97Q756Fr-mVxJ6-juSZMo4L5i7p13zpu3AugPHZCQoXy6qu_vpTJIjhMDA2-QU4nHKQSQ0jW3hd-UXZfOpCw4eyuEHKgc_i5LrLAy81WU2g0x5mRqDPLqHq2Px9_-o3fehTGYNO1VHeIWqpiXa1NQ_8R0q8c_9le=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hower Rd<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmQidHPQ6KCoj4DF0pe3n_A4hrdYRWNZVDzLMLdwHvbJBBeb1hhZ9X1KgvneFcZ-8pnk4ZRJ3Y44M7p8m_Glbc_Uln6py1ugUu6ZuQz4JrHoUpb-xw-XmyIkg2YllAjjKd92weJKjvUusYTTklut-d2uf0PeEPqt_f3VOgDMahfEeZl-fYVV95SdIZ=s1920" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmQidHPQ6KCoj4DF0pe3n_A4hrdYRWNZVDzLMLdwHvbJBBeb1hhZ9X1KgvneFcZ-8pnk4ZRJ3Y44M7p8m_Glbc_Uln6py1ugUu6ZuQz4JrHoUpb-xw-XmyIkg2YllAjjKd92weJKjvUusYTTklut-d2uf0PeEPqt_f3VOgDMahfEeZl-fYVV95SdIZ=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hower Rd</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI_rEbwSSxfbvbDzgIB1gGmGeU_RoBmxk37BIdBYiBKF_TzCkzVt-E9OeQqvyPrxQ3DCUWE64s7z5RFsEh5MK4OAiOCRhEqITYyz2SHidLP7a0Pb3P7n1o7GXRQMk_43JaTWRPRR5gVyQXSemFMBpKYH9vNMCRHHp0em2nuTzCh1RHjgpjGBmOkBTi=s1920" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI_rEbwSSxfbvbDzgIB1gGmGeU_RoBmxk37BIdBYiBKF_TzCkzVt-E9OeQqvyPrxQ3DCUWE64s7z5RFsEh5MK4OAiOCRhEqITYyz2SHidLP7a0Pb3P7n1o7GXRQMk_43JaTWRPRR5gVyQXSemFMBpKYH9vNMCRHHp0em2nuTzCh1RHjgpjGBmOkBTi=w320-h181" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pen Argyl Rd at Benders Church Rd</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4t7bM2YqcZfxHmJMAmtp99DW8x6cAsbydBsPyCBX4UCXzLZhysQgGfM1e_HqV9IOQqq-KmtH8oh7hVV5NRjBrTyR5exNOw_PKZG4mRARjGmVi0bogBViuHwE4K-l7NKUG_QGnV5pfslVDS5LtCck7KqEIzDhMN9EqIXFZ4VUY80v0d3MJFwkN7hjY=s1028" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4t7bM2YqcZfxHmJMAmtp99DW8x6cAsbydBsPyCBX4UCXzLZhysQgGfM1e_HqV9IOQqq-KmtH8oh7hVV5NRjBrTyR5exNOw_PKZG4mRARjGmVi0bogBViuHwE4K-l7NKUG_QGnV5pfslVDS5LtCck7KqEIzDhMN9EqIXFZ4VUY80v0d3MJFwkN7hjY=s320" width="280" /></a></div><br />Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-77360484848236914222021-12-20T01:49:00.017-08:002021-12-24T21:44:28.825-08:00At December 16 NBMA Board meeting, possibility that Plainfield Township farm will be used as Mid-Atlantic Land Application Biosolids Research Facility is announced<p> The December 16 Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority meeting was well attended, with an audience filled as in November by Plainfield Township residents. At the November meeting, Chairman Kornos read a statement prior to public comment that appeared to be designed to ameliorate concerns of those in the audience. However, discrepancies between this statement and comments made later in the meeting by Board members and NBMA Plant Manager Dean Minnich resulted in the inescapable conclusion that making the statement was a strategic mistake.</p><p>Undaunted, but not understanding his audience, Chairman Fornos ventured into similar territory at the December meeting. He announced that the Authority was working with Ryan Shaw of the County Farmland Preservation Board, and Jim Clauser of the County Conservation District, with the goal to craft a Conservation Plan that incorporates biosolids application for the Hower Farm. Perhaps Mr. Fornos is unaware that Mr. Clauser is not qualified to draft conservation plans. The Conservation District is in fact supposed to have someone on staff capable of drafting and reviewing conservation plans, but they do not. Mr. Shaw may not have informed Mr. Fornos that at the December Farmland Preservation Board meeting, Mr. Shaw's boss Maria Bentzoni stated that NBMA's planned use of biosolids on preserved farmland will be "destructive to" the program.</p><p>Chairman Fornos, in the most clueless manner possible, dropped a bombshell on the audience. He read a memo received from Material Matters to NBMA that stated that the Hower Rd farm might be used as a research facility for the land application of biosolids. He elaborated that not much is known about the practice, and he personally has envisioned something like this "for years". If more is known, the practice would be more accepted. In making this statement, Chairman Kornos was incredibly admitting what all the concerned citizens in the audience know - there are many unknowns. Why would any resident want to be involved in such an experiment, and why would they want to take part in making the practice more accepted?</p><p>It is important to note that Trudy Johnston, the Managing Director of Material Matters, is the Mid-Atlantic Queen of Biosolids. She is a long time Board member of the Mid-Atlantic Biosolids Association (MABA), and she readily would tell you that she actively encourages the land use of biosolids. The President of MABA is a Synagro official, and a Waste Management Inc official is another Board member. Ms. Johnston was hired by Plainfield Township as a consultant during the failed Synagro proposal from 2016 to 2019. One nugget dropped, pun not intended, by Ms. Johnston during that time was that Class B biosolids "can be much more odorous than Class A."</p><div style="text-align: left;">Then audience members were invited to make public comment. <i>Note: there are a few documents at the end of this post, referred to in these statements. A key one is a memo dated October 21, 2021, only 10 days prior to closing on the Hower farm, which rates the risk of three options for NBMA.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The following statements are self explanatory. The theme is that the Hower farm was the highest risk option that NBMA could have chosen, and is an inappropriate solution for sludge disposal ("beneficial use" according to DEP). NBMA has multiple options that would be far better.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1. Millie Beahn</b> lives adjacent to the Hower farms and stated:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />"I had 150 signs made up and we are putting them out. (All 150 signs have been placed and Millie is considering printing 60 more) We will keep coming to meetings. I had met with Tara Zrinski (County Council) and Darree Sicher (United Sludge-Free Alliance), Also we went to Northampton County Council meetings and the Northampton County Farmland Preservation meeting. <br />We are not going to be used as guinea pigs. - (held up the picture of the sign that has to be posted on the property where the Biosolids are spread and read it “ACCESS RESTRICTED _ BIOSOLIDS APPLICATION" that has to be posted. People are restricted from going on the property when the product is spread.) From a fact sheet: Why is sewage sludge dumped in our communities? What is sewage sludge? SEWAGE SLUDGE IS NOT FERTILIZER. This is where we live our homes are within feet of this property. We are not going to be used as guinea pigs."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8ziDXvw9kCeShhiaK-X4KFPCUXDevm4-TfoiNnAqhQXswa3AjbhUOWhVugYR_KWLVwAwBJLQB8tnbqrL-l7gglrsvsegwwg-uvH__UJoiXjU0YVgjjPV0Fw_zFv-HTs8IP4yAn1m6OawHJxGKI6iPMhUWCa5VkVtJICacCXOxVtar7QGcoiGe8LK9=s590" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="590" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8ziDXvw9kCeShhiaK-X4KFPCUXDevm4-TfoiNnAqhQXswa3AjbhUOWhVugYR_KWLVwAwBJLQB8tnbqrL-l7gglrsvsegwwg-uvH__UJoiXjU0YVgjjPV0Fw_zFv-HTs8IP4yAn1m6OawHJxGKI6iPMhUWCa5VkVtJICacCXOxVtar7QGcoiGe8LK9=w400-h191" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2. Don Moore</b> identified himself as a Supervisor-Elect in Plainfield Township, and said he was making a last appearance as an ordinary citizen. He read the following statement.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;">"At a cost of $200k a year – you
could dispose of your 800 to 1000 wet tons of sludge annually in a landfill for
a couple hundred years with the profit off of your current farm that you obtained
in 2000 by eminent domain and sold for $53.1 million.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This October 21 Material Matters document
shows that you could also have it hauled away for $70-80 a wet ton, which would
cost only $80,000 a year.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;">You stated at the November
meeting that you do not plan to expand capacity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are you going to do with this windfall, off
a piece of land that <u>just passed</u> the 21-year holding requirement for
land obtained through eminent domain?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At last month’s meeting, when questioned about the sale, the Chairman
smiled and said “that’s business.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
NBMA is a municipal entity – <u>not</u> a for-proft company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 2020 Annual DEP report on your farm
shows that the cumulative lifetime metals content is not anywhere near the
maximums allowed, so why did you sell it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It seems that ethically such a taking should not be done lightly, and
not for a short term benefit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a
municipal entity, your main purpose is to protect the health, safety and
welfare of citizens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would
respectfully suggest this should not be at the cost of negatively impacting
another community’s citizens, <u>and</u> reaping an obscene financial reward in
the process. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;">Plant Manager Minnich and his
wife signed petitions against the proposed Synagro Sludge Plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are not near fields where the product
would be spread, so they were likely concerned about being behind trucks
hauling sludge to and from the plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This proposal is <u>far</u> worse, since sludge not only be trucked in,
but it will be stockpiled, spread and allowed to outgas to the air.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;">NBMA Solicitor Pierce – has
represented one or more families who preserved land in the immediate vicinity
of the Hower property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Represents both
the NBMA and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Nazareth</st1:city></st1:place>
Borough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Represented both the buyer and
seller of the Hower Farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prior to the
closing, Nazareth Borough officials were asked if they knew about a piece of
property being purchased, and said no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One would assume between the Solicitor and possibly a liaison to this
Board, that the Borough would know about the pending purchase of this property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This purchase was kept a secret.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;">During a recent site visit, it
is my understanding that a NBMA Board member referred to a concerned neighbor
of the <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Hower Rd</st1:address></st1:street>
farm as “the opposition”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the
kind of comment that would expected from a project manager of a for-profit
nuisance business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would submit that
she is your <u>neighbor</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a
municipal entity, not a private business, you should hold this citizen’s
health, safety and welfare as the highest priority, and not see her or any of
your new neighbors as an enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In light
of the facts of this case, I submit that you will be dealing with a lot of
concerned citizens, both neighbors and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Plainfield</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Township</st1:placetype></st1:place>
officials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should act to work in
their interests, not against them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;">Material Matters memorandum – public
opposition, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>three options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This memorandum I found confusing, and it
angered me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It rates Public Opposition
to Biosolids on the Hower farm a 4 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being highest
opposition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trudy Johnston of Material
Matters, would know very well as a former consultant that public opposition in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Plainfield</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Township</st1:placetype></st1:place> would be a 10 on a scale of 1
to 5 – off the charts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of the three
options, Hower farm rated the highest in risk, a 2.8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lowest scored 1.7 and the other scored
2.7.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;">With $53 million in the bank,
and other lower risk options available, it makes absolutely no sense at all to
me why you would pursue the highest risk solution.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;">Contradictions in comments last
month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will build a storage building, don’t
need a building; other generators won’t dump sludge, other generators may dump
sludge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t have a definite plan
and you apparently don’t have a farmer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the memorandum the Hower Farm scored well for having a farmer
experienced with biosolids – the farmer of your current property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am aware that you have in fact approached
a farmer inexperienced with sludge to farm the property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You bought a property with a stream through
it – where is that scored in the memorandum?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nothing here makes sense.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;">At the November meeting,
Chairman Fornos stated everything will satisfy DEP, implying there is no
risk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a sample of DEP’s recent
screw-ups / shenanigans, that had significant consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slate Hills Quarry (DEP issued permit, ground
water became permanently contaminated), Buzzi Unicem (sinkholes, loss of Rt 33
bridges, which will have to replaced again), proposed Synagro plant (directed
Synagro to apply for a General Permit to allow for similar plants across PA,
announced they would waive a waterway obstruction permit to cover their lack of
oversight years earlier, conspired to keep Township officials out of a critical
meeting).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;">Why aren’t farmers lining up to
use this stuff?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they were, you
wouldn’t be taking or buying property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No Class B biosolids are being used as fertilizer <u>anywhere</u> in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Plainfield</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Township</st1:placetype></st1:place>, Rinaldi is the only farmer
currently using Class A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could pay
farmers $40 a wet ton, which would more than cover the cost of the fertilizer
they will have to supplement the biosolids with, and they would come out far ahead
compared with not using biosolids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
no one is taking this deal – and there is a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one knows what is in it, and it varies
greatly in what is contains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are
applying 2.1 to 3.3 dry tons per acre to your field, or roughly 15 wet tons per
acre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To pay to haul that away at $80
per ton costs $1200, to landfill maybe $2000 or more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A farmer pays $40 to $160 per acre for
fertilizer.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;">You were reportedly warned by someone in
your organization that this would be a mistake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Plainfield Twp spent $210,000 to protect our environment in the Synagro
saga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a landfill that refuses to
go away now that it has expanded to the limits of the land we have zoned for
solid waste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been trying to
finalize plans for a park pavilion building that would be sited adjacent to
this property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wetlands and a tributary
to a HQ water quality creek, already impaired, runs through this property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you had contacted us prior to purchase, we
could have discussed these and other issues with you.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;">Our Board of Supervisors
Solicitor Backenstoe stated to a concerned resident at our December meeting (<u>paraphrased</u>):
rest assured the township we will do everything possible at the earliest stages
if this moves forward, including potential litigation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may have a war chest of $53 million, but
we have ample funds to get us through a battle.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;">We (literally) don’t need this
crap."</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;"><b>3. Patricia Meckler</b> lives adjacent to the site and read the following statement:</p><p class="MsoNormal">I bought a lot in 1994 from the Howers, and built a house
with my husband in 1995. The Howers were
selling road frontage lots. This lot has
beautiful views and is adjacent with many preserved farms, the Plainfield
Farmers Fair and within a few tenths of a mile of athletic fields at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Plainfield</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>.</p><p class="MsoNormal">It was extremely disturbing and shocking to hear the Hower
farm was sold to the Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority and their plan was to
spread biosolids on a preserved
farm. This also blindsided the Plainfield
Township Board of Supervisors and this is wrong on so many levels.</p><p class="MsoNormal">The township, county and state pay a lot of money to
preserve these farms and a municipal sewer authority should not be allowed to
use this as their disposal site. This
was not the intent of the Farmland Preservation Program. The Authority made $53.1 million selling
their land for a warehouse, they should have found a commercial property
without adjacent homes, our beautiful homes are right on top of this farm.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Also this property is very hilly and sloping and has many
wet areas. When we have inches of rain
there are streams running through this property, down towards the Leiser farm,
into their ponds and small streams and then the Little Bushkill Creek, which
our township has spent a lot of time and money conserving.</p><p class="MsoNormal">The Hower farm is adjacent to the Plainfield Township
Farmers Fair and within a few tenths of a mile where thousands of kids play
organized sports. Biosolids are
concentrated toxic chemicals and also contain pathogens such as E. coli,
salmonella, bacteria and viruses. How
can a sewer authority think that it is okay to spread biosolids near homes,
athletic fields and a farmer’s fair when windborne pathogens can travel in a
6-mile radius and this will put our health and lives at risk?</p><p class="MsoNormal">All of us surrounding this farm and most of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Plainfield</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Township</st1:placetype></st1:place> have well water. We have no access to a public water
system. Spreading sewage sludge contributes
to contamination of groundwater, well water, crops and finished products such
as milk. NBMA should have selected a
property with a public source of water – we do not have that.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Also, <st1:street w:st="on">Hower Rd</st1:street>
is windy and hilly and has limited sight-lines, and it is not suitable for
truck traffic. Also, if biosolids are
spread on the fields, there will be deposits on the roads as trucks and
tractors leave these fields, this product will end up on our roads, our cars
will drive over these biosolids and they will end up in our garages and
homes. This is disgusting and unhealthy.</p><p class="MsoNormal">There were many good and interested people that wanted to
buy the Hower farm, but it was grossly overpriced and a shady, secretive deal
with the Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority was the result and it was
extremely unethical.</p><p class="MsoNormal">You should consider selling it back to all of us because we
do not want to see our neighborhood and quality of life destroyed.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -12pt;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Patti Meckler</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>4. Tony Borger</b> identified himself at Chairman of the Plainfield Township Recreation Board, stated that he was making comments on behalf of only himself as a resident, and read a statement:</p><p class="MsoNormal">"Members of the Municipal Authority,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m here before you all to continue to voice my concerns
about this Hower Farm sewage sludge disposal project. I ask for you to
reconsider the due not only to its location directly adjacent to residential
homes, but also due to its proximity to our township’s recreation facilities of
Achenbach’s Grove and the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Plainfield</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Township</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Community</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> at Kesslersville.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As a homeowner, we all invest our hard earned money in our
properties with the idea of living a comfortable life with our children and our
neighbors. We all have the common goal of community. To do no harm to our
neighbors and have them do no harm to us. It’s a basic principlek we all
grew up with, passed down from our parents and grandparents. Do no harm.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our recreation facilities have been set aside by local,
county and state funds to be a place for local residents in our community to
visit and enjoy the outdoors. To get an enjoyable walk in, to let our
children play on the play ground, and to just get some fresh air and
relax. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
The facilities are also home to the Plainfield Township Farmers Association,
who host the annual Plainfield Farmers Fair. Each year, the 5 day event
brings in a couple thousand people from far and wide to enjoy the livestock,
craft fair, baking contest, outdoor concerts and the popular Demolition Derby
and Truck and Tractor Pulls. If you’ve never been to it, I recommend
it. But do it quickly, because once the sludge operation begins, who
knows how much longer this event will be around.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What isn’t mentioned in your Material Matters Memorandum
about the Hower Farm property is its proximity to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Plainfield</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Township</st1:placetype>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Community</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>.
The park is home to several organizations who help maintain it. The Wind
Gap Athletic Association soccer program, the Faith Christian School Soccer
teams, Junior Knights Baseball program, just to name a few. The potential
impact to these programs because of this careless proposal sends waves across
the community. How can they put on youth programs if the air is ripe with
sewage odor. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The investment in these properties over the years for the
expressed purpose of recreation comes from local money, county money and even
state money. All that invested funding for outdoor recreation is now ready
to be forfeited if we continue down this path.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At the last municipal authority meeting you were quoted as
saying “this is just good business”. I challenge that statement.
You see, you are not a business. You have no customers, per se. You
get to determine who must pay you for disposal of their waste. I’d say
that’s more like a monopoly. But regardless, I go back to a phrase I used
earlier. “FIRST, DO NO HARM”. Some of our most ethical professions
use that phrase, attributed to the Greek Physician Hippocrates.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The members of your board were put in a unique
position. From what I understand, you inherited a property that was taken
from your neighbors by eminent domain 20 years ago. When Mr. Chrin
decided to put an interchange and warehouse farm adjacent to that property, you
made out like bandits to the tune of $50M, or more, on property you took
because you “needed it.” </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That property was the perfect location. A mile from
the nearest home down-wind. You also noted at the last meeting how great
the application was and that you never had any neighbors complain about
odor. Well, it’s pretty hard to find neighbors to complain when there
aren’t any. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So after making that $50 million dollars on the sale of the
property, you all have an opportunity to “do no harm”. To use that $50
million dollars responsibly for your Municipal Authority, but also ethically,
do no harm with that money in your new plans to dispose of your sludge.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Just on the interest alone, it would be simple to contract
disposal of that waste in a landfill for well beyond any of your years sitting
in those chairs.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another option would be to support your local cement
company, the backbone of the history of the <st1:city w:st="on">Nazareth</st1:city> area. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I quote from an article from the publication Science Direct:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">“Furthermore, with its chemical
composition, sewage sludge represents a potential source of raw materials for
clinker production, thus limiting the demand for natural fossil fuels. As
results show from previous studies in this area, specific conditions of
incineration in cement kilns allow for maintaining emission standards and
process requirements for the production of clinker.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.bioenergyconsult.com/sewage-cement-industry/" target="_blank">https://www.bioenergyconsult.com/sewage-cement-industry/</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364032106001195" target="_blank">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364032106001195</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1064407" target="_blank">https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1064407</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You would think with all the cement kilns in the area and
rising costs of fuel, not to mention the push against climate change, this
option would have made the Material Matters publication. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But instead, you chose Option 1. Be damned the people
of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Plainfield</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Township</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Be damned the property
values of the residents down-wind of the Hower Farm. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our houses are our biggest assets. It’s the one thing
we invest in that we can leverage for our own well being when we grow old and
hopefully have some left over when we pass an inheritance to our
children. With this decision, you’ll likely reduce personal property
value of your new neighbors by almost as much as you paid for the Hower
Farm. These families’ homes will become impossible to sell with sewage
sludge applications taking place in their backyards.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I ask, would you want that done to you? By a group of
people who had so many other choices that would do no harm? </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I ask you to reconsider. It’s not too late. Be
responsible. Do the moral and ethical thing. DO NO HARM. Be
responsible to the community and do good with a $50M dollar gift Mr. Chrin gave
to you. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When you lay your head down on the pillow tonight, let that
phrase echo in your mind. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">DO NO HARM.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tony Borger</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> <b>5. Rich Uliana</b> Lives adjacent to the property. Mr. Uliana had a question - he asked "if this stuff is safe, explain to me why if I sell my property, I have to fill out a disclosure stating that this has been applied adjacent to my property, and in the process reduce my property value. I'm going to go ahead and sit down because I don't believe any of you have an answer." Board Solicitor Al Pierce, who was rather belligerent and raised his voice multiple times during the public comment period, doubted this was true. Mr. Uliana stated that he would forward evidence it is the case to the Board.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>edit 12/25</b> Here is the proof, from the PA Association of Realtors Seller's Disclosure. Come on, Mr. Pierce. A good attorney would know not to admit he isn't aware of something like this.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzD2IppH9d4XZRiTV9Hz-mBv-xyw4We80AMPwViW1tVrmks4DS6Xp4dmjFw2p68gJuhFCLLOhFdtkny0VAUAKDQz7TMzNide38ge47NKTJ023gX8lzsf6UIpbG4IQ6kqn2Kg2xl0nbudoEsQyoLQ-_ULpFZIscYJuILo3vx2wjWW8kDrNghR6vFkIg=s1638" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1638" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzD2IppH9d4XZRiTV9Hz-mBv-xyw4We80AMPwViW1tVrmks4DS6Xp4dmjFw2p68gJuhFCLLOhFdtkny0VAUAKDQz7TMzNide38ge47NKTJ023gX8lzsf6UIpbG4IQ6kqn2Kg2xl0nbudoEsQyoLQ-_ULpFZIscYJuILo3vx2wjWW8kDrNghR6vFkIg=w400-h178" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b>6. Dorothy Williams</b> Ms. Williams lives immediately downstrea</o:p>m of the runoff of the site, and receives heavy stream and surface flow associated with storm and winter melt. She expressed concern that in her senior years, her house is her greatest asset, and when the proposed use destroys her property's value she does know what she will do.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>7. Jason Lewis</b> Mr. Lewis, having listened to the previous speakers, several of whom questioned the wisdom of the Authority's plan, asked how many of the Board members were familiar with the property and understood how sloped it is, prior to deciding to purchase it. No Board member responded.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Follow up comments</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Ms. Meckler observed that the spreading of sludge on preserved farmland, as proposed, is inconsistent with the purpose (and legally binding deed language) of the preservation of farmland in perpetuity - forever. Mr. Moore put a finer point on this, pointing out that the steady buildup of metals and pollutants such as PFAS in biosolids in the soil never goes away - which mean use of the land for agricultural purposes is being degraded. This is antithetical to the goal of the Farmland Preservation Program as Ms. Meckler stated.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Observations</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">It should be noted that most Board members appeared somewhat nonplussed throughout the public's comments. One wonders if they were led down this path by one or two members who cast this plan as a good idea. The public was allowed to speak as long as it wished, which was acknowledged and appreciated by multiple attendees. They were treated with respect, with the exception of one individual on the dais.</p><p class="MsoNormal">As multiple speakers addressed, NBMA is flushed with cash, so to speak. Riches beyond most municipality's imaginations, and NBMA is a municipal entity. Mr. Borger's exhortation that NBMA should "DO NO HARM" is perfectly stated. Why in the world would they foist this operation on Plainfield Township, and its residents? There is obviously significant cost in biosolids disposal, but NBMA has far more assets than it seems likely to need. Is this an uninformed choice, pedestrian greed, or could it be something more insidious - such as a conspiracy between parties who are interested in increasing the "beneficial use" of biosolids across the state? Could choosing a property with a HQ creek tributary through the bottom of it have been intentional, and not just an apparently ill-conceived choice? To make it easier to defend applying biosolids near surface waters in the future?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjacdA1KNGWRkMd8oMR2vaBtOE3xkVVY_aenisgHTrFpmMyO0RAD-2k45lHIsjAGdiSCdw0aKVN4pCPWDyz2HBcTtmzs7tVUqCmkAZ08kE3UYF4iy2Hv-e8yFTy6mbCMANnCT-yopH5CJm5jTOg1n_WpvEt2fVOUDAch_tnHQa13Dj0vqQaDBBt6y-n=s400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="400" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjacdA1KNGWRkMd8oMR2vaBtOE3xkVVY_aenisgHTrFpmMyO0RAD-2k45lHIsjAGdiSCdw0aKVN4pCPWDyz2HBcTtmzs7tVUqCmkAZ08kE3UYF4iy2Hv-e8yFTy6mbCMANnCT-yopH5CJm5jTOg1n_WpvEt2fVOUDAch_tnHQa13Dj0vqQaDBBt6y-n=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is real?</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><br />Memorandum from Material Matters to NBMA,</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>rating the risk of three options for disposal of NBMA's sludge</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVrX0xJVMgJI6EZ9zEg4lzhQQhTzvOSV3twyRVYNp9kZPU0VGpzCHlIcF4aqzDzjwsvTvFKZJtUoIFrGMq8lEgtUbSSDmdFU6oEdg9RouicGRDCCnTyP2PxrVnqy2szF3JDZHahAO-tnFMV9KZtl2OgOhVRDDJu5NfU7csAg-ZLrdV1eUscOupW8Hw=s3300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVrX0xJVMgJI6EZ9zEg4lzhQQhTzvOSV3twyRVYNp9kZPU0VGpzCHlIcF4aqzDzjwsvTvFKZJtUoIFrGMq8lEgtUbSSDmdFU6oEdg9RouicGRDCCnTyP2PxrVnqy2szF3JDZHahAO-tnFMV9KZtl2OgOhVRDDJu5NfU7csAg-ZLrdV1eUscOupW8Hw=w494-h640" width="494" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMA-bDlGqzd_1ASQiAedXM8eUx0JZ6EXUU2Jk9M4CCSM-naa4Pj9SpXtxeTjg1Q_ZZP8oX6EEjRZYp3vXoG7t14PNRFJINp1d61xOTXTV-j1wl7kEgQDNvFv9B5-vQZkudrvJVPvqY-lJ2ONyotcQH8l4EuJGwWNWubz4v5fBmh_Wg9hSE54BzrbkD=s3300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMA-bDlGqzd_1ASQiAedXM8eUx0JZ6EXUU2Jk9M4CCSM-naa4Pj9SpXtxeTjg1Q_ZZP8oX6EEjRZYp3vXoG7t14PNRFJINp1d61xOTXTV-j1wl7kEgQDNvFv9B5-vQZkudrvJVPvqY-lJ2ONyotcQH8l4EuJGwWNWubz4v5fBmh_Wg9hSE54BzrbkD=w494-h640" width="494" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicdmf1FrZJXwao9kIuYtK5_TSYzfO6x17Qq_HUCuXfSqlp-L9LI9j6-mHRF5TlYSLmn_a77mRi8uAilUzhcoxMgW9r9fSMsjzkr456eg4IlE0khuCBjR72qotiTrJinJiNutrH805hW9J9CA_xVDE-Co5HX3X-kg687OVxZMN0lawijojWx7imcDP3=s3300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicdmf1FrZJXwao9kIuYtK5_TSYzfO6x17Qq_HUCuXfSqlp-L9LI9j6-mHRF5TlYSLmn_a77mRi8uAilUzhcoxMgW9r9fSMsjzkr456eg4IlE0khuCBjR72qotiTrJinJiNutrH805hW9J9CA_xVDE-Co5HX3X-kg687OVxZMN0lawijojWx7imcDP3=w494-h640" width="494" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAysgicM9ssTa7O2BUJ36MEUx7IACgEQwUsfvN2YyOUrLC9MSNXFvFgyhPSitvFBxr5H28Gu8hAqtpZd87fDIG3AxtzjMeAvKRc0GDhHHTcVAfzTbou-73J6DXBYRFukqQP5wNVrRcrWiUVcra7EoOLkGO0ezeOQiCdKEOW5E4yx4JRU0tDy1q12Z7=s3300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAysgicM9ssTa7O2BUJ36MEUx7IACgEQwUsfvN2YyOUrLC9MSNXFvFgyhPSitvFBxr5H28Gu8hAqtpZd87fDIG3AxtzjMeAvKRc0GDhHHTcVAfzTbou-73J6DXBYRFukqQP5wNVrRcrWiUVcra7EoOLkGO0ezeOQiCdKEOW5E4yx4JRU0tDy1q12Z7=w494-h640" width="494" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8NWg96EgF-TsBD4W8Pi3Q1X9j4jW2H-hfKLM1jteOhUQEjZrD6xw6PFninwyur5Hzthy9-GLhu8Y46yLV3kKe-x9U7gAe01y094xMBoAmgrnEyYTsYCYNLoxlekUf3IEsxHsKd-5gpS5m_ex7zKsH5TKjRZGqKanjjWcqYZGPZSkOhnnGeJIE6N65=s3300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8NWg96EgF-TsBD4W8Pi3Q1X9j4jW2H-hfKLM1jteOhUQEjZrD6xw6PFninwyur5Hzthy9-GLhu8Y46yLV3kKe-x9U7gAe01y094xMBoAmgrnEyYTsYCYNLoxlekUf3IEsxHsKd-5gpS5m_ex7zKsH5TKjRZGqKanjjWcqYZGPZSkOhnnGeJIE6N65=w494-h640" width="494" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh46HSV3qb4s9-XH82e-lBqLR245d_NcAaiqGj9K0xz4eFaLuO3HiNQaVBEogGL4yG4xUc1nBtW1bV-61X1rnn_4bb19BNHI_un9X72UDDJccISe6J9-ff6RwyYSyo0QR89lCbvhlJ07FedbP3omX91-L1yYSgRY85D7OoyA2o-EbY6rnfBMOwDL7wz=s3300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh46HSV3qb4s9-XH82e-lBqLR245d_NcAaiqGj9K0xz4eFaLuO3HiNQaVBEogGL4yG4xUc1nBtW1bV-61X1rnn_4bb19BNHI_un9X72UDDJccISe6J9-ff6RwyYSyo0QR89lCbvhlJ07FedbP3omX91-L1yYSgRY85D7OoyA2o-EbY6rnfBMOwDL7wz=w494-h640" width="494" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijKC1k6gq7BJlTYfE7w_p5UiCBkvfSzZLnKzWkd7MNqOj1fGav5in_WFtPS3Voq_0x3D1-2NH3-NDzNxJ7swkcEHG6LPCBy_fv4nz-NYsceOJoCOUk-0QLOQY4_6Plt-smJP1Mt87Mvbbf3kgOtbNpD5VRby8DS7j7WIObUdyxbO4qKPZ_I-wlqclZ=s3300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijKC1k6gq7BJlTYfE7w_p5UiCBkvfSzZLnKzWkd7MNqOj1fGav5in_WFtPS3Voq_0x3D1-2NH3-NDzNxJ7swkcEHG6LPCBy_fv4nz-NYsceOJoCOUk-0QLOQY4_6Plt-smJP1Mt87Mvbbf3kgOtbNpD5VRby8DS7j7WIObUdyxbO4qKPZ_I-wlqclZ=w494-h640" width="494" /></a></div>NBMA Plant Manager Dean Minnich and his wife live in Pen Argyl, a half mile from the location of the proposed Synagro sludge drying plant. They signed a petition objecting to the plant, and Mr. Minnich also as a Council Member voted along with Pen Argyl Council in objecting to the proposal.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaF7jBh7znL0U8C3A_5jJwtyD67k1GziVnjREsdZQBKFfyuKqlrUmwY_5ZsixR2_DANJ3p4x5SHWMN5yynERoFHxru1xj0WqXjiSHe5OOkqU6PiLQn4ZqZ2Ya3Cds0LILOov3otDKwl9x-1G4YOXRqd0V-gOQnTVLg1OFUlyqYes7bD-T0jOEmpZDA=s4400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3400" data-original-width="4400" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaF7jBh7znL0U8C3A_5jJwtyD67k1GziVnjREsdZQBKFfyuKqlrUmwY_5ZsixR2_DANJ3p4x5SHWMN5yynERoFHxru1xj0WqXjiSHe5OOkqU6PiLQn4ZqZ2Ya3Cds0LILOov3otDKwl9x-1G4YOXRqd0V-gOQnTVLg1OFUlyqYes7bD-T0jOEmpZDA=w400-h309" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDbQteZ1KaCv86g9HKvtpwdU5MJt4DTNRxr1vaWDqhPCNXEGpxYX4RzvCn0m04lfmnskysDcoalz8LqmZxinO9xBNthoSG4ZhQfxzmHZdutQ6UURXnXGQKZLK55UH82nRUe3yELoqh7vLVhV-xrcFwaabamcsQVQj9sEegAYSqUqdkwRvJ731PMLqM=s4400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3400" data-original-width="4400" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDbQteZ1KaCv86g9HKvtpwdU5MJt4DTNRxr1vaWDqhPCNXEGpxYX4RzvCn0m04lfmnskysDcoalz8LqmZxinO9xBNthoSG4ZhQfxzmHZdutQ6UURXnXGQKZLK55UH82nRUe3yELoqh7vLVhV-xrcFwaabamcsQVQj9sEegAYSqUqdkwRvJ731PMLqM=w400-h309" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-78058214021325618812021-12-19T22:06:00.017-08:002021-12-20T14:22:19.095-08:00Christmas Poo returns to Plainfield Township after 2 year absence - Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority purchases pristine preserved farmland to use as crap disposal site<p> In September 2019, after 2 years and 10 months of stonewalling Planning Commission requests for evidence of compliance with regulations, Synagro Technologies withdrew its proposal to develop a crap bakery in Plainfield Township, to be placed on Grand Central Sanitary Landfill property. This facility would have dried Class B biosolids into pellets, to spread on farmland as a pseudo, powered by the posterior, fertilizer. It is now known that Synagro was under heavy scheduling pressure by Waste Management, owner of the landfill, to obtain approval. For over a year Grand Central had been working on plans to request an expansion of the solid waste zoning district, so the the landfill could expand in 2028 when it is expected to reach capacity. At the final hearing, Synagro representatives stated that they wanted to continue with the application, and were seen pleading with landfill representatives for an extension of time, which apparently was denied.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKWJKrevMJmlomcRdJQNYnpnv2uDO-w8eZ9MpfOQukw3h9kV_Yacm4e95FIIOLznZGKgncOVsDbhfzL8vgSdlbsVpV_0PzU2C0utkk8rL9vzOBIAh99Ftq9SyyolWHtmVqZZBLlTOr1BbImq-ZIKgOhWO4rebFXDyNhfSOdM3UdAcso7M41ZVRA8Cx=s900" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="900" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKWJKrevMJmlomcRdJQNYnpnv2uDO-w8eZ9MpfOQukw3h9kV_Yacm4e95FIIOLznZGKgncOVsDbhfzL8vgSdlbsVpV_0PzU2C0utkk8rL9vzOBIAh99Ftq9SyyolWHtmVqZZBLlTOr1BbImq-ZIKgOhWO4rebFXDyNhfSOdM3UdAcso7M41ZVRA8Cx=w400-h223" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Like clockwork, within only a few months of Synagro's exit, the landfill requested and was duly denied its request to expand the township's solid waste zoning district. As if the township's forehead has a shit magnet embedded in it, the Christmas Poo that first landed with Synagro's bakery in November 2016 returned like a comet with a 5-year period on November 1, 2021. With no advance notice, the Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority purchased the Hower Farm, on Hower Road, with the intent to dispose annually on the farm the entire output of sewage sludge from its facility. Approximately 1000 wet tons, or 202 dry tons, would be dumped.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90XHkRXPVjM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuBe8f3YVNk4tjpwBOg5tTfYIULa2thFS_SazlbNddSbMZpgYOoc22N2KgG27ruxGVkNJAldU1PWZTRuJNo6WK0uj8op9w-qp2XA3KX2RLriiJVIsofB6dxeECOSDQqHM75THSFxLgpXBtDnPrDJUY-0SEirXBhkisuqoB6wAFab3d6OJI_mvmXL71=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Hankey's return - "Hidely Ho! neighbor"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>You might ask, what did NBMA do with its crap until now? Well they spread it on their own farm, in Palmer Township, which they took by eminent domain in 2000. Presumably, they should have had to prove that they had a great public need to take this property. You might ask why they don't continue disposing of their crap in their own backyard. It appears the primary motivator is financial - they sold 50 acres of their current 58.2 acre farm on December 9. 2021 for $53.1 million dollars. That is $1,062,00 per acre. Yes Virginia, there really are gold, emeralds and gems in that crap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enNlHElW6HY&list=PL7eJZ0E98KpMnx8O73Kz_j8Fedx2RYuOG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="188" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSB02RtJndem_J9QrZGaTomw_77Xzryx5vvuhxeggkcXUCmY8DE4Z4QMm6T_eDv3vZKRJDaAFLJ_KJVQ8o7cRixhJKffsJuJOl3kDiUoQOHoI7hBhy_OwOc3OH3oMr5E8prISIPBcbZui0cqX9uhbExaOjrxAhlLKWl1m_ckcSfjGgs7UIM8vI8hT2" width="188" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Who knew that warehouse developers would pay this kind of money for land? Regardless, apparently the NBMA sold its property solely to make a windfall profit on land that they took only 21 years ago from its previous owner, using eminent domain.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Concerned citizens attend the November 18, 2021 NBMA meeting, </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>and receive conflicting information</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>News of the November 1 property closing escaped the same day. At the November 10 BOS meeting, Plainfield supervisors voted to retain environmental attorney Jack Embick, in anticipation that NBMA will proceed with their intended use of the property.</div><div><br /></div><div>The following is a recap of what happened at the November 18, 2021 NBMA meeting, when concerned citizens confronted the NBMA Board.</div><div><br /></div><div>The regular November Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority
meeting was attended by several citizens who identified themselves as <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Plainfield</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Township</st1:placetype></st1:place> residents. The Chairman announced at the beginning of
the meeting that the agenda would be changed, and regular business would be
completed, following by comments at courtesy of the floor.</div><div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Oddly, no mention at all was made during the regular
business portion of the meeting that the purchase of the Hower farm has closed
on November 1. Since this is where the Authority
plans to dispose of its sludge moving forward, it seems like a suspicious
omission. It was announced that a draft
budget had been completed, but no figures were announced. It was mentioned later, near the end of the
meeting, that the Authority has sold a piece of land believed to be 50 acres,
for over $50m dollars – an astonishing figure, if true. That will help the budget for sure.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> Prior to public comment, the Chairman read a statement
indicating that the Hower farm has in fact been purchased, and it would be used for
"agricultural purposes" and the Authority would spread its Class B
sludge on the property. Furthermore,
<b>"no dumping of sludge not produced by the Authority is planned."</b> The statement included the bold assertion
that this is a safe fertilizer, and all DEP and EPA regulations would be
adhered to. <b>The Chairman stated that a sludge storage building may be needed, and constructed on the Hower farm.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>There was about 45 minutes of public comment, with concerns
raised about decreased property values, pollution of runoff and neighboring
wells. Also, Plainfield Township
Recreation Board Chairman Tony Borger, who made it clear he was speaking on behalf of himself, voiced concerns about users of the
neighboring township property being affected by odors and pollutants emanating
from the property.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Authority Plant Manager Dean Minnich stated that the
sludge is tested and complies with regulations.
Township resident and farmer Bob Krobath stated that the DEP is
"bullshit", and "can't be trusted." Township resident Don Moore pointed out that
the EPA Inspector General issued a report in 2018 that found that sludge
contains 55+ substances known to be hazardous, and there are no standards or
testing done for them. Tony Borger read
a 2017 letter authored by Pen Argyl Council, including Authority Plant Manager
Dean Minnich, in objection to the Synagro plant. It cited concerns over pollution, odors and
traffic. <st1:city w:st="on">Borger</st1:city> asked how Minnich could have been so
concerned about the impacts on health of the Synagro facility, which only
processed the product, and now assure people that spreading the Authority's
product is totally safe.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Near the end of the meeting, several things were stated by
Authority Board members:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1. Sludge is spread twice per year on the Authority's
current property</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2. It is not known yet how many times a year it might be
spread on the Hower farm. Could be once,
could be twice or three times.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">3. It could take a year to begin using the new property.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>4. Sludge might be stored in a building on the new property
before being applied.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>5. While spreading sludge from other sources is "not
planned", it might happen.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>6. When asked about reports of receiving $50m+ for a piece
of Authority property the Chairman smiled and replied "that's business."</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>7. Plant Manager Minnich contradicted the earlier statement about a building "I don't see why we would ever need to store anything there."</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">8. News of the sale got out quicker than expected, and the
Authority is not ready to fully answer questions.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Authority is planning to have a Q&A session at some point
to address questions and concerns of citizens.
Maybe they will change their mind and just pay to dispose of their
sludge in a landfill - they can afford to with that $50m+.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>NBMA completes sale of its property for $53.1 million</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">On December 9, 2021 a deed was recorded, confirming that NBMA received $53.1 million for a 50 acre property that they took from the previous owner by eminent domain in the year 2000. That's just "business" according to NBMA Chairman Kornos. Sucks to be the victim of the eminent domain action.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxF7k_c3ckoFCy8A1sx67sSIylLkVGZb9pL7eZanUplckKzYT9EWJQC1ybRWWdi51b_9PjGReF7A0ba9x4AlSGIYz8Oqi52BknNCEqtiz9tdGirEx9R6khSFMfcox_NI9Bywu8ypaai503coV2vES1ocIujyaR5eTyw3a-N-xZS4f5tsGWuyrqNOnF=s1800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1743" data-original-width="1800" height="621" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxF7k_c3ckoFCy8A1sx67sSIylLkVGZb9pL7eZanUplckKzYT9EWJQC1ybRWWdi51b_9PjGReF7A0ba9x4AlSGIYz8Oqi52BknNCEqtiz9tdGirEx9R6khSFMfcox_NI9Bywu8ypaai503coV2vES1ocIujyaR5eTyw3a-N-xZS4f5tsGWuyrqNOnF=w640-h621" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Editor's Note: <u>The Nazareth Municipal Authority is not a "business", it is a municipal entity</u>. The Chairman's flippant response when challenged over selling the Authority's current farm for no other apparent reason than a windfall profit is disturbing. The Chairman's response, together with the conflicting statements that crap storage on site will/will not take place and that sludge from outside sources will not/may be disposed of earns the Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority the vaunted <i>Golden Turd Award</i> - the first to be awarded for the year 2021.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>NBMA joins distinguished previous <i>Golden Turd Award</i> recipients recognized on this blog: Waste Management, Green Knight Economic Development Corporation, Synagro, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiezWauhz0KCsuCgNA5hoL1DxlhBFQaYL2DjXKNtBbr0bW8cBe6iFvXPheDEVS9LR35fEdUN60l2PRb1VvZ0ulQAcOY__vkLbdSkxLS8H7m73AUXvPSWBhsbav54e0AlQE_qMsMtZsKIlnZQp82gSniej4oJveEMdXEB45S8cGrQdvziRp_q33tE3j9=s261" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="261" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiezWauhz0KCsuCgNA5hoL1DxlhBFQaYL2DjXKNtBbr0bW8cBe6iFvXPheDEVS9LR35fEdUN60l2PRb1VvZ0ulQAcOY__vkLbdSkxLS8H7m73AUXvPSWBhsbav54e0AlQE_qMsMtZsKIlnZQp82gSniej4oJveEMdXEB45S8cGrQdvziRp_q33tE3j9=w400-h293" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Congratulations 2021 Golden Turd Award Inductee<br />Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority!</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Coming tomorrow - a summary of the December 18, 2021 NBMA Board meeting<br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-55401070781018145552021-11-03T12:49:00.000-07:002021-11-03T12:49:23.562-07:00Anti-Solid Waste Expansion Candidates Win in Plainfield Township<p> In Plainfield Township, two candidates who oppose expanding the township's solid waste district, were elected on Tuesday. Glenn Borger (R) and Don Moore (D) received the top highest vote totals. Here is a local article on the outcome (click to read):</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/elections/2021/11/plainfield-township-supervisors-elected-amid-voter-concerns-over-landfills-future.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1279" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_NICfM7vI4YKjXuMiljR4aJXe0iWVa8o5H7ucuul81XpGp-udk3ip3W6rBB_zt-FOc1ic5vvzV2akNsfM-TTH3iV3mb21LIzB8FlG0lgAgzbqDgkGR9j6I7euIZ519FTX5Aulg3ID28/s320/results_article.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The results are unofficial, but all the ballots have apparently been counted:<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbd6zsm7k6dYnyDPl2CFVoKYhgcf_Cf02jnrHffWqSKeiWdwneQPP4Kcs5PMFf8um2V96Ht1rJqSAZTQBVEwUh4hb7eJx3xXmCH5vUrgz6JDu3u_4sVqy3tXCpeOlp13LqkT7X5X7kpU/s803/election_results.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="803" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbd6zsm7k6dYnyDPl2CFVoKYhgcf_Cf02jnrHffWqSKeiWdwneQPP4Kcs5PMFf8um2V96Ht1rJqSAZTQBVEwUh4hb7eJx3xXmCH5vUrgz6JDu3u_4sVqy3tXCpeOlp13LqkT7X5X7kpU/w640-h312/election_results.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><p>This blog was named the Poop and Water Extraction Blog, partially in recognition of the failed Synagro sludge processing plant proposal ca. 2016. That project, to be located on Grand Central Sanitary Landfill property, and in which Green Knight Economic Development Corporation was a partner, was inappropriately sited initially in the wrong zoning district on Mr. Cornman's watch as both the Green Knight Synagro Project Coordinator and Planning Commission Vice Chairman. Then it was proposed at an environmentally inappropriate site within feet of a very large quarry pond. </p><p>Expansion of the solid waste zoning district would allow a new landfill to be constructed when the current one is full, and also the potential for a new sludge processing company to partner on a project with Green Knight in the future, free from the issues that the quarry pond presented. Voters apparently believe that Plainfield Township deserves to be known for something other than solid waste uses. Bob Cornman, the Vice President of Green Knight, did not succeed in getting onto the Board of Supervisors in an off-year election.</p></div></div>Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-20793223588984991012021-10-22T20:30:00.018-07:002021-10-31T10:13:23.926-07:00Plainfield Township Voters Choose Between Two Bipartisan Slates in Supervisor Election to Fill Two Seats<p> In the primary election this year, as covered on this blog, Upper Mount Bethel Township Supervisor candidates John Bermingham (R) and David Friedman (D) joined forces, asking voters to vote for them if they were of the same party, and to write in the candidate in the other party, for two open Board seats. The reason was the majority of the Board of Supervisors had allowed a developer who owns over 700 acres to rewrite several sections of the zoning ordinance and SALDO. The <a href="https://illegaleldredtwplanduse.blogspot.com/2021/05/two-cross-party-write-in-candidates.html"><b>election results</b></a> show that a majority of citizens did not agree with this actions of the BOS; the tactic worked and two candidates who supported the ordinance changes were frozen out of the general election. Unfortunately, concerned citizens remain on the defensive and are fighting the changes in an appeal to the Commonwealth Court.</p><p> In Plainfield Township, a PAC is supporting two candidates, Glenn Borger (R) and Don Moore (D) in an election of two supervisors. There are two other candidates, Bob Cornman (R) and Joyce Lambert (D). The PAC has signs with the two candidates they support on them, while Mr. Cornman and Ms. Lambert are supporting each other; each has a sign for him or herself and the other in their yard.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEJhTw3xAn-ktyaH-uRcvA16Z75xPkjtaWiSB1PbhJCWX3Op65zuhbBznKI16onlYSJ6nmf0xm0BdWwFyTM8hB4dOkXgdP-mePoFeVRcEoA4tf24AJriBEDB8kX8JiYoQ-aY4bdZpVj8/s2520/Lamberts+House.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="2520" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEJhTw3xAn-ktyaH-uRcvA16Z75xPkjtaWiSB1PbhJCWX3Op65zuhbBznKI16onlYSJ6nmf0xm0BdWwFyTM8hB4dOkXgdP-mePoFeVRcEoA4tf24AJriBEDB8kX8JiYoQ-aY4bdZpVj8/s320/Lamberts+House.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Joyce Lambert's House with signs for herself (D) and Bob Cornman (R)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIzSaUox5oYFbxgnvRY-KWgo2wydvYZSuaC5Q929t1bCQufy7zP1zbYscc-2tODzJxliEqNBnCSeQ57bAD4C3GHGm_en6j69oEscCjC7YvlPv2weXSwd736SGn-gS42Wj1e3WRafq2sA/s1276/yard+sign+moore+borger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1276" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIzSaUox5oYFbxgnvRY-KWgo2wydvYZSuaC5Q929t1bCQufy7zP1zbYscc-2tODzJxliEqNBnCSeQ57bAD4C3GHGm_en6j69oEscCjC7YvlPv2weXSwd736SGn-gS42Wj1e3WRafq2sA/s320/yard+sign+moore+borger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>PAC sign supporting Glenn Borger (R) and Don Moore (D)</i></div><br /><div>What has created these alliances? A failed request to rezone farmland to solid waste, to allow Waste Management to create a new landfill in the township, since Grand Central Sanitary Landfill on Pen Argyl Road is forecast to exhaust all space in the solid waste zoning district in 2028. The new landfill would have been to the east side of Pen Argyl Road, while the current one is on the west side. Waste Management envisioned a "Twin Peaks" landfill, but the township Board of Supervisors voted against zoning additional space for solid waste disposal in July, 2020, by a vote of 3-0-2. Steve Hurni abstained because he has a conflict of interest as he is a board member of Green Knight Economic Development Corporation. Joyce Lambert abstained because she felt she did not have enough information, though the request was straightforward and WM had submitted over 900 pages in support of its request.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gary and Linda Perin's property that had been proposed for the new landfill at Delabole and Pen Argyl Roads, titled under the name "Slate Spring Farms LLC", was posted with campaign signs for Joyce Lambert and Bob Cornman as early as October 4:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJpsPXNKyVOnUg9K12zC6B8sKFjWLF4VAGysTH8pXNPuEohsZel418pFX8fnMqreutwYI3_4I-Bzsp71c43FNaR8Yw20Gpn3_waiPFDnc85uc1bA_e3CndfcjGNSXTkUyrhvbpVEsVdw/s2048/Perin_signs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJpsPXNKyVOnUg9K12zC6B8sKFjWLF4VAGysTH8pXNPuEohsZel418pFX8fnMqreutwYI3_4I-Bzsp71c43FNaR8Yw20Gpn3_waiPFDnc85uc1bA_e3CndfcjGNSXTkUyrhvbpVEsVdw/s320/Perin_signs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On October 21, the signs were no longer there, indicating possibly a strategic shift to not advertise that Ms. Lambert and Mr. Cornman are believed to be pro-expansion:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqKxlTbXGuf0smDdwFf24N-Gx7vmiAdz5rBHp0dBFIa8e-IvFcbR-DLOIiJ7lq-pl9VdWRU82YSbxAu8mVZMP4W0L1F24J2YHH4XkkI6sd2Se0CApNxKn8bV7IBFruSJGy6F8v3vuGQY/s1928/perin_nosigns.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1928" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqKxlTbXGuf0smDdwFf24N-Gx7vmiAdz5rBHp0dBFIa8e-IvFcbR-DLOIiJ7lq-pl9VdWRU82YSbxAu8mVZMP4W0L1F24J2YHH4XkkI6sd2Se0CApNxKn8bV7IBFruSJGy6F8v3vuGQY/s320/perin_nosigns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>It appears that Waste Management is unwilling to take "no" for an answer. Mr. Hurni and Mr. Cornman are board members of Green Knight, which operates a landfill gas to electricity plant that benefits when GCSL does well. It would have to shut down the plant some years after GCSL closes, when the production of landfill gas decreases. Mr. Hurni also has yard signs for both Mr. Cornman and Joyce Lambert in his yard. Mr. Hurni <a href="https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/2021/10/is-there-an-effort-to-overturn-slate-belt-towns-rejection-of-landfill-expansion-letter.html" target="_blank"><b>curiously asked</b></a> the State Ethics Board in August 2020 if he could vote on GCSL and Green Knight matters as a township BOS member, after abstaining for 8+ years. In September he was told "no", and in October Ms. Lambert attempted unsuccessfully to put rezoning back on the agenda of the BOS.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mr. Hurni was a top individual supporter of Representative Marcia Hahn (R), contributing $2,000 to her campaigns in both 2016 and 2018. Mr. Bermingham was <a href="https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/slate-belt/2021/05/republicans-cut-off-slate-belt-elected-official-over-support-for-democrat-in-tuesdays-primary.html"><b>sanctioned </b></a>by the Republican Party for supporting Mr. Friedman in the UMBT primary - looking at Mr. Hurni's yard one wonders where these holier than thou people are now?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_J_0e5kaHHmIx3r5ck01kCZpsu3cr31qnFFShbmbwArf0K5o5k8pB0X25Jg5zqy0T9NBjwEiw9wtOCqmpQfPtR0vOyUredWu4pmAbxDOGdv6vh9gNDGXh6K_syAOWFr8XPFJxVMglcg/s1411/hurni.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1411" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_J_0e5kaHHmIx3r5ck01kCZpsu3cr31qnFFShbmbwArf0K5o5k8pB0X25Jg5zqy0T9NBjwEiw9wtOCqmpQfPtR0vOyUredWu4pmAbxDOGdv6vh9gNDGXh6K_syAOWFr8XPFJxVMglcg/s320/hurni.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Plainfield Supervisor and Green Knight Board member</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Steve Hurni's front yard on October 21, 2021</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Mr. Cornman <a href="https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-plainfield-twp-supervisors-race-20211018-bsad2dbygvccbcqr3lxpcnpole-story.html" target="_blank"><b>recently stated</b></a> that if elected, he would resign from Vice President of Green Knight, a position he has held for 22 years, and put all his efforts into what is best for the citizens of Plainfield Township. Mr. Cornman and Mr. Hurni have been board members of Green Knight since its inception in 1999. While they could <i>immediately </i>vote on matters related to the landfill or Green Knight if they resign from Green Knight, due to no longer having a conflict of interest in the eyes of the State Ethics Board, who would believe that either one does have a practical conflict of interest? Mr. Cornman only a few years ago was the Green Knight Project Manager for the Synagro proposal to locate a sludge drying plant on Waste Management property, and the community was unanimous in its objection to this. Mr. Cornman's idea of what is best for the community has been established.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Poop and Water Extraction Blog was created to inform citizens of zoning and planning issues that concern them. We try not to stray into politics. However, there is no way for Waste Management to continue to operate a landfill beyond 2028 in Plainfield Township unless the balance on the township BOS changes. Unlike UMBT, voters have observable evidence <i>before</i> the election of their leaders to choose the direction of their township.</div><div><br /></div><div>Below is a profile of the four candidates. Only Mr. Moore appears to have a campaign website. It is located at <b><a href="http://donmoore4supervisor.blogspot.com">donmoore4supervisor.blogspot.com</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://donmoore4supervisor.blogspot.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1174" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXIz8QN-1jsptdx3LwwAH_mAvgI2Kw29JIJM1bf0tTMVE_jd6VP7Av7sWW2FgxFcfplRurPpilUNRb44SsAC88V0RH92tyc6y8hpg_VO5LezoB4kXJrbsnkSFyrTFs6J9Oqu2HnjnWP0/s320/newbusiness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Glenn Borger</u> – Completing a second term as a Board
member. Believes in keeping taxes
reasonable, operating the township debt free, and spending wisely. Supporter of recreation, open space and
retaining the character of the township.
Former member of Planning Commission, Environmental Advisory Council and
Recreation Board. Mr. Borger voted
against the landfill’s request to expand in July 2020.</div><div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Don Moore</u> – Believes in respecting the agricultural roots of
the township and preserving farmland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Former
member of Environmental Advisory Council and Zoning Hearing Board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Advocate for adhering to and updated zoning
ordinance and SALDO, locating uses in accordance with the Zoning Map and
following the township’s Comprehensive Plan – its vision for the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Moore spoke out against the Synagro and
Waste Management proposals due to their lack of compliance with the zoning
ordinance, SALDO and Comprehensive Plan.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Bob Corman Jr.</u> – Former long time Planning Commission member
and Chairman, and Vice President of Waste Management-created nonprofit Green
Knight Economic Development Corporation for over 20 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, member of the Recreation Board and
Environmental Advisory Council.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unsuccessfully
advocated for <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Green</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Knight</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Energy</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> to be placed where
not permitted by zoning in 1999 - a solid waste use in a commercial industrial
zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was the Green Knight Synagro Project
Manager and despite recusing himself, he participated in the first Synagro Site
Plan review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He suggested multiple times
that the plan to place the Synagro plant in the exact location of the proposed <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Energy</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>
in a commercial industrial district could be conditionally approved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Voted off the planning commission after this
meeting, and Synagro was forced to move to a site in the Solid Waste district
where it was permitted.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Joyce Lambert</u> – Long time township secretary, and current
Board member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often focused on tax
revenues, but missing the big picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Believes that preserving open space costs the township taxpayers money,
but does not seem to realize that more residential development means increased
school taxes and overall taxpayers will pay higher taxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ms. Lambert made a motion in
November 2020 to revisit Waste Management’s proposal to rezone farmland to solid waste after the BOS had rejected it, but failed to receive a
second.</p><br /></div></div>Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-81177529512969844422021-05-27T08:19:00.004-07:002021-05-27T15:49:45.820-07:00Two cross party write-in candidates defeat pro-corruption competitors in Upper Mount Bethel Township Board of Supervisors primary<p>The ground shook in Upper Mount Bethel Township when hundreds of write-in ballots were canvassed in an off-year election. There were two Democrats and two Republicans on the ballot, running for two seats on the Board of Supervisors.</p><p>In a Republican stronghold, <u>Democrat</u> David Friedman received 330 write-in votes, cast by <u>Republicans</u> on their ballot. Incumbent candidate and former Chairman John Bermingham received 660 votes, and loser incumbent candidate Anthony DeFranco received 253 votes to round out the Republican primary results. Thus, DeFranco is now a lame duck on the Board, and during his remaining meetings he will have to suffer the embarrassment of looking at write-in winner Friedman sitting in the audience, waiting to take his seat. <u>Republican</u> Bermingham also performed a coup, by receiving 213 write-in votes on the <u>Democratic</u> ballot, besting the 104 vote tally of candidate Stavros Barbounis.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6cx_PJMoyGDfRCytKzciZvEh-rJmKMz6HJ7jHlMwEn_qdZKR9mJC4jnmeSol3cFNX-9EO3bA27lFX4kPW7cxKHZ5Vnte77vA8nhnmITF3jJbRYxA43XCyVIwlBLcT1LGA5tTFwerkV4/s762/election+results+write-in.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="762" height="597" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6cx_PJMoyGDfRCytKzciZvEh-rJmKMz6HJ7jHlMwEn_qdZKR9mJC4jnmeSol3cFNX-9EO3bA27lFX4kPW7cxKHZ5Vnte77vA8nhnmITF3jJbRYxA43XCyVIwlBLcT1LGA5tTFwerkV4/w640-h597/election+results+write-in.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>DeFranco spearheaded the effort to allow developer Lou Pektor and his River Pointe Logistics development (now renamed "RPL" to thinly conceal the reputation of River Pointe) to escape many of the zoning and development regulations that apply to everyone else. DeFranco and BOS member Robert Teel worked feverishly to allow Pektor to circumvent numerous zoning variances and special exception approvals that were scheduled to be addressed at an <b><a href="http://illegaleldredtwplanduse.blogspot.com/2021/02/upper-mount-bethel-river-pointe.html" target="_blank">advertised Zoning Hearing Board hearing</a></b> on March 24, 2020. Instead, this hearing was cancelled, and Pektor drafted an amendment (the "text amendment") which was rushed through a hasty approval despite objections of the Township Engineer, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and many citizens who were aware of how amendments are supposed to be drafted and reviewed. This amendment exempts Pektor's kind of developments in the township's I-2 and I-3 zoning districts from many regulations. The piss-poor excuse for haste by DeFranco and Teel was there was an alleged single business anxious to locate in Pektor's development. This business' interest evaporated like a fart in the wind by the time the amendment was approved by a majority of supervisors through a corrupt process. Barbounis in an interview failed to state objection to the corrupted process by which the amendment was passed, so voters passed over him. If you aren't with us, you are against us - thanks for participating.</p><p>Thanks to DeFranco and Teel and the two other supervisors who supported their effort to roll out the red carpet to a vulture, UMBT citizens are left with the township's pants down around its ankles, waiting for a telephone pole to be shoved by Pektor into its ass. Pektor has since shifted into 3rd gear, proposing an Neighborhood Improvement Zone - which if approved would make his projects eligible for grants and funding. A NIZ would also give him a seat at the table to control matters outside his development, but within UMBT.</p><p>Now Pektor has unveiled yet another <b><a href="https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/slate-belt/2021/05/portland-generating-station-would-face-wrecking-ball-under-redevelopment-plan-in-slate-belt.html" target="_blank">bold move</a></b> in this chess game in UMBT - he is putting pressure on the Bangor Area Commercial and Industrial Development Authority (BACAIDA) to rapidly approve an agreement by which the BACIDA will take ownership in name only of the Met Ed property in UMBT, which is also in a zoning district that his developments are exempted from regulations. Phase II of an EPA remediation would take place, after which Pektor would take ownership and he has announced plans to place a 900,000 sq ft warehouse on that property. The BACAIDA is playing ball with Pektor, having agreed at its May 11 meeting to complete a draft agreement, which may be approved at a <u>planned</u> "emergency" meeting in June. This agreement would assist Pektor in obtaining funding and grants. Look for this to be advertised on short notice (2 day requirement for an alleged emergency meeting) - this should be an in-person meeting.</p><p>Pektor's urgency to achieve check and mate may be to get all the pieces of his plan in place before a return to the transparency and regular order of public meetings, the imminent departure of DeFranco from power, or a combination of the two. He's ready to shift into 4th gear, and 5th won't be far behind. </p><p>It's a shame that DeFranco and Teel have put the citizens of UMBT in such an unenviable position of fighting the Goliath of Pektor. The pummeling of DeFranco and Barbounis in an off-year election by cross-party write-in votes is reflective of the corruption that pervades the current Board of Supervisors.</p><p>The UMBT citizens nightmare with Pektor is a word salad of acronyms. The LERTA will screw the township out of tax dollars; the BACAIDA is said to be a "conduit" for funding of Pektor's project on Met-Ed property using OPM; the LVPC has given a thumbs down to the text amendment, the amendment proposed only a few weeks later to correct some of the screwups in the text amendment, and Pektor's projects; Pektor is proposing an NIZ to gain funding and grants (more OPM) as well as a seat at the table in decisions affecting his projects and surrounding properties. In short, this is FUBAR, and SSDD.</p>Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-34420046305000260772021-05-19T10:50:00.011-07:002021-05-19T12:11:56.593-07:00Supervisor candidates Bermingham and Friedman poised to successfully block pro-River Pointe candidates from Upper Mount Bethel Township general election<p> In Upper Mount Bethel Township there were four candidates in the primary election, vying for two Board of Supervisor (BOS) seats, two Republicans and two Democrats.</p><p>Republican incumbent candidate John Bermingham was the sole voice of reason on the BOS during the runup to the Board of Supervisors essentially granting multiple zoning variances and SALDO waivers, under the thin guise of a zoning amendment (known as the "Text Amendment"). The Text Amendment was authored by developer Lou Pektor, who requested several significant changes to the ordinances that would specifically exempt his kind of business from regulation.</p><p>The other Republican candidate was incumbent Anthony DeFranco, who spearheaded with comrade Robert Teel the effort to clear the decks in UMBT for Pektor's development. DeFranco is the driving force behind the township's Economic Development Committee, which has cheerlead for Pektor's development, by holding regular meetings with representatives of Pektor's team. DeFranco and Teel appointed themselves to the township planning commission, to keep the oiled wheels of corruption running smoothly down the track.</p><p>On the Democratic side was David Friedman, a 44-year long resident of the township, former member and chairman of the planning commission, and member of a zoning update committee. Mr. Friedman has been active in questioning and challenging the process by which the Text Amendment was passed, and believes it was not in the best interest of the township. He believes in responsible development, and using an accepted public process with citizen input to make well-planned changes to township ordinances. Not the process used to pass the Text Amendment.</p><p>The other Democratic candidate was Stavros Barbounis, also a former planning commission member, who does IT work for the township and is the chairman of the parks and recreation department. He has been a resident for 6 years. In an interview by the Morning Call, Mr. Barbounis said he was concerned about "procedural problems" in following regulations, but apparently he was not sufficiently concerned about the Text Amendment to speak against it. Rather, he said that he felt the previous zoning was "too restrictive" for Pektor's kind of development. That doesn't justify side dealing with a developer to grant several variances and waivers, by ramming a zoning amendment that the developer himself authored through approval - against multiple the recommendations of the township engineer.</p><p>Bermingham and Friedman asked voters in their respective parties to write-in Friedman and Bermingham, in lieu of voting for DeFranco and Barbounis - a bold but not improper thing to do. In this fashion, if the write-in tallys exceeded the vote totals for DeFranco and Barbounis, they would not be on the ballot in November. A local blogger critiqued and questioned this strategy - you can find his post <b><a href="https://lehighvalleyramblings.blogspot.com/2021/05/even-in-uncontested-primary-slate-belt.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>, and pointed out the the Slate Belt Republicans Association ex-communicated Bermingham for his actions.</p><p>It appears that this maneuver may have succeeded. The <u>unofficial</u> results show that write-in votes significantly exceeded the totals for DeFranco and Barbounis, and Bermingham and Friedman were the top vote recipients. Unless a lot of people wrote in another candidate(s), or errors in spelling were made, Bermingham and Friedman will be the only candidates on the ballot in November. This is democracy in action, folks. Screw me over once, blame on you. Screw me over twice, blame on me. If these results bear out what it appears they may, Bermingham may feel it was worth losing out on receiving the SBRA's annual calendar.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-nEWuMytjP3opw1uMtlB4MtdSRxr22ke3oPTBciyULRLiEOnxEyucH3Q4diWcw_F_8bwc7yBFrBCqeKmo-f-TuV2Jp9m8s42-3KLMaQJWrxpZCMpN1VCvf7u2PYUlULm48UjqEP3aHI/s980/election+results.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="980" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-nEWuMytjP3opw1uMtlB4MtdSRxr22ke3oPTBciyULRLiEOnxEyucH3Q4diWcw_F_8bwc7yBFrBCqeKmo-f-TuV2Jp9m8s42-3KLMaQJWrxpZCMpN1VCvf7u2PYUlULm48UjqEP3aHI/w640-h384/election+results.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-75657882706229845822021-05-10T21:34:00.005-07:002021-05-10T21:39:41.911-07:00Example of why you must do due diligence when buying property - 3396 Green Meadow Circle Bethlehem<p>This blog focuses on projects that do not meet zoning. Let’s look at a property being sold for residential use, and see how an unsuspecting buyer in a hot market may commit to buying a property that may be not buildable.</p><p>The property in question is at 3396 Green Meadow Circle, in Bethlehem City. It is 3.48 acres, and is off the end of a cul de sac in a very nice neighborhood. The Altonah Estates development was created in the 1960s by an attorney named Ellwood Shimer, and the homes were “estate homes”, some of which were owned by doctors and lawyers. The lot is the last one in the development that was not built on (except the neighboring lot which was not built on for similar reasons, and then purchased as buffer by an adjacent landowner). The asking price is $179,000. Neighboring lots have water and sewer service – but as will be seen services to this lot are problematic. The listing for the lot is <b><a href="https://www.sunnycurbappeal.com/listing-detail/1038298217/3396_Green_Meadow_Circle-Bethlehem_City-PA?source=search&listingSort=RELEVANCE&layoutType=map&mapType=list&page=1&pageSize=24&isSearching=true&siteId=3269&mapSearch=false&zoom=10&threshold=10&timeline=true&listingSortOptions=%5B%7B%22label%22%3A%22Default%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22RELEVANCE%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Price-High+To+Low%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22PRICE_DESC%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Price-Low+To+High%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22PRICE_ASC%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Latest+Listing%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22MLS_LIST_DATE_L_DESC%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Beds+%28Most%29%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22BEDROOMS_DESC%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Baths+%28Most%29%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22BATHS_DESC%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Year+Built%28Newest%29%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22BUILT_YEAR_DESC%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Square+Feet+%28Biggest%29%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22SQFT_DESC%22%7D%5D&_t=1620706795742-1&requestId=1620706797.731-eigzjolj-ongk-msfj-53te-rsfv5iimm9m6&">here</a></b>. Note that several illustrations of exotic custom home designs are shown, and interior home pictures, but there is only one picture of the lot that is up above, on what we will see is an inaccessible area. There is a picture of the street, but <i>not </i>of the frontage of the lot that is for sale. A picture of the frontage from Google Maps is shown below, since the Realtor chose not to present an accurate depiction:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoa_16HKTWW5vQ7juU0S9LLx-IulvcYKCP450s2rT0WMl_s9NHUSsau7DGu6uXG54v6unyLl1DPg8uGodKUGkjZSJbjPu4wxoX9DOigZMTS6sbOnErFmsBD-gBdWnZEysUIWtVO5qXUCQ/s1384/Blog+GIS+topo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoa_16HKTWW5vQ7juU0S9LLx-IulvcYKCP450s2rT0WMl_s9NHUSsau7DGu6uXG54v6unyLl1DPg8uGodKUGkjZSJbjPu4wxoX9DOigZMTS6sbOnErFmsBD-gBdWnZEysUIWtVO5qXUCQ/s320/Blog+GIS+topo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>At first glance this lot looks attractive, rectangular and overlooking the city</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7ck8fHPfDs_V-D0gt6kWU3t2l2npPw06fOJK-kFLY_89zq6l_aIldwbeE8B3cWh01FSJUV4nMKyjgjxchE6IlDMtVHrRuVY1YN6Q7ByQ_viTmbJfxwfshi-GNG_DlW95a522TL9JpyU/s1460/Picture+of+property.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7ck8fHPfDs_V-D0gt6kWU3t2l2npPw06fOJK-kFLY_89zq6l_aIldwbeE8B3cWh01FSJUV4nMKyjgjxchE6IlDMtVHrRuVY1YN6Q7ByQ_viTmbJfxwfshi-GNG_DlW95a522TL9JpyU/s320/Picture+of+property.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>First hints of problematic nature of the lot - steep slopes</i><i><br /></i></div><p>So, why was this lot never developed? Steep slopes. The elevation lines above are at 20' intervals. The north end of Bethlehem is home to “Camel’s Hump”, which is a hill that juts up about 200 feet compared with the surrounding terrain. The Archibald Johnson estate is on the north side of Camel’s Hump, and this property is literally on the south side. The peak of the hump is a few hundred feet off the northeast corner of the property.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y11YXWf91ej4h0P8um18P2PzpAyUOY25RLQKIZ1Th0Uk8cJytykzSJ7dq_18oWwzwScxN2KX1rvpA1-NlVrwKqVBE-oW5Wm2CaQV5nrrl4JyyqW3WIOO07ixZI8mwYFhDRGK7m17NlM/s1807/Camel%2527s+Hump+Reservo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1807" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y11YXWf91ej4h0P8um18P2PzpAyUOY25RLQKIZ1Th0Uk8cJytykzSJ7dq_18oWwzwScxN2KX1rvpA1-NlVrwKqVBE-oW5Wm2CaQV5nrrl4JyyqW3WIOO07ixZI8mwYFhDRGK7m17NlM/s320/Camel%2527s+Hump+Reservo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Report of developer Shimer negotiating to possibly allow for a reservoir on the property</i></div><p>In the 1940s, there began discussion of the possibility of a reservoir on Camel’s Hump. This idea was still being evaluated in the 1960s, and there is evidence that the developer had discussions with Bethlehem of this possibility. The reservoir would have been fed via gravity from Bethlehem reservoir(s) to the north. However, this plan was scrapped and in 1978 the developer made the last adjustment to lot lines, as shown in the diagram below. Note that the plan states “City can not serve [water] over this elevation [450']”, and this elevation is right near the street.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye3jan1BkJgeuJJfs6MqEXyOWqpoHvWuxuVM2XGUCpWFHAksP73S5wEe7_I2152HYwVUWR3FJ6O_8s6XO2ht59nkEtRw6WmLMzOOB0qtjDCdC9Zx0CkoaE-mxSdda71xShSMIvUZQhT4/s1600/subdivision+plan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye3jan1BkJgeuJJfs6MqEXyOWqpoHvWuxuVM2XGUCpWFHAksP73S5wEe7_I2152HYwVUWR3FJ6O_8s6XO2ht59nkEtRw6WmLMzOOB0qtjDCdC9Zx0CkoaE-mxSdda71xShSMIvUZQhT4/s320/subdivision+plan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Last subdivision of subject lot, with water service limitation warning</i></div><p>A prospective buyer contacted the City Engineer, and he stated that static water pressure at the cul de sac is 32 psi – the bare minimum for water service. He stated that a supplementary pump would be need to be provided for a home on this lot. He also stated that the sewer connection in the street was not extended to the end of the road, and that the lot owner would have to pay to rip up 130 feet of city street, excavate, and replace the paving. Furthermore, the steep slopes on this lot would make a sewer connection problematic, as a 2% slope is the recommended maximum, while the lot has slopes of 35% and more. Gravity sewer lines do not function properly with too steep a slope. Thus a non-standard solution will be needed to connect sewer to a home anywhere on the lot.</p><p>A neighbor with a two-story house reports that he has only a half basement due to a large boulder that could not be removed. He had to install his own water pump to supplement the city pressure, and water and sewer cost $34,000 to install. Part of this cost was excavating in rock to run the lines.</p><p>The Bethlehem Zoning Officer was asked about building on this lot, and his first response was to point out that Bethlehem has a Steep Slopes Ordinance. The Ordinance has requirements for the minimum lot size required for developing on slopes over a certain percentage. Slope is rise over run, like a line. So a 45 degree slope would have a slope of 1/1, or 100%. You can do the math to find out a 15% slope is 8.5 degrees, a 25% slope is 14 degrees, and a 35% slope is 19.5 degrees.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>“Ready to Build”</b></p><p>The advertisement for the lot until a month ago included statements such as “there is a designated driveway entry”, “ready to build” and "utilities available on site". We covered the last one above, and we will see that none of these is true.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Discussion with owner “This is the place” (Brigham Young, 1847)</b></p><p>A prospective buyer met the landowner on site, who proceeded to lead the way up a ramp on the left side of the property, through the “designated driveway cutout”. The ramp is fairly steep – a 20% grade and about 200 feet long. The owner proceeded to the top left of the property, and stated “don’t you think this is the place to build a house?” Indeed, this is the least steep portion of the property, as well as would have the best view if trees were removed. Remember, this juts upward almost 200 feet above the north end of Bethlehem. The problem is, there is no way to get up there. The owner supplied Sheet 2 of a three sheet site plan she and her husband paid to have created in 2006. Here is a hi resolution version obtained later from the engineer. Note areas with no shading are over 25% slope.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ypgW9kvIfFT93EttAJ12bcfAwUKlucjI73F4klXZDFemDFaqVML2YRA-PCRHO7Rn1mFI9qZ_8NTLdo0WWfCRb3HOunfVnfgxjLxV171qJ2PBMZpviZjdPPNZts2dEqDUHk_UgGMiW0Y/s2048/Lot+38-plan+view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ypgW9kvIfFT93EttAJ12bcfAwUKlucjI73F4klXZDFemDFaqVML2YRA-PCRHO7Rn1mFI9qZ_8NTLdo0WWfCRb3HOunfVnfgxjLxV171qJ2PBMZpviZjdPPNZts2dEqDUHk_UgGMiW0Y/s320/Lot+38-plan+view.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Owner's site plan showing extensive proposed excavation and grading</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Discussion with owner’s engineer</b></p><p>The owner paid a whopping $175,000 for this lot in 2004, and hired an engineer to create a development plan for a house. This plan required a massive 24 foot excavation at the deepest point, and well over an acre of disturbance. The proposed driveway would have a 15% slope, while the Ordinance allows a maximum slope of 10%. This engineer was contacted, and he stated that the maximum must have been 15% when he created the plan. He also stated “I would not agree to purchase that lot unless you have obtained ALL approvals. Zoning, Engineering and Conservation District (erosion and storm water)”. Further, he stated “I would suggest a plan that proposes the absolute minimal disturbance” which is the exact opposite of the plan he was hired to create. The engineer supplied the two missing sheets of the site plan he had created.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLgDXACuI3XDqkjDiULPpnvYPS6rmJNqCy96rKoIrb-OkSXjJHmAKe3fAva_T_2gwXMFckEdCPF8yFjlQcB_XTYzjbIu49aon2BO66UDuADkQNefP39TNjYXfV3JBUJYe1QZGIm_c2fk/s2048/Lot+38-profile_hartman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLgDXACuI3XDqkjDiULPpnvYPS6rmJNqCy96rKoIrb-OkSXjJHmAKe3fAva_T_2gwXMFckEdCPF8yFjlQcB_XTYzjbIu49aon2BO66UDuADkQNefP39TNjYXfV3JBUJYe1QZGIm_c2fk/s320/Lot+38-profile_hartman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sheet 3 of owner's site plan showing proposed 15% driveway profile and existing grades</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qNxdEhDNvamjXcFay8tI0FI0rwpFLsipgIiIO_DgOX7OZdjr5GN1Wg4U1_pvm9PEAvXR9b0REoO8s9YoMbNqTF4OivJBxKrCnChF2kv5WSCGwMMdKwLt42iRZQ1OPk-os1mImYxPUOk/s2048/Lot38-siteanalysis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qNxdEhDNvamjXcFay8tI0FI0rwpFLsipgIiIO_DgOX7OZdjr5GN1Wg4U1_pvm9PEAvXR9b0REoO8s9YoMbNqTF4OivJBxKrCnChF2kv5WSCGwMMdKwLt42iRZQ1OPk-os1mImYxPUOk/s320/Lot38-siteanalysis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>Sheet 1 of owner's site plan showing areas of 0-10%, 10-15%, 15-25%, and >25% grades</i><br /><i><br /></i></div><p>Any development will have to conform to current zoning, so the 10% is the maximum driveway slope. If there is significant rock formation below the surface, the proposed 24’ excavation may not even have been possible to achieve. Even if it can be, the proposed excavation for the owner’s plan might exceed $1m. If disturbance exceeds an acre, an NPDES permit is required, which alone may cost $20,000.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>The Steep Slopes Section of the Zoning Ordinance</b></p>
<p style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 14px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px;"> <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/507458065/Bethlehem-Zoning-Ordinance-Steep-Slopes#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Bethlehem Zoning Ordinance Steep Slopes on Scribd">Bethlehem Zoning Ordinance Steep Slopes</a> on Scribd</p><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_65668" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/507458065/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-1qMBXLMTsSnsRcLtnGoZ" title="Bethlehem Zoning Ordinance Steep Slopes" width="100%"></iframe>
<p style="text-align: left;">The three page section of the zoning ordinance is shown above, and it contains everything that will make this lot difficult very to develop. The complete ordinance is <a href="https://archive.bethlehem-pa.gov/ordinance/Zoning%20Ordinance.pdf"><b>here</b></a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Steep Slopes pertains to construction on slopes >15%</li><li>Construction on slopes >25% requires a 4 acre lot, slopes>35% a 10 acre lot</li><li>Walls no greater than 5' tall</li><li>Driveways shall have a slope no greater than 10%</li></ol><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>What the site plan reveals</b></p><p>An inspection of Sheet 1 of the site plan reveals that within the building setback (dashed line), there is no location adjacent to the street with less than a 25% slope to build. The “construction area” is defined in the steep slopes ordinance as an area of disturbance such as driveway, house, etc. To build near the top of the property requires routing a driveway through areas of slopes >25%. Therefore, a lot size of 4 acres or more is required, but the lot is 3.48 acres. Also revealed is that the ramp is outside the building setback, so nothing could be built on it. Furthermore, Sheet 3 shows the existing ramp has a 20% slope, so it can not be used as a driveway. If the slope of the ramp is lessened to 10%, this requires excavating down about 10 feet. But the steep slopes ordinance allows for 5’ high maximum retaining walls.</p><p>If a home could be built off the cul de sac frontage, it is impossible for there to be a garage within the setback due to the steepness of the existing terrain. Who is going to build a custom home, and not have at least a one-car garage?</p><p>An analysis shows that with an absolute minimum 15% driveway up the ramp and beyond, using three tight switchbacks, it is possible to reach near the top left of the property. However, a 15% grade driveway with tight setbacks is a significant hazard for winter driving, as well as 50% in excess of the 10% permitted.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Discussion with Zoning Officer</b></p><p>With the previous site plan in hand, the Zoning Officer was revisited. He agreed that a variance would be needed for the minimum lot size to develop on steep slopes. He also agreed that walls over 5’ tall will require a variance, and that a driveway over 10% will require a variance. Basically, to build anything on the lot will require a zoning variance.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Discussion with Conservation District</b></p><p>A specialist with the county Conservation District was contacted, and provided the topography of the lot. The Conservation District will have to approve an Erosion and Sedimentation plan for development on the lot. He stated that there would likely be multiple controls required, which would be very expensive, for development on this lot. A swale at the top of the property to intercept water from offsite, drainage at each driveway setback, and a filter basin.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Not “ready to build”</b></p><p>The fact that multiple variances will be needed to put a home anywhere on this lot by definition means it is not “ready to build”. It is ready to be a pain the butt and bank account of the person who purchases it. It is a beautiful property, but it is essentially not buildable. Who would pay to create a custom home on the 35 to 50% slopes at the bottom, and not have even a single car garage? Hoping to obtain variances to build on the upper portion is even more of a gamble – there is no guarantee variances would be granted. Neighbors would have a legal right to appeal in court if variances were granted to build anywhere on the lot.</p><p>And if one does build, and new runoff issues are created that affect neighbors (there currently are some runoff issues in the area), who is going to be blamed? The person with the highest property - this lot.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Neighbors threatened with Cease and Desist for speaking with Prospective Buyers</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">It is reported that concerned neighbors are informing prospective buyers of the issues with this property, including that there are drainage issues in the area, and zoning variances are needed to build on this lot. It is also reported that these neighbors have been threatened with a cease and desist by the Seller's attorney. Now why would that be? Those things are facts.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Realtor makes some adjustments to listing based on feedback</b></p><p>A Realtor and lot owner have an obligation to to divulge known issues with a lot that affect its value and ability to be developed. Feedback on the above issues was supplied to the listing Realtor. The ad now reads that a “designated opening for a walking path” is present (no longer a driveway), and the phrase “Ready to Build” has been removed from the listing. Now it reads that it is ready for you to bring your engineer, architect and dreams. A buyer better also bring a big fat loan from a bank, and be prepared for nightmares, in order to build on this property. The neighbors report that the current owner’s husband was asked if he checked the zoning prior to purchase, and he replied “why would I have to do that?” It is noted that he never was able to build his dream home on the lot – that is why he should have checked the zoning.</p><p>This blog post is supplied to show that due diligence is needed when buying property. The Seller would like nothing more to dump this property, possibly onto an unsuspecting new owner. The prospective buyer she spoke with was not told of anything her engineer found in 2006, nor supplied with anything except an 8-1/2 x 11" copy of Sheet 2 of the Site Plan. In the interest of full disclosure, the Realtor should hand each prospective buyer the 3-page Steep Slopes ordinance, as well as the 3-page site plan. But will she?</p><p><br /></p>Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-11921724090256891322021-02-26T11:29:00.018-08:002021-02-28T11:55:27.908-08:00Upper Mount Bethel River Pointe Logistics Center zoning appeal status in NorCo Court of Common Pleas<p>On February 16, the first hearing was held in the matter of an appeal by citizens to overturn a zoning amendment (infamously known as the "Text Amendment") that the UMBT BOS passed, which severely neuters important portions the zoning ordinance for a very narrow set of uses - the very uses that Lou Pektor's proposed River Pointe Logistics Center development plans on 725 acres of land in the I-2 and I-3 zoning districts. This amendment was drafted by Pektor's organization, and township officials consumed by irrational euphoric crapulence and an eagerness to go after a fast buck accepted it hook, line and sinker. The only significant changes that may have been considered were mysteriously relegated to proposed "deed restrictions" for the <i>alleged </i>sake of expediency by former Realtor and now supervisor Robert Teel. Only a Realtor would propose zoning regulations through such a thing. It is not believed purported deed restrictions (which consumed ie wasted much discussion time during the few meetings that took place) ever came to pass after the amendment was adopted in September 2020. The amendment was so poorly conceived and railroaded through by pro-Pektor supervisors, without proper thought or revision, that within only a few weeks of adoption the BOS proposed yet another poorly conceived amendment of the Text Amendment. This sounds like Keystone Cops so far...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>The authority of the Board of Supervisors versus that of the Zoning Hearing Board</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">The township supervisors have the authority to pass zoning amendments, and the township Zoning Hearing Board has the authority to grant or deny zoning variances when a proposed project does not comport with the ordinance - the non-compliance determined by the Zoning Officer. The Zoning Officer enforces the ordinance and ZHB interprets the ordinance and rules on requested variances to it if hardships exist when called on to do so. The supervisors also have the authority to hear and grant special exception use applications, while the Zoning Hearing Board has the authority to hear and grant conditional uses. Special exception and conditional uses are both permitted uses, but not by right - meaning that conditions on permits may be attached by the body that grants approval. The purpose of these reviews of projects that may impact the environment and community is to determine if conditions are necessary or possible to protect the health safety and welfare. If not, the application must be denied.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It is important to understand that the BOS and ZHB are independent bodies, though the BOS appoints members of the ZHB. The ZHB has a Solicitor, which represents the ZHB. The BOS can sue the ZHB, as it is <i>quasi-judicial </i>body. A decision of the BOS (in the case of Conditional Uses or Land Development plans) or Zoning Hearing Board (Special Exception Uses, variances) on land use matters may be appealed to county court in what is known as a land use appeal. The court's decisions may be appealed to the Commonwealth Court, and in rare cases all the way to the State Supreme Court. The authority of the BOS and ZHB as well as how hearings are conducted, venue, appeals, are prescribed in the PA Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), which you can find online.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>How and why the appeal is in county court</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">The saga began in February 2020, when River Pointe Logistics Center applied to the Zoning Hearing Board for multiple zoning variances, and a special exception hearing triggered by multiple ordinance requirements, in order to develop only a single 23.4 acre lot at 303 Demi Road for a 300,000 sq ft building. Actually this lot was owned by New Demi Road LLC at that time, a related company owned by Pektor, with the vast majority of the remaining 725 acres under the River Pointe Logistics Center name. This map shows 303 Demi Road, two lots that have since been transferred from River Pointe to New Demi Road LLC (angled stripes), and a third lot since purchased by New Demi Road LLC (horizontal stripes). Also shown is a lot (aqua) that resident Ron Angle is rumored to be selling to River Pointe for its septic system, and the Cloverleaf Riding Club (yellow) which is believed to be selling/exchanging its land with River Pointe for an alternate site with a world class facility constructed by Pektor. Said property would revert to Pektor if the Riding Club ever is dissolved.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaM9H5tDQwzHUv70x69D2JDo03CjzfPvcKU0FMZGwkcksZijN9UcMB-XNDXbMJK_WBMlseQnffHFvNXBot9VE4GuGhCpibbsGGL_lKKtuswynrmi3J6OCqDQ1ss8ZdkiOmO5BLrkzIAU/s1600/angle+v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1600" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaM9H5tDQwzHUv70x69D2JDo03CjzfPvcKU0FMZGwkcksZijN9UcMB-XNDXbMJK_WBMlseQnffHFvNXBot9VE4GuGhCpibbsGGL_lKKtuswynrmi3J6OCqDQ1ss8ZdkiOmO5BLrkzIAU/w640-h508/angle+v2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Here is the advertisement for the ZHB hearing, for a </span><i style="text-align: left;">single</i><span style="text-align: left;"> 300,000 sq ft building:</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BONTNZfzbcD9kZHI25L998G6Bvgt1IdUO4se0s2bH6XAb0STVMuyN9V3eRtoXepyxP7pZy_2SUIDXeQziW1kHUk9zQIUex_u4ETytiOYu_723RKBQm82PBwrOxJsJOfIloB5OcBjteg/s1000/zhbad2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1000" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BONTNZfzbcD9kZHI25L998G6Bvgt1IdUO4se0s2bH6XAb0STVMuyN9V3eRtoXepyxP7pZy_2SUIDXeQziW1kHUk9zQIUex_u4ETytiOYu_723RKBQm82PBwrOxJsJOfIloB5OcBjteg/w640-h430/zhbad2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>February 2020 Zoning Hearing Board application for variances and Special Exception review that enumerates </i><i>the extensive relief </i><i>ultimately granted through an ordinance amendment by the UMBT BOS</i></div><br /><div>This hearing was reportedly going to be rescheduled once or twice, but by July instead a draft of the Text Amendment was submitted to the UMBT BOS by Pektor, which essentially exempts <i>only </i>uses like River Pointe's from all the articles listed in the ad, for which New Demi Road (or River Pointe, take your pick) had requested relief for at the scheduled March 24, 2020 ZHB hearing. </div><div><br /></div><div>The short and sweet basis for the citizens' appeal and why this is in court is that they argue that in passing the Text Amendment the BOS granted the variances requested by River Pointe (New Demi Road), and granted the Applicant relief from being required to obtain both Special Exception and Conditional Use approvals as required by the ordinance - <i>none </i>of which is in the BOS' authority as prescribed in the MPC.</div><div><br /></div><div>A variance from articles in the Zoning Ordinance may only be granted by the ZHB. The citizens argue that the BOS usurped the authority of the ZHB by essentially granting variances that were pending before the ZHB, and in doing so exceeded its own authority.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Was New Demi Road's ZHB application a Trojan Horse or legit,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>and why did/is Pektor pursuing a 300,000 sq ft warehouse he has said he can't sell?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">First, let's examine some low hanging fruit. The pro-Pektor supervisors have been selling his platform that his development primarily targets manufacturing facilities with good paying jobs, and to an alleged lesser extent some large warehouses. Pektor has stated there is no demand for smaller warehouses, such as 300,000 sq ft. So why is New Demi Road seeking approval for a 300,000 sq ft warehouse, as the first project out of the gate? There is a disparity here.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since Pektor submitted the Text Amendment only a few months after the scheduled hearing, one has to wonder if this zoning hearing application was part of a devious plan to later reveal the amendment, or rather did Pektor realize after filing the application that there was no way in hell he would obtain the requested relief? Let's look at the relief requested by River Pointe of the ZHB:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Buildings over 40,000 sq ft in said district require a Conditional Use approval</li><li>Developments of over 500 trips ADT are considered a major traffic impact</li><li>All uses with a major traffic impact require Conditional Use approval</li><li>All uses with a major traffic impact require a Traffic Impact Study</li><li>Developments in areas of 15-25% slopes require Special Exception approval</li><li>Developments in areas of greater than 25% slopes are not allowed, period</li><li>Access roads in areas of steep slopes are not allowed unless alternate alignments are not possible</li></ul><div>It is not clear from the ad what was requested in regards to Special Exceptions, but it appears the Applicant was possibly expecting to go through a Special Exception, as well as requesting to be exempted (a variance) from some Special Exception review requirements. For example, one article simply prohibits development on greater than 25% slopes.</div><div><br /></div><div>As to Conditional Use, apparently the Applicant requested that it not be required to go to the BOS for Conditional Use review(s) as required by the ordinance.</div><div><br /></div><div>These are all major variances to the Zoning Ordinance, and it is likely that none of these requirements would be granted if the state prescribed criteria for use variances is applied. To obtain a variance, you must show a hardship that your site has unique characteristics not shared by other lots. you must show there will no impact to the health safety and welfare of others. How could anyone expect to win an argument that their project should not be considered to have a major traffic impact, when the same criterion is applied to other applicants and they are? The same problem lies in arguing that your project should be allowed in areas of steep slopes, while any other Applicant will be told he has to abide by steep slope requirements. Does an argument that because your lot is unique because it has steep slopes, it should be exempt from triggering a major traffic impact, make any sense? Nope, and the ZHB would have been faced with this problem.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>How do you solve a problem like Maria? The Text Amendment</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div>And across the remainder of the 725 acres of Pektor's land, wow, we would have to come back for each development, and that would be a LOT of ZHB denials, and we would never get anything built. we're screwed!</div><div><br /></div><div>Once the Text Amendment was revealed a few months after this wishful thinking zoning appeal was filed, and residents asked why it was necessary, a supervisor stated "The amendment will prevent River Pointe from having to come in for variances each time it wants to build a new project." It sure will - the amendment prevents not only New Demi Road from needing extensive and impossible relief, it gives blanket exemptions of articles of the ordinance for steep slopes, traffic impacts, building heights and size, to ALL of Pektor's projects. Why use a ball peen hammer, when you can use the 20-ton press to solve all the problems in one fell swoop? No reviews of any kind, no traffic studies, no problems on steep slopes, no more teachers dirty looks.</div><div><br /></div><div>The inequities of the Text Amendment are numerous. River Pointe encompasses numerous lots of varying topography and other characteristics. One size definitely does not fit all, which is why a zoning ordinance allows for exceptions <i>when necessary and proven</i> on a case by case basis. Issuing carte blanche right to violate ordinance provisions for a particular entity wafting around promises of jobs, income or whatever is simply wrong. The citizens are making a somewhat novel legal argument, brought about by the unusual circumstance of an applicant having requested extraordinary zoning relief, which may only be granted by the ZHB, and the BOS then swooping in and granting that relief (and more!) through a zoning amendment. An amendment advised against by many entities, including the township engineer.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Status of court appeal - preliminary objections phase</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you read the citizens' complaint, you may be confused that the text amendment is referred to as the "variance". From the application for variances in February 2020, the complaint states that the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission reviewed the "variance" in July 2020. The LVPC technically reviewed the amendment. The citizens' lawyer however views the amendment as having morphed from and serving out the purpose of the application to the ZHB for variances, and hence the granting thereof improper (ie illegal) by the BOS. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The usual preliminary objections were raised, such as wrong venue, failure to exhaust other remedies, lack of standing (citizens are not near or affected by the proposed development). Incredibly, the Defendant claims that the citizens should take their complaint to the UMBT ZHB, not the court - addressing the wrong venue and failure to exhaust remedies prong. In response, the citizens agree that the issue at hand would have and should have been addressed by the ZHB through a hearing that never took place - because the BOS intervened. That avenue is no longer available. The citizens replied to the standing argument by stating that an area that encompasses 725 acres in fact is of impact on the Plaintiffs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The judge indicated after oral arguments on February 16 that a decision on the preliminary objections to the appeal may be expected in up to seven weeks.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-22233175518318500932020-11-09T10:17:00.023-08:002020-11-10T12:11:59.892-08:00Upper Mount Bethel Supervisors are sued over River Pointe amendment, continue to ignore citizens and experts, appoint second hack Supervisor to Planning Commission<p>The Upper Mount Bethel Township Board of Supervisors are achieving a perfect score, if the objective is to be totally incompetent and appear to be corrupt. Previously, we covered that the BOS passed a comprehensive zoning amendment on September 9, written by developer Lou Pektor, that would exempt Pektor's planned development within the township's I-2 and I-3 zoning districts from having to comply with several articles of the zoning ordinance and SALDO (subdivision and land development ordinance). This was done against the strong dissent of the township engineer, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, two civil engineers who are township residents, the virtually unanimous opposition of residents, and the silence of township Solicitor Karasek. It is important to note the Karasek would be the one to legally advise the BOS that they are doing something inadvisable, yet he has and continues to act like a deaf-mute in regards to this matter. Karasek has taken an approach of "I am not in a position to offer an opinion on policy" - which is total and unadulterated bulls shit. </p><p>A Solicitor is responsible for advising the BOS, and if they develop a policy without going through standard procedures, the policy is likely to be poorly crafted. The problem in UMBT is the Solicitor represents the BOS, not the citizens, and Karasek is being a good soldier and doing what he feels the majority of the BOS wants him to do, as opposed to speaking up and saying "I would [strongly] advise the BOS to consider..."</p><p>Township engineer Coyle also serves the BOS, and in this case he pointed out at the eleventh hour at the adoption hearing on September 9 that while he should not be offering an opinion on the amendment, he was strongly in opposition to multiple elements of it. Following this, the very best Solicitor Karasek could offer was "If the BOS feels it isn't ready, it could table this until next month..." After all, he is earning a generous hourly rate. Of course, the BOS went ahead and immediately passed the amendment.</p><p>Recall that citizens were told by the BOS:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>That this amendment was necessary so that the developer would not have to come in for variances each time a business filed an application. Total nonsense - why should any use be exempted from needing variances?</li><li>That there was a rush to pass the amendment, because the developer is hot to trot and there are "good businesses" ready to sign on to develop. Such rumors should never be counted on (which citizens pointed out multiple times), and furthermore ordinance amendments should never be rushed under any circumstance.</li><li>When it appeared that there were issues not covered by the amendment, citizens were told that revisions would cause it to have to be sent back to the LVPC for review, so passing it and using "deed restrictions" to resolve outstanding deficiencies was the course of action to <i>save time</i>. This is total bullshit, dreamed up by Realtor/Supervisor Teel. The UMBT Solicitor in fact sent a second amendment to the LVPC for review on September 28 - only <i>nineteen days</i> after the first amendment was passed. Instead of simply editing the draft of the first amendment, and sending <i>it </i>back to the LVPC. </li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The lawsuit - appeal of the passage of the First Amendment</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The big news is citizens filed a timely appeal of the passage of the amendment in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas, and more details will be stated here in the near future. This group of citizens is not a collection of "not in my back yard" or NIMBY, the pejorative term that is commonly applied to citizens objecting in cases of zoning. Rather. it consists of members who have helped shape public policy, including one who is a former supervisor in another township. This has been covered in WFMZ, the Express Times and the Morning Call.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Second Amendment - prepared and sent out with no public notice</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">No, not that second amendment lol. Karasek should have strongly advised the BOS at the September 9 hearing that not only due to concerns about the content of the amendment, but also because of what it did not yet contain, that the BOS should not adopt it that night. Apparently someone pulled their head out of their ass between September 9 and September 28 and realized Teel's proposed deed restrictions would not work. Was it Karasek? No citizen (and they are watching very very carefully) was aware that a second amendment draft was even prepared, until the LVPC issued a review letter on October 30. So the excuse by Teel - and that is all it was - that a delay would result by going back to the LVPC, was revealed to be nothing but more happy talk since within only a few weeks the BOS in fact had to go back to the LVPC as the Solicitor should have advised would be required.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Food for thought - if this amendment was not discussed at a BOS meeting, did the BOS even see it before Karasek submitted it? Was he authorized to send it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMa-9OMBz8dHpP-dEC6SC16JEsTgxdg3L3F5yjPNraZgXuBGQaC9XOimvtAw1YcuVbnCQU5aSEfOVKelUtuKa7jMUpjodiYAYVKzXJcnt3xXokZMjVHCNcSY6qAAnVJi5WX5U5W9gLuc/s2048/Karasek+Sept+28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMa-9OMBz8dHpP-dEC6SC16JEsTgxdg3L3F5yjPNraZgXuBGQaC9XOimvtAw1YcuVbnCQU5aSEfOVKelUtuKa7jMUpjodiYAYVKzXJcnt3xXokZMjVHCNcSY6qAAnVJi5WX5U5W9gLuc/w309-h400/Karasek+Sept+28.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Solicitor sends second amendment for review with no notice to the public</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It must be noted that at the end of the review letter of the second amendment, the LVPC curiously compliments the UMBT BOS as to the amendment responding to some comments in the LVPC's review of the first amendment. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1hVEkUtwyVSKbhkLncTbfX4bo2CbmZYnQNzNFI9zN5gLOEcqIvnPo-H8sDYP0rQm0tOr63qXJi5MK7fy6-27LDVmpgQ2OYA3alhhiG4391CK0Uq1gG2lFCmXwJPKEgpm5troJcqYSa0/s1418/lvpc+encourgaged.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="1418" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1hVEkUtwyVSKbhkLncTbfX4bo2CbmZYnQNzNFI9zN5gLOEcqIvnPo-H8sDYP0rQm0tOr63qXJi5MK7fy6-27LDVmpgQ2OYA3alhhiG4391CK0Uq1gG2lFCmXwJPKEgpm5troJcqYSa0/w400-h66/lvpc+encourgaged.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>LVPC attempts to put lipstick on a pig with </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>euphemisms - closer to consistent is not consistent</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">In this blogger's view, this is political bullshit. The second amendment does nothing to address the fact that several articles of the ordinance will not apply to the I-2 or I-3 district, that industrial business parks will be permitted by right and not by conditional use, the buildings of 100 feet are permitted by right, that traffic studies will not be required, that township environmental regulations will not apply. In fact, the LVPC in its review of the second amendment did again comment that buildings of 100' should not be permitted by right. Lastly, UMBT Supervisor Teel stated prior to receiving the LVPC's first review that he has no interest in what the LVPC has to say about anything. So Teel does not see the LVPC as the "regional expert on planning, zoning and development" as stated in the excerpt states.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<p style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 14px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px;"> <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/483583478/Second-amendment-to-cure-defects-in-Upper-Mount-Bethel-Twp-amendment-for-River-Pointe#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Second amendment to cure defects in Upper Mount Bethel Twp amendment for River Pointe on Scribd">Second amendment to cure defects in Upper Mount Bethel Twp amendment for River Pointe</a> on Scribd</p><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_85080" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/483583478/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-CpSrXzyOxUeQodMWW7nQ" title="Second amendment to cure defects in Upper Mount Bethel Twp amendment for River Pointe" width="100%"></iframe>
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<p style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 14px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px;"> <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/483588089/LVPC-review-of-second-amendment-in-Upper-Mount-Bethel-Township-for-River-Pointe#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View LVPC review of second amendment in Upper Mount Bethel Township for River Pointe on Scribd">LVPC review of second amendment in Upper Mount Bethel Township for River Pointe</a> on Scribd</p><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_57686" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/483588089/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-P3rGBGz6jNZutzwJk7jN" title="LVPC review of second amendment in Upper Mount Bethel Township for River Pointe" width="100%"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Good" business that was hot to trot, trotted right on past UMBT</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The citizens warned on multiple occasions that making changes based on the rumor of any business filing an application was folly, because such projects very often fail to materialize. Undaunted, some UMBT Supervisors continue to sing this tune. At the October 12 BOS meeting, Economic Development Committee Chairman Scott Cole announced that Reddington Farms, which had been rumored to be seeking to site within River Pointe, was no longer planning to do so. Bam! Exactly as citizens predicted. It must be noted that Reddington Farms is not the kind of "manufacturing business" with good paying jobs that the BOS is ballyhooing as what they envision in River Pointe. Resident are rightfully concerned that they will end up with mostly warehouses and tons of truck traffic, and that by exempting River Pointe from township regulations control will be impossible. This is Engineer Coyle's concern. Reddington Farms is said to require 50,000 gallons of water a day at the site of one of its current operations - and lots of truck traffic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GJGniEr3UBJ_-GKKVpEwvgJ1rh5pI3fwYeIriink4I1mfdbxqHwDzblmhkd4dMZDMtx9GQbPK1xFXzQZlW-rzKd4dumkQ371nas1Lfow94YR_W_EN2qd9ha_Y0-4ewGHUtkJiP3ihmk/s1365/reddington.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GJGniEr3UBJ_-GKKVpEwvgJ1rh5pI3fwYeIriink4I1mfdbxqHwDzblmhkd4dMZDMtx9GQbPK1xFXzQZlW-rzKd4dumkQ371nas1Lfow94YR_W_EN2qd9ha_Y0-4ewGHUtkJiP3ihmk/s320/reddington.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Current Reddington Farms location - <u>not</u> coming to UMBT</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Look at all those trucks</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Second BOS member appointed to Planning Commission - to advise himself</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the October 12 BOS meeting, BOS and planning commission member Teel said that "considering the important issues coming before the planning commission in the near future, I think we need to fill the planning commission vacancy." Note that in the spring, Teel tried to put BOS member DeFranco on the planning commission, but yielded to concerns that having two BOS members on the planning commission would be inappropriate. No kidding. Having one BOS member on the planning commission is inadvisable - and especially one like Teel, who has exhibited no working knowledge of planning and zoning other than he hates the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission but knows it has to review ordinance amendments. Teel stated that DeFranco has "construction experience" as he promoted DeFranco. Whoo hoo. Big deal. What you want on a planning commission is someone with engineering experience, not what the standard sizes of lumber are. What Teel really wanted was DeFranco, a proponent of River Pointe, on the planning commission, to ram through the second amendment that only the BOS was aware existed and had been submitted to the LVPC for review. Then, when the second amendment comes before the township planning commission, likely at its November meeting, Teel and DeFranco will sing its praises and make sure it is recommended to the BOS - in other words to themselves - for approval. At the July planning commission review of the first amendment, which was over 20 pages and had been in members' hands for only hours, Teel said "I don't think we have to go through every page of this..." Of course not, if you want to ram a huge change to the zoning ordinance through without someone realizing major issues with it. The review of the second amendment at the planning commission is likely planned by Teel and DeFranco to be as thorough.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Supervisor Bermingham pointed out that with more supervisors on the planning commission, the independence of the committee from the BOS would be compromised. Supervisor Due joined Bemingham in voting no, with Pinter and Teel voting yes. Due actually stood up for what is right. However, after he had abstained, DeFranco voted yes to make it 3-2 and to install himself on the planning commission. After the vote, citizens pointed out that the independence of the planning commission is important and they are correct. The planning commission advises the BOS. Teel, DeFranco and Pinter obviously do not care about independence and informed and unbiased opinion, but rather about how to get what they want.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UvgQSjnCF6BoBpq3dnimsA0Fw8A_cgL6TlHPRvcKTrogGalzMB4QJ5Lm8BFHq_TAs8gznJT1PYdwzDKTw4VwdDBu13mKbHcfDzv7WTa-zEztN0ExHknn6cmkHzrGi7VuPawvIOtC8Z8/s1918/musical+chairs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1918" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UvgQSjnCF6BoBpq3dnimsA0Fw8A_cgL6TlHPRvcKTrogGalzMB4QJ5Lm8BFHq_TAs8gznJT1PYdwzDKTw4VwdDBu13mKbHcfDzv7WTa-zEztN0ExHknn6cmkHzrGi7VuPawvIOtC8Z8/w400-h140/musical+chairs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Musical chairs on UMBT Planning Commission</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The LVPC's review of the first amendment was addressed to Scott Minnich, a civil engineer. Mr. Minnich gave constructive advice during the August 31 special hearing on the first amendment - which was promptly ignored. He was no longer on the planning commission when the review was received. Likewise, Stavros Barbounis was no longer on the planning commission when the review of the second amendment was received. Given how the BOS is acting, it isn't surprising that the planning commission is like musical chairs. What is very concerning is that an element within the BOS appears to have taken it over.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Township Engineer Ed Nelson shows off his knowledge - or lack thereof</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the September 28 BOS meeting, township manager Ed Nelson showed that even though he was once a township supervisor, he's generally an ignorant of municipal procedures and concepts. A far cry from the previous township manager, Rick Fisher. Nelson is the perfect stooge and partner for the corrupted process being perpetrated by the BOS.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First, Nelson said that he was "recommending to the BOS" that certain roads be changed to one-way. Karasek listened to this for several minutes before finally pointing out that the manager can not make such a recommendation by himself, that a traffic study would likely be required and the township engineer would have to be involved. Next, Nelson recommended that speed bumps be installed, in specific locations. Once again, Karasek had to intervene, with the same warnings he made about altering traffic direction.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next, Nelson recommended to the BOS that it hire Pennoni Engineering to be a Community Planner as well as an Alternate Engineer for the township. This is interesting for a few reasons. The first it, apparently the BOS is showing some yield to the pleas by both citizens as well as the LVPC that it do planning before zoning changes. The problem is, they <i>already</i> made the zoning changes. Second, Pennoni apparently has ZERO experience in municipal planning. So Nelson, a place holder as township manager, recommended hiring a place holder as planner, as Rome burns. If Nelson had any initiative to actually find a planner, he would have discovered Urban Research and Development in Bethlehem, which has extensive experience in planning and zoning, including testifying in related court matters. But he was seeking to help create a veneer to make it look like the BOS was taking some action, when it was not. Or he was simply incompetent, or both.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Supervisor DeFranco's Economic Development Committee sings praises of River Pointe</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of stooges, Supervisor DeFranco's Economic Development Committee has the perfect choice in Scott Cole. At the October 12 BOS meeting, Chairman Cole spoke effusively about the regular meetings that the EDC was having with "Lou's representatives" and "Lisa" (Lisa Pektor). Of course Lou is sending representatives to meet regularly with people on their knees eager to pleasure him orally, as well as continuing to keep tabs on the promises (and BOS actions) to exempt him from zoning regulations. Cole and the pro-River Pointe Supervisors appear completely oblivious to the fact that you do not treat a developer as your friend or partner. And certainly not this developer. Cole's words reflect that he is afflicted with a Stage IV case of euphoric crapulence for River Pointe, and as though he makes frequent trips to a fridge stocked with River Pointe Fever Kool Aid.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cole announced that the EDC has done a lot of "analysis" of future revenue associated with River Ponte. Hmm, better change the Excel spreadsheet to reflect that Reddington Farms is gone. And since River Pointe is in the LERTA, don't expect much property tax revenue any time soon. Working hard on spreadsheets that predict the future is not necessarily working smart. There is a difference.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cole also made a peculiar request. He stated that the EDC has been working for "many months" on River Pointe (doing God knows what, one has to ask), and that they have been using an outdated Comprehensive Plan. He said he was recommending to the BOS that it hire a planner to update the township's Comprehensive Plan. Perhaps Ed Nelson's Pennoni hire - an engineer with no planning experience? Now, the people up front in the room, the BOS and Manager Nelson, should be keenly aware that UMBT is a member of Plan Slate Belt, which is <i>currently </i>developing a 10-municipality Comprehensive Plan across the ten Slate Belt Communities. Each municipality has three representatives.<i> </i>Supervisors Due, DeFranco and Manager Nelson are the three representatives from UMBT. Not one UMBT representative showed up for the October Plan Slate Belt meeting, and not one person at the front of the room informed Mr. Cole that they are already working on the next comprehensive plan (are they?). Instead he was told it was a good suggestion and they would look into it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Why isn't Mr. Cole already aware that UMBT is working on a comprehensive plan update, and why wouldn't one of the three township's representatives involved have told him (and the assembled citizens) when it became obvious he did not? Could it be because they aren't taking it seriously, or don't know what they are doing? <i>Both </i>seems likely in this case. A majority of UMBT supervisors are acting like the township is an island unto itself, and planning is the very last priority on their minds. The only planning they are doing is projecting for big big revenue from River Pointe, consequences and the potential for negative community impacts and economic losses be damned.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOiqx5RAIV8HziGNJxbCQ-7wZSbEoKnjLIdfbfbOf6Rh8VpK-7V8ledK7U2JuB2qCHqSe8HgYG1Mrhyphenhyphen2OCljiDV9dyHNUtzbnWMYnh3s5H-47cxf8QPZFaOiJVKuKhTPQ-NyyS3MzTO8/s356/headupass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOiqx5RAIV8HziGNJxbCQ-7wZSbEoKnjLIdfbfbOf6Rh8VpK-7V8ledK7U2JuB2qCHqSe8HgYG1Mrhyphenhyphen2OCljiDV9dyHNUtzbnWMYnh3s5H-47cxf8QPZFaOiJVKuKhTPQ-NyyS3MzTO8/s320/headupass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The first step to solving a problem is realizing that you have a problem. UMBT supervisors as a group are totally ignorant of how to do planning or alter zoning or the consequences of not exercising restraint in making quick changes, and they are not receiving competent advice from most of those who could or should advise them. The only solution that appears feasible is that citizens obtain relief in court.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Edit - UMBT will vote tonight to advertise Second Amendment</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the agenda for tonight, in <b><a href="https://umbt.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/11-9-2020-Board-of-Supervisors-Meeting-Agenda.pdf">Section VI, item 6</a></b> - is a vote to advertise the Second Amendment. That will cost several thousand dollars. More of taxpayer's tax dollars at work. Apparently Supervisors are expecting a favorable recommendation from Teel, DeFranco and whoever else is left on the planning commission when it meets on November 18. You can hear Teel now "I don't think we really need to go through this..." Why bother? It's all FUBAR and you will pass it anyway.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then, the BOS will convene a hearing at which members of the public will object, make some good suggestions which will be ignored, and the BOS will pass the Second Amendment. We have seen this D-movie before.</div><p></p>Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-47949774150330929052020-09-09T10:31:00.008-07:002020-09-09T12:29:48.678-07:00Upper Mount Bethel Township Engineer objects to elements of ordinance amendment for River Pointe developer Lou Pektor to be voted on this evening<p>On September 8, 2020, UMBT Supervisor John Bermingham held a Q&A session on the River Pointe zoning ordinance and SALDO amendment, also known as "Version 10". In attendance were roughly 12 citizens, Mr. Bermingham, Supervisor Teel, Township Engineer Justin Coyle, and Township Manager Ed Nelson.</p><p>During this session, several residents asked pointed questions about the amendment, such as building height, building spacing, amount of potential building area, sewage disposal, road ownership, wear and maintenance, the process used to produce the amendment, and a reported effort to attach convenants to the properties targeted for development. Additionally, resident Janet Pearson - the UMBT Open Space chair and former tax collector, presented research that called into question claims that 84% of land in UMBT is not taxed. Ms. Pearson said she believes the actual number is in the 60s.</p><p>The most notable outcome of the meeting was that after citizens asked questions for over an hour - including one resident suggesting that buildings over 60 feet in height be conditional uses, Mr. Coyle made statements that reflect he would advise against adopting the proposed amendment in its current form - if he were asked for an opinion. This is due to a few significant ways in which the township would be granting "by right" development of buildings and businesses. Mr. Coyle stated that he would make his opinion known at this evening's meeting. The question is how the amendment ever got this far without advice like Mr. Coyle's (and that of the LVPC) being taken into consideration and acted on...</p><p>Let's review how the process is designed to work, summarize what is known about how UMBT supervisors got to where they are today, and consider some comments made at yesterday's informal yet informative meeting.</p><p>The PA Municipalities Planning Code provides for a
comprehensive plan, which lays out the goals of the community, including
development, recreation, roadways, finance, etc. UMBT is currently involved in an LVPC project called Plan Slate Belt, a ten municipality multi-municipal plan for the Slate Belt communities.</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">The zoning ordinance is statutory, and is to be written to
achieve the goals of the comprehensive plan.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The MPC provides for planning agencies – a local planning
commission, a county planning commission and regional planning agency
(multi-municipal). UMBT does not have
the latter. When a zoning ordinance or
SALDO amendment is proposed, it is required by the MPC to request a review from
all planning agencies. Note these are
advisory only – it is the supervisory body that has the authority to enact all
legislation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Department of Community and Economic Development
publishes a guidebook for township supervisors.
In this guide, it states the function of the comprehensive plan and
describes how zoning ordinances are to be created. The planning commission assists the BOS, and
a professional planner should be utilized.
It envisions that the planning commission is the forum where community
input and feedback may be received and used to shape the draft ordinance, and
the result is sent to the BOS where their primary purpose is making the
decision of adopting or not adopting the draft.
It states that the courts have found that ordinances passed without
proper planning may be found to not be valid.
As the LVPC found in its review, proper planning has not been done.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mr. Teel stated on 9/8/20 that he has worked for months on
the amendment (note it was received in approximately March or April. Significant ordinance amendments can take a
year or more to draft, <i>with</i> a
professional planner). Mr. Teel is one
person. Drafting ordinance amendments is
a process that requires airing of proposals and feedback from other unbiased
community members.</p><p class="MsoNormal">The problem with the current draft, which is a “very
significant change” (Township Engineer Justin Coyle of Carroll Engineering),
and therefore requires a professional planner’s involvement, is it has not been
guided by or received the recommendation of a professional planner. The great majority of the process has taken
place in private negotiations with a developer, and continues to be with the
reported effort to negotiate deed covenants (which are not an element of any
tool required or suggested by the MPC).
It is notable that a draft of purported deed covenants is not available
to the public, and Mr. Teel reported on 9/8/20 that there has been no progress
or agreement with the developer on them.</p><p class="MsoNormal">One citizen questioned why supervisors would seek to use deed covenenants to control development, when it is accepted to do this though the ordinance and SALDO. Let the number of buildings and their placement be governed by the usual tool - the ordinance. Mr. Teel did not have a good answer to this question, because there isn't one. His answer was a poor excuse - "any changes to the amendment would have to be reviewed again by the planning commissions." An amendment that requires significant modification does need to be resubmitted to the planning agencies - and there is a very good reason for that and it happens routinely. You don't do a work-around no one has heard of to circumvent the process. And Mr. DeFranco and Mr. Teel have already shown that they have no respect for the LVPC and the planning experts on its staff (see below). Another resident pointed out that she as a homeowner needs a variance if she wants to do something on her property outside the ordinance - why should a developer be exempted from variances as the amendment proposes?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Furthermore, the only professional planner’s advice that has
been received – which is from the county planning agency (LVPC), is both
critical of significant aspects of the draft ordinance as well as having been
ignored – willfully by at least one member of the BOS (DeFranco). And another (Teel) has made comments that are
consistent with those of the first. Mr.
DeFranco stated prior to receiving the LVPC’s recommendation “I don’t care what
the LVPC says.” This is not an
indication of an open minded BOS member, acting based on competent advice, on
behalf of his constituents. Mr. Teel has
stated (9/8/20) “I wouldn’t trust the LVPC – look at what they did to
Tatamy.” This is apples and oranges,
assuming the LVPC recommended something that ultimately negatively impacted
Tatamy. The LVPC has cautioned UMBT that
proper planning has not been done, that the environment may be impacted,
criticized exempting a single use from zoning and SALDO regulations, etc – this
is the opposite of the LVPC either missing something or advocating something
that would cause a negative impact on UMBT and its citizens.</p><p class="MsoNormal">When asked by a citizen what the rush is to adopt the amendment, Mr. Teel responded that he has worked on the amendment for months and the developer has been trying to line up tenants. This is not a justification for hurrying to adopt an amendment that is not designed to satisfy good community planning, but rather to satisfy the developer. Mr. Coyle made comments that may have been designed to address the purported urgency or lack thereof - he pointed out that approvals for land development for storm water, soil disturbance, etc require over a year to be approved. Furthermore, the DRBC is involved for water extraction in excess of 10,000 gallons a day. Multiple attendees pointed out that while good manufacturing jobs are universally desired, it may be that no manufacturers at all materialize at River Pointe. Mr. Teel's personal effort to achieve a goal he envisions is not a substitute for intelligent planning.</p><div>The only other professional advice appears to be that of the
township engineer, who does not have an official say and has pointed out that
he serves the BOS and should not have a position, but he also serves the
Planning Commission and he has an opinion.
He stated on 9/8/20 at an unofficial meeting hosted by Supervisor
Bermingham emphatically “Industrial business parks should be a conditional
use”, and “building heights over 60’ should be a conditional use”. “Making these uses permitted by right gives
up all control the township has over an Applicant. You can’t do that.” Note that these two items in Version 10 of
the draft would be considered uses permitted by right, if it is adopted. Also note that it was in a meeting with
several members of the community that Mr. Coyle made these statements, after
hearing concerns from the attendees over the process and consequences if the
draft were adopted. This is the kind of
interaction that should take place, over the course of several official meetings,
in the process of drafting an ordinance amendment.</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">The process of drafting of an ordinance amendment based on
requisite planning as laid out in the MPC, and followed by municipalities across <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pennsylvania</st1:place></st1:state>, has been
turned on its head in the case of Version 10.
Proper planning has not been done on which to base the changes proposed, and the
process of revising and updating drafts was not done at the planning
commission, but rather in private, out of the public view – contrary to having
public participation as is customary and expected. It
is believed that the township planning commission did not see any draft of the
amendment until Version 10, and were given only hours to browse its 28 pages
prior to meeting to review it. It is
also reported that at this meeting (July 15), BOS member Teel as Vice Chairman
of the PC, stated “I don’t see why we have to go through every page.” Note that the planning commission, as the entity responsible for maintaining and advising on updates to the ordinance, should go
through <i>every word </i>of a proposed legislative
amendment, in order to advise the BOS. This
calls into question to what extent the review was, and also Mr. Teel’s
motivation in suggesting a cursory review, since he is also reported to be the chief negotiator with the
developer. Should a BOS member be
recommending against a full review by the advising body, when that BOS member
will vote based on that advice? Should
the person who helped revise in private an ordinance amendment, vote to advise
the supervisory body that he also sits on to adopt said amendment? It is further reported that Mr. Teel is now the <i>Chairman</i> of the planning commission. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">BOS members are to be making decisions as elected officials <i>for</i> their constituents, not in <i>spite</i> of them. Numerous statements were made by the public
against adoption of the amendment at the August 31, 2020 BOS hearing. The process followed here suggests a potential dereliction
of duty, if the draft ordinance is passed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-65460096194415758202020-09-06T11:30:00.015-07:002020-09-09T11:07:04.372-07:00Upper Mount Bethel Township Supervisors seek to ram through zoning changes on September 9 drafted by developer Lou Pektor, after pledge that River Pointe Logistics Center would meet zoning<p> In September 2019, a development group named River Point Logistics Center (Lou Pektor) <a href="https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-pektor-plans-slate-belt-logistics-center-20191106-6pj424sevzfoblp64uiniseism-story.html" target="_blank">purchased </a>725 acres of land in Upper Mount Bethel Township, in the I-2 and I-3 districts zoned for industrial use. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Officials cautiously optimistic of development</b></p><p>Several officials across the Lehigh Valley commented on the proposal to develop new industry in the Slate Belt - this is a Holy Grail to some in the area - and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission views the Slate Belt as having some of the best last remaining opportunity for development. Don Cunningham of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. weighed in:</p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif;"></span></p><blockquote>[He] said the project will be one of the largest industrial developments in Northampton County in years. He said the development will bring a lot of tax revenue to the township and school district, but <b>warned there will be challenges</b>, such as establishing public water and sewer.</blockquote><span style="background-color: white;"><p style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;">“There’s a considerable amount of work to make the property developable, plus there will be <b>significant public input</b> on what people view as being reasonable there,” <span style="background-color: transparent;">(Morning Call, Nov 6, 2019, emphasis added)</span></span></blockquote></span><p></p><p></p><p>John Reinhart, retired school superintendent and long time resident of the area stated:</p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif;"></span></p><blockquote>“I would hope there would be some higher-level jobs, and also that it would be a clean and green operation, <b>not something that would upset the environment</b>,” (same article, emphasis added)</blockquote><p>And Northampton County Exectutive Lamont McClure's comments:<span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">“I’ve been talking about warehouse proliferation and where it shouldn’t be going,” </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">he said. “But there are some places where light manufacturing or manufacturing would be appropriate, such as the new site in Upper Mount Bethel Township."</span></blockquote><p></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">He said officials need to iron out specifics, such as <b>building a wastewater treatment facility</b>. If a sewage system isn’t deemed feasible to build, McClure <b>predicted </b>it would mean <b>a warehouse would wind up there</b>.</span> (same article, emphasis added)</span></p></blockquote><p></p><p>There have been many articles in the past year on UMBT supervisors' proposal to install sewer in the area, while residents have argued that there is not a need. Here is <a href="https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/lehighvalley/upper-mount-bethel-residents-warn-against-sewer-plan/article_4007d1aa-aba0-5238-9c3c-5a09ffc66742.html" target="_blank">one article</a>, from September 2019, in which critical comments of the sewer proposal during a Lehigh Valley Planning Commission review are quoted.</p><p>Note that in the article, it is pointed out that UMBT contains lands in a tax sheltered area, the <a href="https://lehighvalley.org/grow-here/incentive-programs/" target="_blank">LERTA </a>- and that Planning Commission Commissioner Richard Molchany observed that with a sewer and poor planning, UMBT could turn into Macungie, with similar traffic congestion and unsafe roads. Furthermore, </p><p><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because new businesses in parts of the township would qualify for local, school and state tax rebates, Molchany said the plan amounts to spending taxpayers' dollars to bring in subsidized development that would <b>increase the cost of road maintenance</b>. (WFMZ, Sept 26, 2019, emphasis added)</span></blockquote><p></p><p>At the same meeting, <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;">Commissioner Stephen Melnick said the township should put together an updated comprehensive plan <b>first </b>to identify potential problems before proposing solutions. </span> (WFMZ, Sept 26, 2019, emphasis added)</blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Handful of officials and special interests in UMBT welcome irresponsible development PDQ, while ignoring their citizens' wishes and shit-canning zoning</b></p><p>There are opposing themes apparent if you review the comments of longtime community leaders, county level planning and development leaders, and residents and compare with those of UMBT board members as well as officials they have appointed to critical committees such as the township Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and Economic Development Committee (how many municipalities have one of these?).</p><p>In short, as we will see, the deck has been stacked in UMBT in favor of blindly irresponsible development at all costs, which validates the concerns of the community leaders and county planning and economic development leaders quoted above. We shall also see that those on a mission in UMBT to lay the red carpet out to River Pointe Logistics will not take criticism constructively, and are ignoring the wishes and welfare of the almost 7000 residents they represent. To the contrary, considered and reasoned advice are simply potential logs in their path to be ignored and/or eliminated.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>River Pointe pledges to meet zoning requirements, but a few weeks later submits proposed ordinance and SALDO amendments to shield itself from local regulation</b></p><p>On February 27, 2020, Pektor and his staff proposed an outline of proposed development in which it was stated that all township zoning requirements would be satisfied. </p><p>What was <i>not </i>announced was that Pektor's organization already or would begin work shortly behind the scenes with UMBT supervisors to scrap the township's zoning ordinance - or more accurately, to alter the ordinance to <i>exempt </i>lands in the I-2 and I-3 zoning districts from numerous articles of the zoning ordinance. In other words, when it was stated that River Pointe Logistics Center would comply with all local, state and federal requirements, they meant those in effect when a land development plan was submitted - not those in effect on February 27, 2020. The old switcharoo.</p><p>Only 1-1/2 months later (if not earlier), UMBT supervisors were in possession of River Pointe's first proposed amendment of the zoning ordinance and SALDO. BOS Chairman Bermingham actually stated publicly that the purpose of the amendment was so that River Pointe would not have to apply for zoning variances. In other words, River Pointe anticipated that it would need zoning variances, even though earlier they had represented they would satisfy all regulatory requirements. This is what is called a <i>discrepancy</i> in mixed company. In private, a different term might be used.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu22g9pZWN3o1TBnP2KhlcrMTVeNhl0jDTAQoABPewviUsEQ75wcuyIjSGzfEsyHegGSQLjheRidjp8DkLBn4FV7je4ZXhlJU9kmXAk01cuKpn3sc8D5mhASyteo9UfxTkTprq6qkMhZE/s806/April+BOS+minutes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="806" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu22g9pZWN3o1TBnP2KhlcrMTVeNhl0jDTAQoABPewviUsEQ75wcuyIjSGzfEsyHegGSQLjheRidjp8DkLBn4FV7je4ZXhlJU9kmXAk01cuKpn3sc8D5mhASyteo9UfxTkTprq6qkMhZE/w500-h294/April+BOS+minutes.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>After River Pointe assuring community that they would <b>comply </b>will all regulations, the movement</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>to <b>change </b>the regulations commenced, and UMBT supervisors are on board, so to speak. It should also be noted that UMBT supervisors <b>complimented</b> River Pointe for holding the February meeting at which citizens were misled. You can not make this shit up, people.</i></div><p style="text-align: left;">The PA Municipalities Planning Code requires that the township planning commission and county planning commissions review substantive amendments to the zoning ordinance or SALDO (subdivision and land development ordinance). The township planning commission is the gatekeeper of these - they are responsible for maintaining and updating these documents, with <i>proper planning</i> and the BOS having the final say. Only three months after the Pektor presentation, the UMBT planners had an amendment specifically for River Pointe Logisitcs Center on their agenda. The MPC provides for what is called a "curative amendment", in which a land owner claims the ordinance is defective. What happened in this case was different - Pektor's team went through the ordinance and SALDO, found all the articles that were not defective but rather they merely wished to be exempted from, and crafted an amendment (including this list) that they submitted to the UMBT supervisors. For your viewing pleasure, behold all the "inapplicable zoning and SALDO provisions" that the BOS is on the verge of granting River Pointe Logistics Center when it meets on September 9:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcAC2m_BV-sgyMiIGejGmaAHXTcGBl_peUBCeuWo0hT4LW6DB5AB_WUMw3Qzd9Evxf1bUFnarX2j7E2yZiZliUbjdaW_02PK7_W63qMqDtcCmSSo5Vk__PbU5KV_RsTAWJcr4yFauU48/s2048/TEXT-AMENDMENT_Page_1+blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcAC2m_BV-sgyMiIGejGmaAHXTcGBl_peUBCeuWo0hT4LW6DB5AB_WUMw3Qzd9Evxf1bUFnarX2j7E2yZiZliUbjdaW_02PK7_W63qMqDtcCmSSo5Vk__PbU5KV_RsTAWJcr4yFauU48/w619-h800/TEXT-AMENDMENT_Page_1+blog.jpg" width="619" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVM6OAcq4HWj8wqd96TITFYv78l0vJ4VoVA10jEpNcXYj6hg5_tllkOenVbAhyn24oBZeM9NbKgVrrnIIsVsrwabBIp-JGz_d5IRdEtgKkKiWgPLq0E36aKHgbhizQ0ijoPAbnfTp1nuE/s2048/TEXT-AMENDMENT_Page_2+blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVM6OAcq4HWj8wqd96TITFYv78l0vJ4VoVA10jEpNcXYj6hg5_tllkOenVbAhyn24oBZeM9NbKgVrrnIIsVsrwabBIp-JGz_d5IRdEtgKkKiWgPLq0E36aKHgbhizQ0ijoPAbnfTp1nuE/w619-h800/TEXT-AMENDMENT_Page_2+blog.jpg" width="619" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKc1bmRjb41xS7LHraKEoR3EckseC8ZAplQ5bMXM4sp2F5gvU6VlMSrrsutpLNHKUP2yMGDp1a5R7fRS0okbOMVfhnVPIQFmGEldRIf3Mr2_Zm-6L_UES4pKLs9Ep1Xg-fz7GVbKY42Uw/s1700/TEXT-AMENDMENT_Page_3blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1187" data-original-width="1700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKc1bmRjb41xS7LHraKEoR3EckseC8ZAplQ5bMXM4sp2F5gvU6VlMSrrsutpLNHKUP2yMGDp1a5R7fRS0okbOMVfhnVPIQFmGEldRIf3Mr2_Zm-6L_UES4pKLs9Ep1Xg-fz7GVbKY42Uw/s640/TEXT-AMENDMENT_Page_3blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pektor's lengthy list of articles that River Pointe would be exempted from in</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>the UMBT Zoning Ordinance and SALDO under the proposed amendment</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Usual land development process, versus a corrupted process - Can you spot the differences?</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">When a developer goes through land development, they may require zoning variances if they do not comply with one or more articles. They may also desire to be exempted from SALDO requirements, which is done by requesting one or more waivers. They may be required to go through Conditional Use approval if the proposed development has potential traffic or other impacts. The Zoning Hearing Board hears variance requests, the Planning Commission <i>advises</i> on whether or not each waiver should be granted, and the BOS votes to grant or deny each waiver. The BOS also hears Conditional Use hearings.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">River Pointe, with the <i>open support and enthusiastic encouragement</i> of the UMBT BOS, seeks to turn this process totally on its head - in contravention of the Municipalities Planning Code and common sense. Why deal with proving you deserve relief from pesky zoning or SALDO requirements if yiou can eliminate them? Imagine if any developer, whether it be an industry, commercial business or builder, could rewrite the zoning ordinance <i>before</i> they submit their plan, so that there are no obstacles whatsoever. You want to build a garage in your front yard, so you ask your buddies on the UMBT BOS to change the ordinance instead of applying for a variance. The ordinance would soon be littered with "exemptions". This is preposterous </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not only does River Pointe request to be exempted from the list of articles above in the zoning ordinance and SALDO, there are several other additions to the ordinance that will only apply to its development. For example, it is proposed that Steep Slopes in River Pointe's development have its own, relaxed (of course) definition. In this manner, slopes that would never normally be developed are now no obstacle. No waiver or variance needed - all lights are green. River Pointe proposes that many local regulations be waived - for its development only - and justifies this by arguing that state and local regulations will protect the residents of UMBT. Nothing could be farther from the truth, as anyone with knowledge of the PA DEP and EPA knows. Consider the sewage sludge fight in UMBT only a few years ago, in which under oath the PA DEP representative responsible for oversight of practices associated with these materials, admitted that he was not even aware of the regulations that he was to enforce. There are countless examples of incompetence, lack of staffing, and uninformed decisions that have led to degradation of the environment under the supervision of PA DEP. The whole structure of of the MPC, and zoning and land development ordinances that are authorized by it, is designed to protect local resources using local regulations.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">UMBT supervisors, overcome by a virulent case of euphoric crapulence, are on the verge of enthusiastically approving this amendment which is known as "<a href="https://umbt.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/UMBT-RPL-TEXT-AMENDMENT.pdf" target="_blank">Version 10</a>". Ten times the impact to citizens and the environment, and ten times the pain:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-size-adjust: none; font: 14px helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin: 12px auto 6px;"> <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/474649315/Upper-Mount-Bethel-Township-Amendment-authored-by-River-Point-Logistics-Center-to-circumvent-local-regulations#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Upper Mount Bethel Township Amendment authored by River Point Logistics Center to circumvent local regulations on Scribd">Upper Mount Bethel Township Amendment authored by River Point Logistics Center to circumvent local regulati...</a> on Scribd</p><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_92776" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/474649315/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-AUdukUR4KxigvDSDvuyd" title="Upper Mount Bethel Township Amendment authored by River Point Logistics Center to circumvent local regulations" width="100%"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The amendment that would exempt only River Pointe from many local zoning and SALDO regulations</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>under the false premise that state and federal oversight is all that is required.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If this were true, the local ordinances can be tossed in the trash can and all uses made exempt</i></div><p style="text-align: left;">There is no evidence that the BOS or planning commission have made any substantial changes or revisions to what River Pointe has submitted. To the contrary, River Point itself revised the proposed amendment, and "Version 10" went before the township planners on July 15. It is reported that planners had only hours of notice to review the 28-page amendment. In this age of Zoom meetings, the township engineer recited for 45 minutes the key aspects of the proposal, a few questions were asked, and this was the balance of the critical evaluation that was done locally by those charged with planning. 28 pages of major changes to the zoning ordinance, with a few hours to browse and maybe an hour to discuss. This was orchestrated by the BOS, whose responsibility it is under state law to use the planners as an advisory body. But the planning commission has been hollowed out by the BOS, and none other than supervisor Bob Teel is one of its members. Mr. Teel is a Realtor, and is well known to be in favor of the River Pointe development, so his job on July 15 was likely to usher the amendment through, rather than seek out problems. UMBT planners, or rather their Solicitor who also works at the pleasure of the BOS (Ronold Karasek), produced a short list of recommendations (mostly of errata) as a result of the July 15 meeting. One observer stated that this list may not represent what actually was discussed during the meeting. Note this is not even signed. Memo to BOS - pass it without asking any questions. Job... done.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXlF_23cxEE71uDYZG9qYYQ7dYO3h5m1HRjLroK1fkScULU409p0N_I57F3gMqBefkwH0JW1BGaSmB1xZ-QYI4cYbxE6569_M4tbcbU6jLFWnYmM0848oqs7X1dQRPdq8Jf1OTh6riSE/s2048/PC_review+blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2002" data-original-width="2048" height="611" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXlF_23cxEE71uDYZG9qYYQ7dYO3h5m1HRjLroK1fkScULU409p0N_I57F3gMqBefkwH0JW1BGaSmB1xZ-QYI4cYbxE6569_M4tbcbU6jLFWnYmM0848oqs7X1dQRPdq8Jf1OTh6riSE/w625-h611/PC_review+blog.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>UMBT Planners recommendations, drafted by the BOS and planning commission Solicitor</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">The proposed amendment was also sent to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, which rendered a detailed critical evaluation in a 9-1/2 page review letter dated July 31, 2020. It is presented below both on Scribd and in hardcopy.</p>
<p style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-size-adjust: none; font: 14px helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin: 12px auto 6px;"> <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/474651089/Lehigh-Valley-Planning-Commission-review-of-Upper-Mount-Bethel-Township-zoning-amendment-for-River-Point-Logistics-Center#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Lehigh Valley Planning Commission review of Upper Mount Bethel Township zoning amendment for River Point Logistics Center on Scribd">Lehigh Valley Planning Commission review of Upper Mount Bethel Township zoning amendment for River Point Lo...</a> on Scribd</p><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_27393" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/474651089/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-r12al3Ea2zJSwoJDdiKI" title="Lehigh Valley Planning Commission review of Upper Mount Bethel Township zoning amendment for River Point Logistics Center" width="100%"></iframe><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL7keMOq-Xa1L3Y1tJ7qtwzUj9_7iXBkiDvoE5db7UBpiC3UXoPgxeYb58FYPmDD8f09SD0Sk2rEy7yHdhZUYoHIkKi1Sjm6jX6SpRzrrf1Xe9FIwGmj-hJyzoEQVsFTBAMxbuXBK_0Q/s1912/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1912" data-original-width="1693" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL7keMOq-Xa1L3Y1tJ7qtwzUj9_7iXBkiDvoE5db7UBpiC3UXoPgxeYb58FYPmDD8f09SD0Sk2rEy7yHdhZUYoHIkKi1Sjm6jX6SpRzrrf1Xe9FIwGmj-hJyzoEQVsFTBAMxbuXBK_0Q/w554-h625/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_01.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26gJg3YJKUYCN2BNwTuVu7-r-vgH3oK8xxv1r7N3MlGBbXk-fQucVQKOD_aWIfLgGhVSxmL39xWKCDaQhl321wdyR8uqcSAjDPlBOZOZfcsfywusQOtjZvEntbbYZo5FFqpFVM9pxJbI/s1732/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1732" data-original-width="1696" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26gJg3YJKUYCN2BNwTuVu7-r-vgH3oK8xxv1r7N3MlGBbXk-fQucVQKOD_aWIfLgGhVSxmL39xWKCDaQhl321wdyR8uqcSAjDPlBOZOZfcsfywusQOtjZvEntbbYZo5FFqpFVM9pxJbI/w611-h625/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_02.jpg" width="611" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimg9ZCRSlZWK0cqjA04OsZecbkQB48cInpGGR28SIcxqxClNWo0vFxDYWcRtPjZKCzJppip6SgXhAHcTGIb0Gx6MsqG1Fm1WvZMOmQuKE3ijbuwubw88iUJH6iL1NgCJwN7HtxAO2CjMI/s1884/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="1680" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimg9ZCRSlZWK0cqjA04OsZecbkQB48cInpGGR28SIcxqxClNWo0vFxDYWcRtPjZKCzJppip6SgXhAHcTGIb0Gx6MsqG1Fm1WvZMOmQuKE3ijbuwubw88iUJH6iL1NgCJwN7HtxAO2CjMI/w556-h625/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_03.jpg" width="556" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxXK3ojJOl4k5qQJCq5w5n41dzOqICPUh9xLGTWP7mSRYjrb0zCkB2reODQsr4TVKUEQxvvA9T0OJIcHC6q_zDAB4KxB_r6Il5fKjmy7XGzy_USSgfsYEwcHtBsXcm4gX9xO9a9sik-g/s1744/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1744" data-original-width="1696" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxXK3ojJOl4k5qQJCq5w5n41dzOqICPUh9xLGTWP7mSRYjrb0zCkB2reODQsr4TVKUEQxvvA9T0OJIcHC6q_zDAB4KxB_r6Il5fKjmy7XGzy_USSgfsYEwcHtBsXcm4gX9xO9a9sik-g/w608-h625/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_04.jpg" width="608" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkFUKMLyNdUk176JB7nlG1IUFTx_sIsGbOn-RO6O8AK-v5I_lJmkZiR9XDKAj6_7bkApHg3FAdwsPsa5ttcWDWb0aqsbYcisAOfrpO5bwRBjYj438fBufQhcYzlFvCEc80l7NAJ3Jj9k/s1828/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1828" data-original-width="1696" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkFUKMLyNdUk176JB7nlG1IUFTx_sIsGbOn-RO6O8AK-v5I_lJmkZiR9XDKAj6_7bkApHg3FAdwsPsa5ttcWDWb0aqsbYcisAOfrpO5bwRBjYj438fBufQhcYzlFvCEc80l7NAJ3Jj9k/w580-h625/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_05.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7_DVWfFZ54wyBExExXCy-zt-4HfPlR2mXwuL0741VqmCK7t0TYeqe1R60cbLzc5OONeDrP-1l7Wzm7HWZGU6y4Ze6MYeT_Q8f4eWmI2dQYiF3OHFmOok4AxkDd47Lr5LqOlpEnr1SzA/s1796/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1796" data-original-width="1700" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7_DVWfFZ54wyBExExXCy-zt-4HfPlR2mXwuL0741VqmCK7t0TYeqe1R60cbLzc5OONeDrP-1l7Wzm7HWZGU6y4Ze6MYeT_Q8f4eWmI2dQYiF3OHFmOok4AxkDd47Lr5LqOlpEnr1SzA/w593-h625/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_06.jpg" width="593" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcldHy_KmJU-rtC9hiCXtfnhDBLDFr1FLUimaHxwqiaxB-wIUeySzRVNN0QcyhuVLefHhSLeWvp0M6V7k1rnWMxQU8swkB7e_EicTTEAdzKLZ2hDcEclMc8POcgNFgFBzYDCJNyoVj11w/s1788/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1788" data-original-width="1684" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcldHy_KmJU-rtC9hiCXtfnhDBLDFr1FLUimaHxwqiaxB-wIUeySzRVNN0QcyhuVLefHhSLeWvp0M6V7k1rnWMxQU8swkB7e_EicTTEAdzKLZ2hDcEclMc8POcgNFgFBzYDCJNyoVj11w/w588-h625/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_07.jpg" width="588" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnSD0VZrcHDqzjZxwMEJRoRVH93Kn_Yd6Z9p5jsX7sGm-kz4Sxi3WYslkUy67GqwDukYb-9HobVWvzA5dgU5kW59ovPGDPeS6v6C9hk4Ep-dqp3BkJH44cnvaOfhPGbg5dOJMmsHuJoI/s1836/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="1692" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnSD0VZrcHDqzjZxwMEJRoRVH93Kn_Yd6Z9p5jsX7sGm-kz4Sxi3WYslkUy67GqwDukYb-9HobVWvzA5dgU5kW59ovPGDPeS6v6C9hk4Ep-dqp3BkJH44cnvaOfhPGbg5dOJMmsHuJoI/w576-h625/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_08.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbwOOocHskEnnh8bbJmebodfKxT3UbKZ9cD6z1-PuBOGkF54tZQ4QQZhV5IhMZf0AhPkI-Mv0zlFoGg2fsF-uSmuR3K1fzJkJwxQe6YuciWLFQMJSq0RKnearHclIYcFJVqUXU3lwHEk/s1836/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="1688" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbwOOocHskEnnh8bbJmebodfKxT3UbKZ9cD6z1-PuBOGkF54tZQ4QQZhV5IhMZf0AhPkI-Mv0zlFoGg2fsF-uSmuR3K1fzJkJwxQe6YuciWLFQMJSq0RKnearHclIYcFJVqUXU3lwHEk/w575-h625/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_09.jpg" width="575" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76vX3UrOUd8z28FdEeNiQnCBWvQQ27d49zp6tEVQVMGjf0poF1QZe4Y7l3kM35Xpm0aX4Dv2ABalocr3TdgUZoCLsfO0vhoCJr8xeVdGEfvZ3PDPNkQevGa1tvk_G8fO3QQMYoWmxIJA/s1689/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="1689" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76vX3UrOUd8z28FdEeNiQnCBWvQQ27d49zp6tEVQVMGjf0poF1QZe4Y7l3kM35Xpm0aX4Dv2ABalocr3TdgUZoCLsfO0vhoCJr8xeVdGEfvZ3PDPNkQevGa1tvk_G8fO3QQMYoWmxIJA/w625-h548/20200731+Upper+Mount+Bethel+-+Industrial+Zoning+Ord+Letter_Page_10.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An outline of the LVPC's review:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The proposed amendments are <b>generally inconsistent with the county's comprehensive plan</b></li><li>The plan proposes to <b>remove significant environmental protections</b></li><li>The plan proposes to <b>treat planned industrial parks considerably different than other uses in the same zoning districts</b></li><li>Proposed intensity <b>supports urban level density contrary to the character of the township and fiscally unsustainable in terms of bridge and road maintenance</b></li><li><b>Uses having a major traffic impact should continue to be conditional uses</b> since this process allows for additional measures to mitigate impact to the community</li><li><b>Site design standards should meet the needs of the overall community, not be tailored for a specific developer</b>, in order to prevent a long term increased tax burden to residents and businesses</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>BOS comments reflect a supposed urgency</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you consider the comments of many BOS members, you get the impression that there is an urgency and they must act quickly. Allegedly there is a proposed manufacturing facility that would be one of the first to be proposed, and this is a hot number that will go elsewhere if there is a delay. No details can be provided however, because the manufacturer wishes to be anonymous. On an act of blind faith, BOS members are locked and loaded to gut the zoning ordinance on a promise and a prayer. Consider that the BOS held a hearing on the amendments on August 31, and in the face of strong opposition from residents as well as the scathing LVPC review, tabled the matter until only Wednesday September 9. Supervisor Bermingham stated that the BOS needed time to consider the comments received. NINE DAYS, which includes a holiday weekend? Supervisor Teel stated that he wanted to pursue "deed restrictions" with the developer during this time (!). Which is it, a few days to cool off and "consider" comments, or add some deed restrictions? These supervisors are seeking a means to an end, not acting like a team to get to what is right for UMBT and its citizens. To this observer the BOS intends to come back and do what they didn't have the guts to do on August 31. Apparently real estate "professional" Teel is planning to use deed restrictions as a substitute for the zoning he is championing destroying. You don't use a monkey wrench to do the job of a hinge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Supervisor De Franco bitched that everyone knows how they will vote, so a nine day delay is a waste of time. This is the most honest comment of all, and shows that the BOS as a whole could not give a shit about UMBT's zoning ordinance, SALDO or its citizens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What's the rush, and what problem are we trying to solve?</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An urgent, drastic and poorly designed zoning change - why is this happening? As the LVPC states, such changes should be carefully and properly planned, not this mess designed for and by River Pointe and a disaster for UMBT and its citizens. During the August 31 hearing, former UMBT planning commission chairman Scott Minnick (apparently resigned in the last month) stated correctly that UMBT should hire a professional planner to review such a radical proposal. You don't rush such a change to please a developer - this is grossly incompetent. BOS members are to act in the best interests of their citizens, with the guidance of professionals and within the framework of the Municipalities Planning Code and Second Class Township Code. Not out of self interest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mr. De Franco's Economic Development Committee has the following Mission and Vision:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkxjgKdkE8oEPLrJAGjCm6wnL0r3qRn3as0bLT1bxdnPwOB3_mtsmHqTpkbGwEqY-KnFxwp-6EmL0L3SDnMPefrU5MHjssKwYQpX-BZcXbwRXpjMCSrJKB82AUDDRoPDKWvkyZWpYjWQ/s1528/Econ+Dev+Committee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="1528" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkxjgKdkE8oEPLrJAGjCm6wnL0r3qRn3as0bLT1bxdnPwOB3_mtsmHqTpkbGwEqY-KnFxwp-6EmL0L3SDnMPefrU5MHjssKwYQpX-BZcXbwRXpjMCSrJKB82AUDDRoPDKWvkyZWpYjWQ/w625-h250/Econ+Dev+Committee.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><i>UMBT Economic Development Committee states it will seek <b>"constructive community input"</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>and <b>"intelligent economic growth"</b><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div>Towns and townships always want to increase their tax bases. More money, more money. And community leaders always want to brag about jobs created. Developers often over-promise on the kinds and numbers of jobs, and leaders are happy to let them because it looks good on paper. Too often these promises are not met.<div><br /></div><div>There is no doubt that UMBT would be fostering an "accommodating environment" with this proposal. This is paving the way for River Pointe to have anything it wants. This is not "developing ideas and programs" - this is opening the cash register and saying have you way with our assets.</div><div><br /></div><div>And at what cost is development? The word "responsible" is not notably absent from Mr. DeFranco's committee's statement, so let's focus on "intelligent economic growth". This requires an intelligently designed development plan for UMBT, and Version 10 of the amendments drafted by River Pointe's paid henchmen is anything <i>except</i> an intelligent plan, as Mr. Minnick's comments and those of the LVPC show. These amendments were designed for fast and furious development, as even Supervisor Bermingham has stated. These changes do not "respect the rural beauty of the township" - they seek to violate it.</div><div><br /></div><div>UMBT supervisors have received "constructive community input" from both their citizens (250 showed up on August 31 and gave them an earful, with the exception of a few noted below) as well as the LVPC. BOS members aren't hearing what they want (more on this as well, below), so they are ignoring the constructive comments they have received. At the August 31 hearing, resident Charles Cole pointed out it was a "hearing", but asked if the BOS members are <b>listening </b>- suggesting (correctly) that they may not be.</div><div><br />Now to the real question - is economic development in UMBT needed so badly that UMBT supervisors should corruptly trash their zoning ordinance and SALDO? Are taxes skyrocketing? Are they too high? The answer is "NO" to each question. Let that sink in. The BOS is proposing a reckless course for UMBT and its citizens, to purportedly increase the tax base, just for the sake of doing it. And whatever benefits it brings to those with special interests. Nine times out of ten, development costs a municipality more than it returns, and the vast majority of residents who spoke on August 31 obviously do not view River Pointe as some kind of savior or white knight that will save their town. Quite the opposite. Is anyone listening?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Special Interests</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The corrupted and bastardized process by which UMBT supervisors are operating leads to all kinds of suspicion of what is in it for the few. A leading example is resident Ron Angle. Minutes reflect that Mr. Angle has inquired at several meetings about the status of town's 537 (sewage) plan. At the August 31 hearing, Mr. Angle stated this amendment is a done deal. Mr. Angle owns a piece of property that River Pointe wants - or more accurately may need. It is in aqua on the map, which shows River Pointe's property in red.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5FDh60loFZ2g_w2hWJ_VJCxNaadsNYCldfAeoyDFsAfoPJUvJYJsY0Te4rdlMOy_SLeT7DVX496FP7-VOIEhnVnM2-eWmBQni5s7RO1UKzOpMmwM2BxANMczcna1bGytW_ZaX0C9NmY/s1376/angle+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="1368" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5FDh60loFZ2g_w2hWJ_VJCxNaadsNYCldfAeoyDFsAfoPJUvJYJsY0Te4rdlMOy_SLeT7DVX496FP7-VOIEhnVnM2-eWmBQni5s7RO1UKzOpMmwM2BxANMczcna1bGytW_ZaX0C9NmY/w623-h625/angle+copy.jpg" width="623" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>River Pointe's land in red, Ron Angle in aqua, Cloverleaf Saddle Club in yellow</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Wells have reportedly been drilled on Mr. Angle's property, and it apparently is being considered for wastewater treatment and or disposal associated with River Pointe's development. River Point has made mention of a "drip irrigation system" somewhere near Potomac Street, which happens to just be where an additional piece of River Point-owned land is, next to Mr. Angle's property. Cha ching! It should be mentioned that it is also reported that approximately 40 wells were drilled by mistake on land not owned by River Pointe or Mr. Angle in this area, without the land owner's permission. River Pointe is hot to trot but it may want to consider having its property corners checked.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The property in yellow is owned by Cloverleaf Saddle Club, and longtime Zoning Hearing Board member Jeff Manzi, who is approximately 70 years old and reportedly has no experience with horses, is rumored to have recently joined the club. It is never to old to learn - or maybe get in on a deal. Mr. Manzi is exactly someone you don't want on your town's zoning hearing board. He would be much better placed on Mr. DeFranco's Economic Development Committee - but a member of a ZHB can not be on any other committee by state law. He is the Chairman of the Bangor Area Commercial and Industrial Development Authority, and has stated that his group has been trying to get River Pointe's property developed for years. He was quoted in the Nov 6 Morning Call article as stating <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“It’s (River Pointe) going to be revenue, not only for our township, but the school district. It’s all about the location in my opinion,” More money more money, and let's not look at the consequences.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of Cloverleaf Saddle Club, it is reported that River Point has offered to buy Cloverleaf's land, and in exchange River Pointe would build a world class riding club to replace it on other land. And River Pointe would retain ownership of this new parcel in the event Cloverleaf were ever liquidated. Now that's incredible. Great time to have Mr. Manzi a member, so he can help negotiate the deal.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another Zoning Hearing Board member, Lee McDonald, who is the brother in law of a BOS member, felt the need to show everyone on August 31 that he sees the amendment as a glass half full kind of situation - cherry picking a single aspect of the amendment to argue that hey, it isn't all that bad. If you scratch the surface of Mr. McDonald's argument, you will find that it fails. He stated that under the amendment, 40% of the area can be covered, versus 50% under current zoning. Without developing steep slopes, which the current ordinance more strictly regulates, River Pointe may not be able to get to 40 or 50 percent.</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">This is not to mention the multiple other ways in which the amendment would permit irresponsible development.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Zoning Hearing Board members are to interpret the ordinance, not promote development. Just came in to do a solid for my BIL and the BOS. Uh huh.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">Supervisor Due reportedly was hoping to develop an aquarium in UMBT, around the same time that the now defunct aquarium project in Easton being discussed. He attempted to pursue funding from the county and/or state, but Don Cunningham put his weight behind the Easton proposal. At a public meeting, Supervisor DeFranco reminded Mr. Due about this, and reportedly stated that Mr. Cunningham at the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. has no use for the Slate Belt and "keeps development for himself." </span><span style="background-color: white;">Imagine your elected officials at a public meeting grousing about their private development projects. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Furthermore, Mr. DeFranco reportedly stated that he </span><b>had no interest in what the LVPC's comments were on the River Pointe zoning amendments before they were received</b><span style="background-color: white;">. Where is this covered in the PA Municipalities Planning Code? The BOS must solicit recommendations from the county planning agency, but it is to ignore them. It does not state that. Mr. DeFranco and other BOS members have made this very clear through their actions. Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">Solicitor Karesek deserves mention here. Not because of special interests, but rather the cold hard facts. He is paid $375 per meeting for BOS and planning commission meetings, and in his role as BOS Solicitor he works at the pleasure of the BOS. If the BOS supports something, by necessity Mr. Karesek will be as well. He is working on behalf of the BOS, not UMBT citizens. This is something to keep in mind. At the August 31 hearing, Mr. Karasek spoke at excruciating length on how BOS members meeting with and discussing zoning amendments, as long as it was not a majority of members, was not illegal. One should not conclude that everything the BOS is doing is proper. For example, Mr. Teel's proposal to use deed restrictions to justify a bastardized form of spot zoning for Industrial Parks in the I-2 and I-3 zoning districts. Speaking of special interests, what could Mr. Teel hope to gain, as being only a simple country Realtor?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>What will happen on September 9?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">It is referred to as a special meeting on the UMBT website, to be held at Community Park at 5pm. Doubtless the BOS will hope fewer people show up than on August 31. It is doubtful that anything has transpired of substance since August 31 - the BOS certainly will not have retained a professional planner as Mr. Minnich has wisely advised. The intent is likely to vote this very poorly conceived amendment into law. The inmates are running the asylum.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">You know how Mr. DeFranco feels - who gives a crap what the professionals at the LVPC have to say, and hey Dave, look that Cunningham guy didn't support your pet personal project. Screw this, let's vote this bad boy in and to hell with what anyone thinks.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">Concerned residents should attend, prepared to either make a comment or simply make them vote while you watch. Represent yourself and your community. It is the only way to fight tyranny.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div></div>Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-56562139112217677072020-08-01T22:21:00.003-07:002020-08-03T08:23:35.676-07:00Husband and wife activists post responses to Waste Management Grand Central Sanitary Landfill self aggrandizement in Express Times "Opinion"This past week, the Express Times posted a lengthy opinion credited to a "Guest Columnist" that was authored by Waste Management's public relations employee Adrienne Fors, in which she claims that a proposal to expand Plainfield Township's Solid Waste Zoning District "deserves a second look". It must be nice to have what appears to be free advertising in the newspaper - since letters to the editor are limited to 250 words. Ms. Fors' <a href="https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/2020/07/grand-centrals-landfill-expansion-proposal-deserves-a-closer-look-opinion.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">piece</a> is <b>851 </b>words. Surely Waste Management can afford to take out a whole page advertisement, and the Express Times is just as surely desperate for the income it would have generated.<br />
<br />
This is not the worst part - Ms. Fors' screed contains several falsehoods and misleading statements, in an effort to paint the action that the Board of Supervisors took on July 8 as premature, uninformed and without forethought.<br />
<br />
Husband and wife activists Tom Carlo and Elisa Robles each wrote letters to the editor - staying within the 250 word limit in response to Ms. Fors' screed, published on <a href="https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/2020/07/plainfield-supervisors-acted-properly-in-rejecting-landfill-rezoning-letter.html" target="_blank"><b>July 30</b></a> and <a href="https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/2020/08/its-time-for-waste-management-to-phase-out-grand-central-landfill-letter.html" target="_blank"><b>August 1</b></a> respectively.<br />
<br />
Ms. Robles is apparently not a fan of Ms. Fors' position. She calls Ms. Fors' words "laughable and offensive" and states that the "guest column" is nothing more than a promotion of the company's agenda - all of which would be hard to dispute. Waste Management's agenda is to continue to make millions upon millions in revenue annually from its property in Plainfield Township for decades into the future. Plainfield Township's vision, based on the July 8 Board of Supervisors meeting, is that the township has stored enough of Pennsylvania and the tri-state's solid waste, and that the landfill will have to shut down in 2028 - the year it is expected to reach 980' elevation. It is currently at 968'. Waste Management has proposed three projects in the span of four years that would help it realize its goal - in early 2016, it <a href="http://illegaleldredtwplanduse.blogspot.com/2017/07/grand-central-landfill-in-plainfield.html" target="_blank"><b>proposed </b></a>that the landfill be allowed to dispose of liquid wastes that do not pass a paint filter test. In late 2016, it <b><a href="https://illegaleldredtwplanduse.blogspot.com/2019/09/synagro-and-waste-management-withdraw.html" target="_blank">proposed </a></b>the Synagro sludge drying and pelletizing plant, and in 2020 it <b><a href="https://illegaleldredtwplanduse.blogspot.com/2020/07/plainfield-township-supervisors-reject.html" target="_blank">proposed </a></b>to expand the zoning district so that it can continue to operate until half the people currently living are dead. At the moment, each of these proposals is DOA.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"As a lifelong resident of the area, believe me I care..."</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
Ms. Fors has reportedly stated many times, on tours of the landfill as well as at town meetings that she is a "lifelong resident of the area," and if this were to be believed one might assume that anything she promotes - such as a forever solid waste business in Plainfield Township and bordering Pen Argyl - she would be happy to live near. However, when one scratches the surface, it becomes apparent that Ms. Fors is actually a lifelong resident of western Monroe County, not Northampton County where Pen Argyl, Wind Gap, Plainfield Township and the landfill are located. Ms. Fors grew up as Adrienne Borger in Effort, and attended <a href="https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-xpm-1998-11-19-3224727-story.html" target="_blank"><b>Pleasant Valley schools</b>,</a> <a href="https://www.poconorecord.com/article/20070511/NEWS/70511006" target="_blank"><b>graduating in 2003</b></a>. She now lives in Polk Township. This would be like someone born and having lived in Plainfield Township most of their life, saying they were a lifelong resident of Phillipsburg because they lived in an apartment there for a few years.<br />
<br />
Speaking of misrepresentation, that is the subject of Mr. Carlo's letter. Mr. Carlo argues that Ms. Fors made multiple misrepresentations in her "opinion":<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Plainfield Township Supervisors acted in a manner that prevented or discouraged Waste Management from holding public meetings to promote their proposal, prior to the Board considering it</li>
<li>The Supervisors erred in not forwarding the proposal to the township planning commission</li>
<li>That at the meeting at which the Supervisors held their vote, relatively few residents were in attendance or spoke - resulting in the Board not considering a deep enough body of feedback prior to making its decision</li>
<li>That the Supervisors failed to consider the monetary benefits that the landfill provides to the community</li>
</ul>
<div>
Mr. Carlo linked to both articles and official township minutes in support of his response to Ms. Fors' claims. </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>From the <a href="https://plainfieldtownship.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Board-Meeting-Approved-Minutes-6.10.2020.pdf" target="_blank"><b>June 10 BOS minutes</b></a>: "All Board
members were in favor of discussing the matter at the July 8, 2020 meeting.
<b>Ms. Adrienne Fors added that Waste Management would like the opportunity to meet
with residents about the project, but understands that they may not have the opportunity
to do so at this point. There is a video, as well as other literature on their website that
explains the project and what Waste Management intends to do.</b>" (bottom of pg 10)<br /><br />Waste Management dragged its feet since it first announced and ballyhooed its plans in February, and failed to organize a Zoom or other meeting with the public by the time Supervisors addressed the proposal months later on July 8. The Supervisors are not responsible for this. As Mr. Carlo stated, Ms. Fors voiced no objection to the Supervisors' plan, the creation of which <i>she was present for</i>. How can she now argue that Waste Management was slighted?<br /><br /></li>
<li>Solicitor Backenstoe explained in detail at the July 8 meeting that in his opinion, there is no requirement to forward Waste Management's proposal to the planning commission. If the Supervisors agreed to draft an amendment to the zoning map and/or ordinance, then a draft would have to be reviewed by the planning commission. Since the Supervisors are not agreeing to explore a change, there is no proposed amendment to send for review.<br /><br />Here is the disputed language from the zoning ordinance Sec 27-807:<br /><br />"1. The Township may, on its own motion or by petition, amend, supplement, change, modify, or repeal this Chapter.<br />2. Before voting on the enactment of an amendment, the Board of Supervisors shall hold a public hearing thereon, pursuant to public notice.<br />3. In the case of an amendment other than that prepared by the Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors shall submit each such amendment to the Planning Commission at least 30 days prior to the hearing on such proposed amendment and permit the Commission an opportunity to submit recommendations."<br /><br />Furthermore, Solicitor Backenstoe opined previously that there is no requirement for the Supervisors <i>to even respond</i> to Waste Management's proposal. Note that the second item did not take place either - the July 8 meeting was not a hearing. Again, this section of the Ordinance applies to an amendment which is being proposed by the township. There is a procedure whereby an Applicant can force an amendment they propose to be considered - this ain't it.<br /><br />There is a potential remedy for this difference of legal opinion if Waste Management chooses to pursue it - attempt to appeal the BOS action in the Court of Common Pleas. Not publishing a guest column in the newspaper to bitch about how unfairly you were treated.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div><ul><li>Ms. Fors' complaint that an insufficient amount of feedback was considered by the Board of Supervisors at the July 8 meeting totally ignored the fact that on March 11, 2020, the Board heard <a href="https://plainfieldtownship.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Board-Meeting-Minutes-3-11-2020-Approved.pdf" target="_blank"><b>feedback from several citizens</b></a> at the meeting at which the proposal was formally received by the Board. Not one citizen spoke in favor of the proposal at either the March or July meeting.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Finally, Mr. Carlo points out that the Board of Supervisors during its annual budget process reviews the income from the landfill, and projections of future revenue. In the recent past, the Board has reviewed projections of the impact that the expected 2028 landfill closure will have on real estate taxes. <br /><br />The State of Pennsylvania requires municipalities that have a landfill to fund a Trust Fund, in order to ameliorate the impact of loss of revenue (tipping fees) when a landfill closes. The Board of Supervisors has the discretion, once the landfill closes, to draw down the Trust Fund annually at a rate of its choosing so that there is not a precipitous increase in real estate taxes.</li>
</ul>
<div>
In addition, the supervisors did have a thoughtful discussion of the proposal - on the evening that they voted against further consideration. This was documented in an Express Times <a href="https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/slate-belt/2020/07/grand-central-sanitary-landfill-denied-rezoning-request-for-expansion.html" target="_blank"><b>article</b> </a>as well as<b> </b><a href="https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/slate-belt/2020/07/grand-central-sanitary-landfill-denied-rezoning-request-for-expansion.html" target="_blank"><b>on this blog</b></a>. Long story short - the planning for a solid waste district in 1987 provided for an expansion of the landfill well in excess of its volume at the time - and now the landfill is reaching the capacity of the district. Game over.<br />
<br />
Does the landfill operation throw off shards of cash that are used in multiple ways in the community? Absolutely. Will taxes have to go up? Quite possibly. But landfills have a life span, and they are the number one nuisance use that a community can have. The gravy train has to come to the end of the track one day. Plainfield Township appears to be unwilling to roll out the red carpet to proliferate solid waste uses beyond the area that has already been allotted - and soon to be expended. Ms. Fors promises that Waste Management will be rolling out its plan. Will this be a new plan, will it be the same plan, seeking a "do-over"? Will they go to court to settle a legal dispute instead of griping about it in the local newspaper? Only time will tell. But Ms. Fors' letter was indeed "laughable and offensive" as Ms. Robles described it - penned by someone who is a lifelong resident of an area north of the Blue Mountain - not south.</div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-28973328971589463142020-07-08T17:32:00.001-07:002020-07-11T13:24:25.925-07:00Plainfield Township Supervisors reject Waste Management request to expand solid waste zoning district<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9JHjXRbypksIdlU0ZvrDTdFvCN7cgbcODmp7z7OQm9W3WigiAuTz9eiQRq6MeTeXueixQInIJJUmn9pzptHX_9-mEP0m1E9g5sFbPEp_nH5Hlnl32BhXrE4dadOERNOcTMOXlM4kSvI/s1600/denied.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9JHjXRbypksIdlU0ZvrDTdFvCN7cgbcODmp7z7OQm9W3WigiAuTz9eiQRq6MeTeXueixQInIJJUmn9pzptHX_9-mEP0m1E9g5sFbPEp_nH5Hlnl32BhXrE4dadOERNOcTMOXlM4kSvI/s1600/denied.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
At this evening's Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board voted 3-0-2 to not consider Waste Management's request to expand the Solid Waste Zoning District, so that the Grand Central Sanitary Landfill can be expanded.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the meeting Township Solicitor Backenstoe explained to the Board and the audience - which was about 50 people well spread out in the fire company's pavilion - that in his opinion the Board had a legislative matter before it. If the Board rejected the request, in his opinion this decision is not subject to judicial review. Then he explained that if the Board instead chose to pursue further examination, ultimately a hearing would be scheduled for a Zoning Amendment, and at least 30 days prior the draft would be submitted to the township planning commission. Once the planning commission reviewed it, it would be submitted to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.<br />
<br />
Supervisor Mellert then addressed the audience and Board, and explained that when the Ordinance was amended in 1988 to create the Solid Waste district, many residents were upset with the amount of land that was allotted for Solid Waste. They felt it was far too much. But, as Mrs. Mellert explained and the 1988 zoning amendment and map adoption hearing's stenographic record reflects, the final amount of space and boundaries were chosen to allow Fair Use and expansion by the landfill in the future. And once that was consumed, that would be the end of Solid Waste disposal in the township. Mrs. Mellert then added that the proposed addition of a second solid waste district/landfill, which is essentially what the proposal calls for since a state road would separate them, is far beyond what was envisioned when the land use planning was done, and would exceed what is called for by the Fair Use doctrine. "Fair Share" came into being in zoning law in order to evaluate whether a municipality provides for a suitable range of housing needs, but it applies to all kinds of uses. For a primer on Fair Share in Pennsylvania Zoning, click this <b><a href="http://www.lgc.state.pa.us/getfile.cfm?file=/Reports/deskbook17/Land-Use-03-Exclusionary-Zoning.pdf" target="_blank">link</a></b>.<br />
<div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/450633819/1988-Hearing-to-adopt-amendment-creating-Plainfield-Township-s-Solid-Waste-Zoning-District#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View 1988 Hearing to adopt amendment creating Plainfield Township's Solid Waste Zoning District on Scribd">1988 Hearing to adopt amendment creating Plainfield Township's Solid Waste Zoning District</a> on Scribd</div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.770940170940171" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_56464" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/450633819/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-ZvmhYDKy7x7C9hodEnYL&show_recommendations=true" title="1988 Hearing to adopt amendment creating Plainfield Township's Solid Waste Zoning District" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<br />
Mrs. Mellert made a motion to not entertain Waste Management's proposal. Supervisor Borger seconded the motion, which opened the floor for comments from the audience.<br />
<br />
Numerous citizens made comments at courtesy of the floor, all in opposition to the expansion of the Solid Waste district. Pen Argyl resident Andy Medellin who lives on Pen Argyl Street across from the Green and White ball fields stated that the odor from the landfill is horrendous, the air quality poor and often there is a lot of trash in the trees that remains there for days. He said they often can not use their property outside the home. He added that he has been unable to get any relief by contacting regulatory agencies. Luther Bond reminded the Board that 100 citizens or more have an active lawsuit against the landfill for odors. John Reinhart requested that the Board and other municipalities consider engaging with one or two agencies to do a health study across the Slate Belt to analyze the effects of all the reclamation activities that have taken place in the last 20 years - such as the landfill, tire recycling, filling of quarries, etc.<br />
<br />
Once citizens completed their comments, Supervisor Heard stated that since the township's citizens in 2007 voted to impose an earned income tax on themselves, in order to support open space and farmland preservation, it would be a slap in their face to approve this proposal to convert farmland to a landfill. So he would be voting against consideration of the expansion. Mr. Heard and Mrs. Mellert voted yes, Mrs. Lambert said she was not prepared to vote yes or no because she felt she needed more information, Mr. Hurni abstained due to his connection with Green Knight, and Mr. Borger voted yes. The vote was thus 3-0-2, and the request to consider expansion of the Solid Waste district was denied.<br />
<br />
One citizen asked a question that revealed a difference of opinion between Solicitor Backenstoe and Waste Management counsel. The issue is that if the Board were to deny the request (as it ended up doing), Waste Management believes it may have a right to appeal to a judicial body, because its interpretation of the Ordinance is that the Board must submit all rezoning requests to the Planning Commission. In other words, if the township did not follow procedures prescribed by its Ordinance, the Board's decision could be appealed to the Court of Common Pleas. Mr. Backenstoe's interpretation is that the Board only must submit something to the Planning Commission in the event a hearing is to be held to consider adoption of an amendment. Since there would be no hearing in the event of denying the request, there is no need to submit anything to the planners.<br />
<br />
Mr. Backenstoe explained that other courses of action that Waste Management could take are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Submit an amended or different rezoning request</li>
<li>File a curative amendment</li>
<li>File a substantive validity challenge*</li>
</ul>
<div>
*Per the PA Municipalities Planning Code, a validity challenge may be filed with either the Board of Supervisors or Zoning Hearing Board. If it is filed with the BOS, it must be accompanied by a curative amendment.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfoVF29sFJPnd7uRuW5vENrrYybs7mFaGKvJMbYipw90BbwyEwy5RpZJwwARDp6APfL3hpAhO42M5xP6xqfWHFTOyTn-RueOZvRTrY3FbK8HSFhyphenhyphenpeI2Iym3kAmw6ZcHejbHvFAFlbg4/s1600/think+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="58" data-original-width="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfoVF29sFJPnd7uRuW5vENrrYybs7mFaGKvJMbYipw90BbwyEwy5RpZJwwARDp6APfL3hpAhO42M5xP6xqfWHFTOyTn-RueOZvRTrY3FbK8HSFhyphenhyphenpeI2Iym3kAmw6ZcHejbHvFAFlbg4/s1600/think+green.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><i>Think green - greenbacks</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Only time will tell what Waste Management's next step is. As Andy from Pen Argyl said "this is a huge corporation - they don't care about us, the people that live here." With hundreds of millions of dollars at stake, it is doubtful Waste Management will just walk away and say "it's been real". </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-91437995932371483012020-07-02T23:43:00.000-07:002020-07-09T08:25:59.465-07:00Grand Central Sanitary Landfill caused a home to become uninhabitable, then purchased the property, demolished the home and created Environmental Education Center from the remnantsIn 1962, Robert (Bobby) Perin, Frank Fiorot and Ernest (Ernie) Albanese partnered to purchase land on Teel's Hill, a portion of which included what today is Grand Central Sanitary Landfill.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOFhCuXfYAIdHGCH6A4HU8RyB4PN-GiNei9QBo_45pW0ZrD3AwoSvbkOWzhu2E53HdlNYthHCOIXZu20yhw8a1qCPO83jHA6zToyvPADlf7EuIce0s-PBOieUxHRDJ6Sc07M-HDYS3gg/s1600/teels+hill+1874+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1161" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOFhCuXfYAIdHGCH6A4HU8RyB4PN-GiNei9QBo_45pW0ZrD3AwoSvbkOWzhu2E53HdlNYthHCOIXZu20yhw8a1qCPO83jHA6zToyvPADlf7EuIce0s-PBOieUxHRDJ6Sc07M-HDYS3gg/s320/teels+hill+1874+blog.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Teel's Hill in center of exerpt of 1874 map</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The partners divided the land among themselves. Perin started a small dump on a few acres of land that was on the north side "over the hill" and Fiorot and Albanese targeted residential uses for their parcels on the south side. Fiorot's son Michael built a home on land from his father on Grand Central Road, where he lives to this day with his wife. Ernie and his wife Sairanne built their home also on Grand Central Road, on 16 acres of land adjacent to the Fiorot's lot, and adjacent to land owned by Bobby - the latter the Albaneses would come to regret. Ernie brought son Kim to the marriage, and Sairanne brought daughter Toni.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kwNLaPnFki-aS1ob6nS8LBreNJwMQPN8oewaoamGgEK3gRkGVCR7CqMPwvdpooUYIODWcxfgyTxo-i1fHgqw4jlq8pV3qPNpzPcdFGpPlor7yrFricETV39oCfQuOlOLAtF6thttJ50/s1600/Albanese+Fiorot+1992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1524" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kwNLaPnFki-aS1ob6nS8LBreNJwMQPN8oewaoamGgEK3gRkGVCR7CqMPwvdpooUYIODWcxfgyTxo-i1fHgqw4jlq8pV3qPNpzPcdFGpPlor7yrFricETV39oCfQuOlOLAtF6thttJ50/s320/Albanese+Fiorot+1992.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>1992 aerial shows landfill has encroached on Albanese property</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Current Fiorot property at bottom of view</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8hGn-lAsHAKoeHmXnJPoSQuL9g-B8DS5TojRHFrcW3SkzhftzdZTYd-p-3surZSnNK-SM2mgUCNCAoELh6rZCqUyZGPlxz2WQVAdYvtvKWECJXS_-xjeS86sV3JpFEXt-34ho-kQxYI/s1600/albanese+young+couple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="900" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8hGn-lAsHAKoeHmXnJPoSQuL9g-B8DS5TojRHFrcW3SkzhftzdZTYd-p-3surZSnNK-SM2mgUCNCAoELh6rZCqUyZGPlxz2WQVAdYvtvKWECJXS_-xjeS86sV3JpFEXt-34ho-kQxYI/s320/albanese+young+couple.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Ernie and Sairanne in happy times</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYr1Yq2KNTmRvM25Cp1O1KKMKtlFRw-Jbqckq1KiJrBXvR26A735U8tmWn-hRd7fSFLxyegk9H4W_iQ57B9bMfYcbLZkeLlxrVPtN-5b5mgUnnJJva2a0wn-iraEg1IlPiBaSV-egTOYA/s1600/albanese+kitchen+table+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="900" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYr1Yq2KNTmRvM25Cp1O1KKMKtlFRw-Jbqckq1KiJrBXvR26A735U8tmWn-hRd7fSFLxyegk9H4W_iQ57B9bMfYcbLZkeLlxrVPtN-5b5mgUnnJJva2a0wn-iraEg1IlPiBaSV-egTOYA/s320/albanese+kitchen+table+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Ernie, Sairanne and Kim Albanese in their home on Teel's Hill</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3u6pO9KMIUUCbmKXVOOr38LcbuvuANkKfCPBKm7zg-EO8PXrT0pMp9HiRrLajG9LmYC1LbSIWZrLxGoNXjq0Z-hr1lM35LI9QPXUrt51Fp0Ee_9QVWKqkJrC3uK318HwGhra4k5EPg8U/s1600/albanese+sairanne+withToni+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="900" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3u6pO9KMIUUCbmKXVOOr38LcbuvuANkKfCPBKm7zg-EO8PXrT0pMp9HiRrLajG9LmYC1LbSIWZrLxGoNXjq0Z-hr1lM35LI9QPXUrt51Fp0Ee_9QVWKqkJrC3uK318HwGhra4k5EPg8U/s320/albanese+sairanne+withToni+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Sairanne and Toni</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUIheYdaws4_H_3DiVeMnwcKI7xIDb4vmlgQFQ7Cr8_aWrncQ35xtVOAe76dTvcT-AD1nZK8u4q9962bnJCfOnq2PwMFMnvMVfVSKmE6U4Qz5J_vG9-jBkNi3M1kKD7yNAaDEzPXhqUE/s1600/albanese+with+grandchildren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="900" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUIheYdaws4_H_3DiVeMnwcKI7xIDb4vmlgQFQ7Cr8_aWrncQ35xtVOAe76dTvcT-AD1nZK8u4q9962bnJCfOnq2PwMFMnvMVfVSKmE6U4Qz5J_vG9-jBkNi3M1kKD7yNAaDEzPXhqUE/s320/albanese+with+grandchildren.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>With grandchildren</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Albaneses built a beautiful home, and a matching detached three-car garage. The view from the property was initially 360 degrees for as far as the eye could see, over pastoral Plainfield Township farms from the west through south and to the east, and of the Blue Mountain, Wind Gap and Pen Argyl looking from west clockwise to the east.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylXWhXp6fGQhh_PJfp3jQQQk3JiTFvl4XxZWuIg0I20sO9nGRWXhDz2ncSX3nEO6NbXQzTuAZCwF0ixbALM0zSGv8INRBEvkQLbBTg6RqUmjN6MB3Y5-nnYVNZ6Tr8a5Qn11FA9jCpnU/s1600/Sairanne+at+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="900" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylXWhXp6fGQhh_PJfp3jQQQk3JiTFvl4XxZWuIg0I20sO9nGRWXhDz2ncSX3nEO6NbXQzTuAZCwF0ixbALM0zSGv8INRBEvkQLbBTg6RqUmjN6MB3Y5-nnYVNZ6Tr8a5Qn11FA9jCpnU/s320/Sairanne+at+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Sairanne in front of Albanese home on Teel's Hill - looking less cheerful than in earlier days</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
The small dump of Perin's that started on a few acres in former quarries below the top of Teel's Hill expanded greatly in the 1970's and 1980's, significantly degrading the ability of the Albaneses to enjoy their property. By the time Grand Central (rumored to be named for the heavy volume of traffic to the landfill) wanted to expand in 1987, the Albaneses' lives on Teel's Hill had become a living hell. They attempted to have setbacks enforced, but between the landfill being considered a pre-existing non-conforming use and the passage of PA Act 12 in 1988 (partly to address issues with Grand Central Sanitary Landfill) the Albaneses were prevented from obtaining even the relatively minimal relief they sought. A consequence of state regulations preempting local ordinances is strict setbacks for solid waste uses contained in the 1988 Plainfield Township zoning ordinance passed in 1988 were reduced substantially - to the point where today the landfill can encroach within a stone's throw of the Albanese's former property as well as Pen Argyl Road.<br />
<br />
Sairanne and Ermie explained in detail how their lives on Teel's Hill were destroyed in the transcript of the June 30, 1988 hearing at which Plainfield Township's Solid Waste District was adopted.<br />
<div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/467834905/Sairanne-and-Ernest-Albanese-testimony-at-1988-hearing-to-adopt-Solid-Waste-Zoning-District-in-Plainfield-Township#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Sairanne and Ernest Albanese testimony at 1988 hearing to adopt Solid Waste Zoning District in Plainfield Township on Scribd">Sairanne and Ernest Albanes...</a> on Scribd</div>
<br />
Today, the views from Ernie and Sairanne's former property remains much the same looking counter-clockwise from west to east, but the landfill towers 130' above the site of the homestead a short distance from the common property line - totally blocking views when looking from west clockwise to east.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfsdkWycQNLrgITLqCS0BJm7FrR84z6fuGNqGl64RcpW4RmyNf5XRXl14hnNMYUZp-mbS50q1ohY0UY6IdXCGMhr3ps4wZ2l4pXRYSZNjzAua5JBcJWhvAAKjgFayUISiLtc-GklI2gU/s1600/view+to+eastlow+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="1600" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfsdkWycQNLrgITLqCS0BJm7FrR84z6fuGNqGl64RcpW4RmyNf5XRXl14hnNMYUZp-mbS50q1ohY0UY6IdXCGMhr3ps4wZ2l4pXRYSZNjzAua5JBcJWhvAAKjgFayUISiLtc-GklI2gU/s640/view+to+eastlow+res.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>View in 2020 to east from former Albanese property on Teel's Hill</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmDfuV7p74ZuaaNPmvD4qOvLpoCKCLEsicT0c9N7Uudb6wxA_38D7EZZHZTTq_LYwT6s3Avk8fTU3_01Zu-8XFs1gix-tP1h49CzocDcksXsFM1naY3bgx8I3ZV5FC9CAO3-4rDMG8XA/s1600/looking+north+northwest+lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1600" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmDfuV7p74ZuaaNPmvD4qOvLpoCKCLEsicT0c9N7Uudb6wxA_38D7EZZHZTTq_LYwT6s3Avk8fTU3_01Zu-8XFs1gix-tP1h49CzocDcksXsFM1naY3bgx8I3ZV5FC9CAO3-4rDMG8XA/s400/looking+north+northwest+lowres.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>View looking north northwest in 2020 - landfill outlined</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Former Albanese property line is beyond treeline</i></div>
<br />
Grand Central promotes its Environmental Education Center heavily, but what they fail to mention is that it occupies the Albanese's former property, which the landfill rendered uninhabitable. The Albanese's dreamed of retiring on Teel's Hill, but instead they ended up in a lawsuit with the landfill and ultimately sold their property to the landfill in 1998.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFA1mJ3sSaL1CqXxVN_fe_4d9pB_vNvEwzl1jBJujKSZFBydgDwcmXnO7N-AB-OA06S5eOaaz29VyOu2aIne9NZqJ69irOw0tzTSXT-FGP_JzWmcRZ9kxl2GFrSm14dyfCN8AXsV0VZ8/s1600/Deed+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="900" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFA1mJ3sSaL1CqXxVN_fe_4d9pB_vNvEwzl1jBJujKSZFBydgDwcmXnO7N-AB-OA06S5eOaaz29VyOu2aIne9NZqJ69irOw0tzTSXT-FGP_JzWmcRZ9kxl2GFrSm14dyfCN8AXsV0VZ8/s320/Deed+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Wilson Gum and his wife Doris owned land bordering the east of the Albaneses, and they sold their parcel to the landfill only a few months earlier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODQf0KefLD-gIhFsnpmJ6wn_WLUBsn7D37npz1VzMA6ttXmh7XikZiRAQ2YTfKb88yEoz6O911UecD3aOB6KGVxCFXqo5THnJ9ZWedXbKE3Z-KER8qper_A1iSWQ0LtknVsxQ0jg7gKY/s1600/GCSL+Env+Ed+Center+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="880" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODQf0KefLD-gIhFsnpmJ6wn_WLUBsn7D37npz1VzMA6ttXmh7XikZiRAQ2YTfKb88yEoz6O911UecD3aOB6KGVxCFXqo5THnJ9ZWedXbKE3Z-KER8qper_A1iSWQ0LtknVsxQ0jg7gKY/s640/GCSL+Env+Ed+Center+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Albanese and Gum parcels on 1971 Zoning Map at left, Current map on right</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuGagg-NNUJoJZvgkdmTd30yN5dDmFwrV0tuReLqPNAXIBqsayGsE20oDc1eYP8xUF-ebEniYCKhXS3DEa1Wv28fZ2kdg_UCFDHJDXqWAnBCKj4b6ncQza5pDfGt-lq_AYUu-eo228Y8/s1600/EC+blurb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="740" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuGagg-NNUJoJZvgkdmTd30yN5dDmFwrV0tuReLqPNAXIBqsayGsE20oDc1eYP8xUF-ebEniYCKhXS3DEa1Wv28fZ2kdg_UCFDHJDXqWAnBCKj4b6ncQza5pDfGt-lq_AYUu-eo228Y8/s400/EC+blurb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Think Green</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon3U40hvr7zDQeo3awiC_gkC6zd-exJhfPTyR2zltWcfUvQ3WSh5zAd1FAsh-SakqdRuGt5_8JbJfp2NLiHmcnbV399Vny2KiYA9ChCmrLwph4Cxr0ZcNTfbG7H4C9fjnYgs8Qo2idkw/s1600/albanese+garage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="900" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon3U40hvr7zDQeo3awiC_gkC6zd-exJhfPTyR2zltWcfUvQ3WSh5zAd1FAsh-SakqdRuGt5_8JbJfp2NLiHmcnbV399Vny2KiYA9ChCmrLwph4Cxr0ZcNTfbG7H4C9fjnYgs8Qo2idkw/s320/albanese+garage+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Albanese's former three car garage, converted into Environmental Center</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Note matching masonry in picture of house above</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>House was at the end of the walkway going to the left and also behind garage</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BHhanDJ5dewv9nZEMbMacBFghbDKSq3aBkAZp-yYxWjoDWzxWQrV4Cqxoah-YcGpP_q0hDFMg87x9mWUM-sGcwyPD2QTCXtWTWY1WL4sPeq00PEDTzux1sghgr8KTEfwi5XHP8kVR10/s1600/garage+from+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BHhanDJ5dewv9nZEMbMacBFghbDKSq3aBkAZp-yYxWjoDWzxWQrV4Cqxoah-YcGpP_q0hDFMg87x9mWUM-sGcwyPD2QTCXtWTWY1WL4sPeq00PEDTzux1sghgr8KTEfwi5XHP8kVR10/s320/garage+from+front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Urban renewal in the country</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
Historic aerial photos show that it took only a few years for the landfill to mow down the Albanese's home. To add insult to injury, the landfill did a hatchet job in converting the three car garage to the building today used to entertain visitors to the <strike>Albanese Property</strike> Environmental Education Center. Ernie owned an electrical supply company named Easton Electro Construction, and to this day light standards that he had installed are dotted around the property - abandoned and repurposed to host wasp's nests or birdfeeders.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrku3NvdGHIN6YfYGxJ08_kY2UWyo0ACXC-ToUs0tve9_qD56kiMBpZhFN5y_C361P4LeGxDeSNRyaHVWnGQnXgjb7jlNFUmCpe5RQVe4dIVhPIyGIwnsDAIEx3xe48lcoY4S9bzhShw/s1600/brooks+was+here.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrku3NvdGHIN6YfYGxJ08_kY2UWyo0ACXC-ToUs0tve9_qD56kiMBpZhFN5y_C361P4LeGxDeSNRyaHVWnGQnXgjb7jlNFUmCpe5RQVe4dIVhPIyGIwnsDAIEx3xe48lcoY4S9bzhShw/s320/brooks+was+here.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Brooks Was Here</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZOpuCD_eZyq5AnlO61xZw5frBiOID0TnRgGEat5638AdGisoYeLzC3zXoygZRfeQWULGbXKahceF4Iw4hk-Kyup1hIrv1xygDCbHdOS2vj4ZxxeORJOtmA6a65XlJRLcaIpkYXwqOIc/s1600/2005_2008+comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZOpuCD_eZyq5AnlO61xZw5frBiOID0TnRgGEat5638AdGisoYeLzC3zXoygZRfeQWULGbXKahceF4Iw4hk-Kyup1hIrv1xygDCbHdOS2vj4ZxxeORJOtmA6a65XlJRLcaIpkYXwqOIc/s640/2005_2008+comparison.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Aerials show Albanese homestead was demolished between 2005 and 2008</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgdBOog16ATZ7GNzm1b40E9C8q4PFP32B-qfAILZwRrb85pnSIwVVkC9-PxZnxNzF3SOS3VAVwAjFOP5UMOEkW4Oai8li3hhvUpzH4yyNpFwfogSJLOKsRM_JgO19biF-YlgfxY3K8wA/s1600/house+site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgdBOog16ATZ7GNzm1b40E9C8q4PFP32B-qfAILZwRrb85pnSIwVVkC9-PxZnxNzF3SOS3VAVwAjFOP5UMOEkW4Oai8li3hhvUpzH4yyNpFwfogSJLOKsRM_JgO19biF-YlgfxY3K8wA/s400/house+site.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Albanese house was from where picnic table is and extending to the right behind garage</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>landfill is to the left and not in view</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Note birdfeeder on lamppost Ernie installed near garage</i></div>
<br />
Ernest Albanese, a Purple Heart recipient from his service in World War II, died in 2003 and is buried not far down the road from his former home, in Plainfield Cemetery. There is a nice view to the west from his grave, in the opposite direction of where his family's dreams were shattered on Teel's Hill. Sairanne died in 2019.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabMISH7aPnenoSn-wzn2ibn-Kw59VscwheetTRJeJHUcnQtidsIqy71isX2q2TPA242e-lUSB8-l_L8tNsFbl75Cv0zKzHJce257F84y7WexRJDflx6xtfxzaHcc3cPmAPWO7RDMV18o/s1600/ernies+headstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="900" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabMISH7aPnenoSn-wzn2ibn-Kw59VscwheetTRJeJHUcnQtidsIqy71isX2q2TPA242e-lUSB8-l_L8tNsFbl75Cv0zKzHJce257F84y7WexRJDflx6xtfxzaHcc3cPmAPWO7RDMV18o/s400/ernies+headstone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Ernie Albanese's final resting place</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ernie sold some other land to be used for his brother Leroy's company Wind Gap Electric, but the brothers did not pursue this venture together due to "familial differences", according to a person familiar with the matter. Leroy's son Peter is a member of Green Knight Economic Development Corporation.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-50819712554348109442020-06-15T14:19:00.001-07:002020-06-15T14:28:10.960-07:00Citizens speak out on zoning change that would permit Grand Central Landfill expansion in Plainfield Township - next meeting in JulyAt the March 11, 2020 Plainfield Township Board of Supervisors meeting, several citizens spoke at courtesy of the floor on the proposal by Grand Central Landfill to rezone land currently zoned Farm and Forest to Solid Waste. Rezoning would permit the landfill to expand, since it is currently projected to run out of space in 2028.<br />
<br />
Citizens spoke following a brief address by Grand Central attorney Leonard Zito, in which he referred to the owner of Grand Central, Waste Management, as the "premier waste management company" in the United States. At least one speaker questioned the meaning of this claim, citing windblown trash in trees on lands adjacent to the landfill. Multiple speakers mentioned odors in residential developments at significant distances from the landfill. The BOS will next discuss and take comments on the proposal on July 8, as shown at the right margin. Check back for updates.<br />
<br />
The official minutes of the meeting contain summaries of what each speaker said:<br />
<br />
<div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/465745869/Plainfield-Township-Board-Meeting-Minutes-3-11-2020-Grand-Central-Sanitary-Landfill-expansion#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Plainfield Township Board Meeting Minutes 3-11-2020 Grand Central Sanitary Landfill expansion on Scribd">Plainfield Township Board Meeting Minutes 3-11-2020 Grand Central Sanitary Landfill expansion</a> on Scribd</div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_4592" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/465745869/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-T1TrYyKcJ5YBz5TuBkGE" title="Plainfield Township Board Meeting Minutes 3-11-2020 Grand Central Sanitary Landfill expansion" width="100%"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Written comments were submitted to the township by residents Mark Powell and Don Moore:
<br />
<div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/465747342/Statements-at-GCSL-rezoning-meeting-March-2020#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Statements at GCSL rezoning meeting March 2020 on Scribd">Statements at GCSL rezoning meeting March 2020</a> on Scribd</div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7715996578272027" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_4553" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/465747342/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-y8spik0NEGaZErSDEQzp" title="Statements at GCSL rezoning meeting March 2020" width="100%"></iframe>Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-31686383277397427172020-03-07T09:13:00.003-08:002020-03-10T19:04:54.562-07:00History of creation of Plainfield Township's Solid Waste Zoning District that Waste Management proposes to increase in size for Grand Central Sanitary Landfill expansion<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Landfill is on land subdivided from a tract bought by three partners</b></div>
<br />
In the 1980's, Grand Central was not yet owned by Waste Management. The record shows that the landfill began as a dump in the 1950's, in response to pleas by the mayors of Pen Argyl and Wind Gap that landowner Robert Perin allow trash disposal on his property in Plainfield Township. Mr. Perin had purchased a larger tract that included his land with two partners, Frank Fiorot and Ernest Albanese. Albanese ironically came to rue the day that he partnered with Perin as he built his family homestead on the lands he obtained adjacent to what became a major nuisance on Perin's share of the land - the landfill (see the testimony of Mr. Albanese and his wife for how the landfill destroyed the enjoyment of their property on pp. 117-123 of the transcript below). The landfill started under Robert, and his sons Gary, Ronald and Nolan took over from him. DEP was known as DER in the 1980's, and the state of Pennsylvania was just coming up to speed on regulating landfills. It may well be that some state legislation was put into place as a result of legal battles involving the landfill and its desire to expand greatly in 1986.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Landfill was relatively small when it requested a very large expansion</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
Testimony in the transcript below is that dumping in the landfill in the mid 1980's was permitted in a relatively small area in portions of quarries on lands in the Farm and Forest Zoning District - less than 10 acres - and that Grand Central applied for Special Exception approval to expand the area for the landfill on property it owned to three hundred and fifty three acres. The Zoning Hearing Board approved a size of 80 acres. A legal battle ensued over what size should be allowed.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Proposal for incinerator in addition to expansion of landfill rocks township</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
In the same time period, a garbage incinerator was proposed in Plainfield Township, the ash from which would be disposed of in the landfill. Incinerators produce two kinds of ash - fly ash and bottom ash. Fly ash is considered hazardous waste, bottom ash is not. When they are mixed, the state of PA in the mid 1980's considered the mixture non-hazardous. Got to love the state. Naturally there was a lot of concern over emissions from an incinerator, and the disposal of ash. The township placed a moratorium on new solid waste uses, while it researched whether all must be provided for.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Activist group of concerned citizens S.O.L.E. is born</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
Plainfield Township has had zoning since 1971. Applicants can file a curative amendment if the ordinance can be argued to be exclusionary and as a result might be able to put a use wherever they want. A legal consultant was hired by the township to advise on a course of action to respond the threats of solid waste uses proliferating and legal action by those promoting these kinds of uses. An activist group named S.O.L.E. (Save Our Local Environment) was born, and it and the township were parties in the lawsuits over the landfill and the incinerator. As a result of the moratorium, the incinerator proposal was moved into Bushkill Township, on land that borders Plainfield Township.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Plainfield Township crafts action plan in response to threat of solid waste uses expanding without bounds</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
Amid these battles, the township formed the Solid Waste Study Group in about December of 1986. This group included members of S.O.L.E., township supervisors, citizens and Nolin Perin who represented the landfill. Special council Robert Sugarman and professional planners Urban Research and Development advised and guided the process. The objectives of this group were to research whether the township could legally exclude certain uses, and how the landfill should be provided for, yet in a controlled manner. Their work product was hoped to be used to settle the legal disputes over the allowed size for the landfill, where landfills may be placed in the township (Farm and Forest is by far the largest zoning district by area) as well as whether an incinerator and other solid waste uses must be permitted. The products of the Study Group were a Comprehensive Plan Supplement for Solid Waste, an ordinance amendment that would create a Solid Waste district for solid waste uses, and a Zoning Map change that defined the boundaries of the new district. The Study Group worked for 18 months.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Adoption hearing and push back from landfill representatives</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
The amendment adoption hearing at which extensive testimony was taken from representatives of the landfill, citizens of the township, members of S.O.L.E., special counsel Sugarman and supervisors was held on June 30 of 1988. The testimony reveals that legal experts had a challenge to explain to the citizenry their methodology - that they were threading a needle in order to be able to settle the legal matters, avoid additional litigation, and obtain a result with a satisfactory outcome for the township. Representatives of the landfill threatened that the amendment could not stand legal scrutiny, and Nolan Perin was on the record stating that the township has wasted 18 months and had nothing to show for its effort and legal fees. Naturally, the landfill wanted no local regulations to control it.<br />
<br />
The testimony reveals that many citizens wanted the landfill to not expand at all. Some participants testified that Plainfield Township does not need to be the dumping ground for the entire state of Pennsylvania, and trash was already arriving in significant amounts from out of state as well. The ultimate size of the district was chosen to provide the landfill and other solid waste uses to be located in the township, and to prevent challenges that the district was not large enough. This is known in zoning law as "Fair Share" - and is certain to be a concept of discussion in light of <b><a href="https://illegaleldredtwplanduse.blogspot.com/2020/02/grand-central-sanitary-landfill.html" target="_blank">Waste Management's rezoning request</a></b>. Some testified that the township had already taken in its fair share of garbage and sludge - as of 1988. The legal consultants found that a municipality does not in all cases need to provide for every possible use, and incinerators were made a non-permitted use in the township. The fate of the incinerator proposed in Bushkill Township was that the property line of the the site in question turned out to be 175 feet east of where it was assumed to be, placing the proposed operation in Plainfield Township. This was discovered prior to the adoption of the zoning amendment, which put the kabash on the incinerator since this use was listed as not permitted prior to the expiration of the derided solid waste moratorium the following day.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Afterward - Grand Central wields lawsuits as a weapon, </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>costing Plainfield Township and average citizens $$$</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A Morning Call newspaper <a href="https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-xpm-1992-10-19-2891637-story.html" target="_blank"><b>article from 1992</b></a> itemized a raft of legal action that Grand Central and members of the Perin family took against multiple citizens as well as Plainfield Township during this timeframe. One lawsuit was filed over a $50 DER fine. The lawsuits against individuals and elected officials, alleging slander and libel, appear to have been dismissed. In 1990 and 1991, the township expended over $150,000 and $100,000 respectively in legal fees. Township supervisors may want to take this into consideration when choosing to expand solid waste uses and continue a relationship with the landfill beyond 2028, or to put an end to future potential litigation by refusing a request that they are not obligated to oblige.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZCrcCdSyviop4Yndhfy1l0qkDkjYLAfO7cHCnEcvxvaPHacvk_MiX31o-kKfs2J6Cmvl7iDo8JsFymkRznlSengJLIsb9OW30hucsYZSscxOZfnnEWFghyWGNuHn4p3wK1BQgfI8UDE/s1600/zoning+map+1988+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZCrcCdSyviop4Yndhfy1l0qkDkjYLAfO7cHCnEcvxvaPHacvk_MiX31o-kKfs2J6Cmvl7iDo8JsFymkRznlSengJLIsb9OW30hucsYZSscxOZfnnEWFghyWGNuHn4p3wK1BQgfI8UDE/s400/zoning+map+1988+a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>1988 amended Zoning Map - new Solid Waste (SW) district in silver</i></div>
<br />
The amendment turned out to be well crafted, despite the criticism of detractors and threats of legal challenges. Here is the township's current zoning ordinance for the Solid Waste district created in 1988, in much the same form as when adopted with the exception that setbacks have been significantly reduced:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://ecode360.com/31720486">https://ecode360.com/31720486</a><br />
<br />
Here is the Comprehensive Plan Supplement of 1988:<br />
<div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/450633100/1988-Plainfield-Township-Solid-Waste-Comprehensive-Plan-supplement#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View 1988 Plainfield Township Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan supplement on Scribd">1988 Plainfield Township Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan supplement</a> on Scribd</div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.770940170940171" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_70745" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/450633100/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-IOi4Jm8wmwLV0F5CQuLS&show_recommendations=true" title="1988 Plainfield Township Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan supplement" width="100%"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
The hearing transcript:<br />
<div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/450633819/1988-Hearing-to-adopt-amendment-creating-Plainfield-Township-s-Solid-Waste-Zoning-District#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View 1988 Hearing to adopt amendment creating Plainfield Township's Solid Waste Zoning District on Scribd">1988 Hearing to adopt amendment creating Plainfield Township's Solid Waste Zoning District</a> on Scribd</div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.770940170940171" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_56464" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/450633819/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-ZvmhYDKy7x7C9hodEnYL&show_recommendations=true" title="1988 Hearing to adopt amendment creating Plainfield Township's Solid Waste Zoning District" width="100%"></iframe>
Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-6216939951025867402020-02-20T11:10:00.002-08:002020-03-07T11:33:46.978-08:00Grand Central Sanitary Landfill proposes Zoning Change so it can expand landfill in Plainfield Township - first township meeting March 11Now it is known for certain why Synagro gave up its fight to locate a biosolids plant on Waste Management's Grand Central Sanitary Landfill land in Plainfield Township - Waste Management has another larger development in mind - a landfill expansion - and a protracted battle over Synagro's proposal would have interfered with the process to expand.<br />
<br />
There is no height restriction on a landfill, other than it must remain structurally sound. The problem is, going up vertically means less area is available due to the sloped sides of the landfill. If the landfill wants to expand in a meaningful way, it may seek to expand horizontally, which is what Waste Management plans. The problem is, they have run out of land that is zoned for a landfill. They own land in the Commerical Industrial district, where their truck parking and offices are. Then there is the landfill, in the Solid Waste district, and a small amount of land in the Farm and Forest district adjacent to the landfill. See the map below. An expansion typically is a five-year long process, and the landfill is estimated to be full in 2028, so this rezoning is an urgent matter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0dmcJs5xG1UqlvJI9jth1OuUdnN6cgOwevMjAKFjyg9LyY3Txr2DWchUPxQiQwh1zvG51QEKIQgIqj2IbJtxkXew_Z9cfcwKxIqapOWx0FK5qhom59FEizJUaKJdq4bO2cs-tR-uPn4/s1600/Rez_overlay_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0dmcJs5xG1UqlvJI9jth1OuUdnN6cgOwevMjAKFjyg9LyY3Txr2DWchUPxQiQwh1zvG51QEKIQgIqj2IbJtxkXew_Z9cfcwKxIqapOWx0FK5qhom59FEizJUaKJdq4bO2cs-tR-uPn4/s640/Rez_overlay_a.jpg" width="624" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
A corporate entity named Slate Springs Farm LLC assumed title of several parcels of land owned by Gary and Linda Perin, on the precise date in late 2019 that Synagro's application was withdrawn during a Board of Supervisors meeting. On the map indicated with red boxes are these parcels, and it is within these lands currently zoned Farm and Forest that the expansion is proposed. Note that Pen Argyl Road would be ensconced by the landfill, as well as Evergreen Cemetery. The expansion would be bounded by Pen Argyl, Bocce Club and Delabole Roads. The proposed route is reported to be that trucks will cross Pen Argyl Road presumably at the currently closed gate near the truck scales, and retain the current entrance and exit off of Route 512. Here are the tax parcels under Slate Springs Farm LLC's title:<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 4.8pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 611px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 13.2pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="161"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 1
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="160"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 15
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="bottom" width="150"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 6
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="140"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 8 16
0625</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 13.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="161"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 10
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="160"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 16
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="bottom" width="150"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 7
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="140"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E9 18 1
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 13.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="161"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 10A
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="160"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 16A
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="bottom" width="150"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 8
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="140"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E9 18 1
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 13.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="161"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 11
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="160"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 17
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="bottom" width="150"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 14 1
0625</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="140"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E9 9 1
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 13.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="161"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 12
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="160"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 2
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="bottom" width="150"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 15 2
0625</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="140"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E9 9 3B
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 13.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="161"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 13
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="160"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 3
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="bottom" width="150"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 15 2
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="140"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E9 9 7
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 13.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="161"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 14
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="160"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 4
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="bottom" width="150"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 24 1
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="140"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">F8 9 1A
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 13.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.6pt;" valign="bottom" width="161"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 14A
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 96.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="160"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 13 5
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="bottom" width="150"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.0pt;">E8 8 14
0626</span></li>
</ul>
<br /></td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 13.2pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="140"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
The Express Times reports that Slate Springs Farm LLC has an agreement to sell 325 acres to Grand Central - the parcels shown depicted and listed above. Of this, 211 acres would be rezoned to Solid Waste, which would be the area denoted "REZONING AREA". 81 acres would be used for the expansion of the landfill, and 52 acres for "support activities". The sale is contingent on the rezoning.<br />
<br />
It is reported that this expansion will allow the landfill to operate 20 additional years. If the expansion is granted, will Waste Management invite Synagro to locate in the expanded Solid Waste zoning district, away from the problematic water-filled quarry that caused Synagro's previous application to receive undesired scrutiny?<br />
<br />
In Pennsylvania, zoning variances, zoning officer interpretation challenges and special exceptions are heard by the Zoning Hearing Board. Conditional uses, validity challenges and zoning map change requests are heard by the supervisory body. Last week, the Board of Supervisors appointed special counsel for zoning matters that come before the board. James Preston of Broughal and Devito, a well-seasoned and respected land use attorney who typically represents corporate clients, was selected. Solicitor David Backenstoe represents the Board of Supervisors - who must hear the request in an unbiased manner, while Mr. Preston will represent the interests of the township and its citizens. Those who witnessed the Synagro reviews before the Planning Commission will recognize that Jack Embick was special counsel and took hard-nosed positions, while Mr. Backenstoe was the solicitor for the Planning Commission and acted mostly as a listener and a procedural guide.<br />
<br />
Zoning change requests are reviewed by the Planning Commission, which makes a recommendation to the supervisors. However, a zoning map change request is first heard by the Board of Supervisors, which <i>may</i> send it to the Planning Commission; an alternative is that the BOS may vote to reject the request without forwarding it for a recommendation.<br />
<br />
At the regular Board of Supervisors meeting on March 11, 2020 at 7:00 PM, Waste Management is scheduled to make a brief presentation of the proposed zoning map change.. <b>No official action will be taken by the BOS at this meeting.</b> The township has announced that the meeting will be moved to the Plainfield Township Fire Hall 6480 Sullivan Trail Wind Gap, in order for all interested parties to hear the presentation.Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-33206417874016572082020-02-03T20:30:00.002-08:002020-02-04T19:38:45.098-08:00Synagro announces abandonment of crap bakery proposed on Waste Management landfill property in Plainfield TownshipDing dong, the witch is dead. Synagro announced in a letter addressed to Plainfield Township that it is totally abandoning its plan to locate a biosolids processing facility on Waste Management's Grand Central Landfill property. This facility would have processed 400 tons a day of crap, and the product would have been distributed on farmland in the Lehigh Vallley and north in Monroe, Schuylkill and Carbon counties. Synagro claimed that it was seeking industrial customers to use its product as a fuel, but this was highly unlikely to have happened.<br />
<div>
<br />
The letter from Synagro boasts that its operations are "environmentally friendly," which begs the question of why Synagro refused to submit the Environmental Impact Statement that the township planners and Board of Supervisors requested - the main reason their application was denied after two years and 10 months. There is a major contradiction there.<br />
<div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/445565650/Letter-from-Synagro-to-Plainfield-Township-abandoning-plans-for-its-proposed-biosolids-processing-facility#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Letter from Synagro to Plainfield Township, abandoning plans for its proposed biosolids processing facility on Scribd">Letter from Synagro to Plainfield Township, abandoning plans for its proposed biosolids processing facility...</a> on Scribd</div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_27912" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/445565650/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-jryBf9HU5flcZ1gCw31z&show_recommendations=true" title="Letter from Synagro to Plainfield Township, abandoning plans for its proposed biosolids processing facility" width="100%"></iframe>
</div>
<div>
<br />
A Morning Call article in March of 2017, almost three years ago, was accompanied by a picture of activists and husband and wife Tom Carlo and Elissa Robles-Carlo. The article may be seen by clicking their picture below. Tom and Elissa were instrumental in the fight against Synagro from beginning to end. They circulated door to door multiple times, getting a petition signed and asking residents to attend meetings. Wind Gap was dragging its heals in taking a position on the proposal after other towns had voted to oppose it. Tom visited a Wind Gap council meeting, and pressured council to take a stance. After some uncomfortable shifting in seats, Wind Gap council voted to oppose the proposal. At a Synagro dog and pony show that year, a presumptuous Synagro representative challenged Elissa's commitment to the environment by suggesting that she disposes of her metal waste from jewelry making irresponsibly. Elissa corrected him by pointing out that she collects and recycles the waste, and asked how he knew that she makes jewelry. The representative admitted he had researched her, because she "threatened his ability to make money." Elissa replied that his business threatens her town. This couple doesn't take crap from anyone.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-slate-belt-sludge-conversion-plant-20170328-story.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SIMxor3S4UBPP9jr9CaNu6-1Kig3WFqME6q-sc3vJVo4AqZ1w-c2IWFJ1FJD9nuGSAYGTq46KsgdevbZESbpUZWmD4sYdWjEm4swcqbawtJgQBXbWkJUCFMQ0UGSaB80VcAtzvGtaLg/s320/sayno.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other activists like Tom and Elissa came out meeting after meeting to monitor the progress of Synagro's land development application. Their constant presence reminded anyone who may have not noticed that the community objected unanimously this proposal. Representatives from the Sierra Club, Clean Air Council and Delaware Riverkeeper also kept abreast of developments and monitored the DEP permit applications continuously. Two lawsuits were filed by citizens, rightfully objecting to odors emanating from the landfill. One goal of these lawsuits was evidently to challenge an additional solid waste use on Waste Management property that would negatively impact neighbors.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
The dream of a windfall of money from the golden turd is dead<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eKJlnEDyp7rgdl_9UIET2o2QtfzDVhyphenhyphenf7A1BGEvJAXtkyunreGR9hk-HHjPUXnLr7AWPAJxPR70FB4DPKMnppxjU7e4oiFhlJYbWBW8-UAcfB_j5uNRHDoNUS5WskyEBsxCE0cZRam8/s1600/maltese+falcon+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="400" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eKJlnEDyp7rgdl_9UIET2o2QtfzDVhyphenhyphenf7A1BGEvJAXtkyunreGR9hk-HHjPUXnLr7AWPAJxPR70FB4DPKMnppxjU7e4oiFhlJYbWBW8-UAcfB_j5uNRHDoNUS5WskyEBsxCE0cZRam8/s320/maltese+falcon+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OKmIb3W9o1U" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-78561598699779448042020-01-27T19:35:00.001-08:002020-01-27T19:58:35.443-08:00DEP deadline for Synagro to submit status report on Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center key deficiencies approaches, with zero progressOn September 19, 2019, Synagro <a href="http://illegaleldredtwplanduse.blogspot.com/2019/09/synagro-and-waste-management-withdraw.html" target="_blank">withdrew its Land Development Plan</a> for a crap bakery in Plainfield Township, as the Board of Supervisors considered a motion by its chairman to deny the plan. There were several deficiencies remaining in the plan - two notable ones were the Nuisance Mitigation Control Plan was not complete, and Synagro had not submitted an Environmental Impact Study.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once the application was withdrawn, all work in the project by the township and its consultants ceased since there is no pending application before either the Planning Commission or board of supervisors.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On October 7, 2019, Synagro submitted letters to the DEP, requesting that the various permit applications under review by the DEP be "suspended". The letters further indicated that Synagro had met many of the township's requirements, and that only a few deficiencies remained. Synagro's representative implied in the letters that Synagro would work with the township to resolve the remaining deficiencies, and it requested a <b>year </b>to work things out.</div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/444537008/Synagro-letter-to-DEP-Northeast-Regional-Office-to-Suspend-Slate-Belt-Heat-Recovery-Center-review#from_embed" style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" title="View Synagro letter to DEP Northeast Regional Office to Suspend Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center review on Scribd">Synagro letter to DEP North...</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> on Scribd</span></div>
<div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/444537008/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&show_recommendations=false&access_key=key-9r1EdYApoapQnU6uJBlX" title="Synagro letter to DEP Northeast Regional Office to Suspend Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center review" width="100%"></iframe>
<br />
<div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/444536757/Synagro-letter-to-DEP-Central-to-Suspend-Slate-Belt-Heat-Recovery-Center-review#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Synagro letter to DEP Central to Suspend Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center review on Scribd">Synagro letter to DEP Centr...</a> on Scribd</div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/444536757/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&show_recommendations=false&access_key=key-MNMbdppjuImD20S9AjkZ" title="Synagro letter to DEP Central to Suspend Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center review" width="100%"></iframe>
<a href="http://illegaleldredtwplanduse.blogspot.com/2019/11/rural-homeowners-in-lehigh-northampton.html" target="_blank">As reported</a> on this blog, all mention of the Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center was scrubbed from Synagro's website within only a few weeks of the letters to DEP requesting that their applications be suspended - rather suspicious considering DEP was led to believe the project is still being pursued, and only some i's need to be dotted and t's crossed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The DEP appears unwilling to wait a year. On December 20, 2019, DEP responded to Synagro's request by setting a date of March 31, 2020 for a status update of Synagro's progress in resolving its deficiencies... in a non-existent application before the township. Township Manager Petrucci remarked in October that without a Site Plan or Land Development Plan pending, he did not see how the activities described in Synagro's October 7, 2019 letters could proceed.</div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/444537115/Letter-from-DEP-to-Synagro-setting-deadline-for-status-update-of-permit-application-suspension-requests#from_embed" style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" title="View Letter from DEP to Synagro, setting deadline for status update of permit application suspension requests on Scribd">Letter from DEP to Synagro,...</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> on Scribd</span><br />
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7642069550466497" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/444537115/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&show_recommendations=false&access_key=key-9pnXm3Zf7MlXZPSomrah" title="Letter from DEP to Synagro, setting deadline for status update of permit application suspension requests" width="100%"></iframe>
<br />
As of today's date, the township has not received a new application from Synagro, and has not received any contact regarding Synagro's withdrawn application - including the work on deficiencies suggested would be pursued in the October 7, 2019 letters. The deadline for submissions for the Planning Commission's February meeting was last Friday, so nothing could conceivably be considered by the township until the March 16 meeting - only two weeks prior to the deadline.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A DEP representative stated recently that the March 31 deadline was set so that Synagro's DEP permit applications would not "sit on the books" for an extended period of time. The permit applications are currently in limbo, until the March 31 deadline, at which time it will be determined to suspend them, or reject them. The writing appears to be on the wall... there is no longer a project status page on their website, there is no application pending on which to base a resolution of deficiencies. There will be nothing to report on March 31.</div>
Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-3245705305537939992019-11-03T12:06:00.001-08:002019-11-04T09:52:20.393-08:00Rural homeowners in Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe and Schuylkill counties dodge the biosolids fertilizer bullet, for now. Synagro scrubs website of references to proposed Plainfield Township crap factoryIn the past week, all mention of the ill conceived "Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center" that Synagro proposed to be placed on land leased from Waste Management in Plainfield Township, has been removed from Synagro's website. Previously, the project showed up on the "Locations" map, which shows all the Synagro locations. Here is what the map looks like today:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjp91YSqGSKvK6SmelmN1_4YXo3JW2eAK6myWLSMs-7449XZglG1ZaolFHgz19GbP3jnNJOlRTiZdrxgDhh-J0SjPLxwWj6KZREmBeF3VPeMsYQcfraNMvl_1yjlKzcUnVH2DS287uvrI/s1600/locations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1208" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjp91YSqGSKvK6SmelmN1_4YXo3JW2eAK6myWLSMs-7449XZglG1ZaolFHgz19GbP3jnNJOlRTiZdrxgDhh-J0SjPLxwWj6KZREmBeF3VPeMsYQcfraNMvl_1yjlKzcUnVH2DS287uvrI/s400/locations.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center no longer shown</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>on Synagro's map of shitpiles across America</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The SBHRC was announced in a press release in late November 2016, which was also on Synagro's website. Here is the pertinent section of archived press releases in chronological order today:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JYSirTnjE_YUDL1xdPGVU3bjehF0-NZSnYE-73Uyrf4zFSRRV4RUjQSuNkDTxPjyNzrO7vSWe0o2yBce7Wmhykqybw-KDEVxrXFNo1rIevVPJaCvi02NNDYeMBrZ77hFhWuPWGvtbxk/s1600/press_release.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JYSirTnjE_YUDL1xdPGVU3bjehF0-NZSnYE-73Uyrf4zFSRRV4RUjQSuNkDTxPjyNzrO7vSWe0o2yBce7Wmhykqybw-KDEVxrXFNo1rIevVPJaCvi02NNDYeMBrZ77hFhWuPWGvtbxk/s400/press_release.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The "Big News" that Synagro was opening a plant in Plainfield Township used to</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>be between the top two entries in this list</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Prior to last week, there was a page devoted to all the shitty details about this project. This page is now absent. Prior to its removal, it looked like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUpKls9gccsuijdaMt6b6jZzPblEYzyNZXya3zKsCdPvAfDRoaABU85D-kK6ufn9R5O8DfnNuruYrPWIqk4TI1tVdmbg1pumETOGwP9vOsJk-5hUuWTYQ_EqrbtQz5k6wEZ5m_68_peE/s1600/project_page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1600" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUpKls9gccsuijdaMt6b6jZzPblEYzyNZXya3zKsCdPvAfDRoaABU85D-kK6ufn9R5O8DfnNuruYrPWIqk4TI1tVdmbg1pumETOGwP9vOsJk-5hUuWTYQ_EqrbtQz5k6wEZ5m_68_peE/s400/project_page.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Synagro hype referred to Green Knights</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>as an "economic development" organization</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Synagro makes it appear like this is wonderful for the community, and that an economic development organization is partnering with them. In reality, Green Knights is just a part of Waste Management. It was first revealed by Green Knights president Carlton Snyder that "contractual obligations" were factored into Green Knight agreeing to sell its waste energy to Synagro. In other words, they did no have a choice. It was later revealed that Green Knight would not even be selling "its" waste heat to Synagro, but rather Waste Management would, in what Synagro project manager Jim Hecht called a "complicated" arrangement. Green Knights buys its landfill gas from Waste Management to burn to create electricity, but Waste Management "owns" the waste heat that is a byproduct of burning the gas. Sweet! Waste Management would have tossed "up to a maximum of $100,000" to Green Knights annually, and raked in potentially a few million a year from the waste heat going up Green Knights' stacks. Synagro would also have raked in millions, and supported 12 to 16 low quality jobs shoving shit around a building. "Economic development" this was not.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another revelation during review of this proposal was that although Synagro advertised that its product may be used as a fertilizer or a fuel, it would likely never be used as a fuel. Biosolids expert Trudy Johnston, a member of the Mid Atlantic Biosolids Association, hired by both Pen Argyl and Plainfield Township, stated that in her opinion biosolids will never be used as a fuel in the state of Pennsylvania. There is only one plant in the entire US that burns biosolids as a fuel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What this means is that Synagro's product, these unwanted crap pellets, would have ended up on a farm near you. 100 tons a day, distributed all over the Lehigh Valley and across the mountain in Monroe and Schuylkill counties. Synagro makes its money on the front end, to haul the crap (no pun intended) away from sewage treatment plants. If they could dump it somewhere, they would be rolling in it. They have to pay to dry it first, to convert it from Class B to Class A, which does little to nothing to reduce or eliminate the toxins in it. It was learned in November 2018 that 352 known pollutants are in biosolids, 60 that are hazardous, with no known metrics for how much of any of these pollutants is too much. This stuff contains PFAS and PFOS, and the state of Pennsylvania and others are struggling currently with how to regulate these.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Is Synagro really not planning to pursue this project? Why would they give up? We'll take a look at that in the next post, and we will compare the arc of Synagro's proposal in Plainfield Township to that of Nestle Waters' failed attempt to take hundreds of thousands of gallons a water a day out of Eldred Township - the project that launched this blog. There are multiple similarities. For now, people across the Slate Belt as well as neighbors to the west and north can breathe a tentative sign of relief. Nestle moved on to Centre County, where they were quickly ejected by the community. What will Synagro do next?</div>
Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-15054338546880842502019-09-19T23:00:00.001-07:002019-09-22T08:37:37.897-07:00Synagro and Waste Management withdraw Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center land development plan after board motion is made to deny itAt last night's Board of Supervisors meeting, Synagro's program manager Jim Hecht, Counsel Mike Brennan and Counsel Elizabeth Witmer spent a half hour mealy mouthing the supervisors, as they attempted to explain why they should be granted an 18-month extension and the board should take no further action on this evening.<br />
<br />
Let's rewind - on September 9, Synagro refused to allow an extension of the deadline that was September 30, 2019, so the planning commission had to vote on a recommendation to the board. They voted 4-0 to recommend rejection of the plan. Synagro was asked by the planners to grant a 90-day extension, but Synagri claimed they could not do this without consulting Synagro management.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, September 17, Synagro reportedly contacted Plainfield Township, and offered an 18-month extension of the plan.<br />
<br />
Solicitor Backenstoe explained that the board had only two options at Thursday's meeting, to accept Synagro's extension/negotiate a shorter version (eg 6 months, etc), or deny the plan. Accepting the plan with conditions was not possible because the planning commission and Synagro had not reached mutually acceptable conditions.<br />
<br />
Then Synagro started its song and dance, claiming that it was blindsided by the planning commission on September 9 when it required at least a 90 day extension in order to work on major deficiencies. Jim Hecht claimed he did not have authorization to make longer than a 60-day extension. Mr. Hecht suggested that board Chairman Heard poll the township's experts to see how many line items had been resolved over the course of the reviews, suggesting that if it was a high number that Synagro should be granted additional time to address remaining items. Mr. Heard did not fall for this trick, and we'll see where this ends up below.<br />
<br />
In typical Jim Hecht self-contradictory form, he stated that he felt Synagro could resolve remaining issues in 1 month (there is no way in hell this could be done), but was requesting 18 months. Yeah - this makes sense. All that could happen in one month is a slim chance that DEP will issue a permit that Synagro and Waste Management could weaponize against the township. DEP hasn't issued a response to the public comments made at the November 2018 hearing, but it does feel like they may be on the brink of something.<br />
<br />
Chairman Heard asked Mr. Hecht point blank "will you agree to do an environmental impact statement?" which he never got an answer to, again in typical Jim Hecht form. The best he received was a mealy-mouthed "Well, that is something we are willing to look at." Not "Yes, that is why we need 18 months," but rather "we're willing to take a look and we think we can be ready in a month..." An EIS would take several months.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVqOrj0ZM-Fath_UOgbl2dAjKZJlY1bTBkRCgQO4Pm08WA7D_m0JepRc7HF4fY8YkeNXffuhA12IFu6vBEo95mTJKhUkTM-292Wcneev33O_J_36_CWD3RGM_Jv1jc0eVvSBaK1J9e28/s1600/my+way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="800" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVqOrj0ZM-Fath_UOgbl2dAjKZJlY1bTBkRCgQO4Pm08WA7D_m0JepRc7HF4fY8YkeNXffuhA12IFu6vBEo95mTJKhUkTM-292Wcneev33O_J_36_CWD3RGM_Jv1jc0eVvSBaK1J9e28/s320/my+way.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Synagro made its bed by ignoring the most significant deficiencies in its application</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>It caught up to them on September 19</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
After speaking in circles with Mr. Hecht, Counsel Brennan took over, mealy mouthing his way through an argument that Synagro has worked with the planning commission, blah blah blah, and we thought we had addressed the major outstanding issues (two variances, a SALDO issue, and lack of an EIS). "We submitted an Environmental Package and a Hydrogeological Package." It is true that Synagro submitted collections of pages with those titles, but they did not contain an EIS or a hydrogeological study. This was just more scraped from the walls of a crock of shit.<br />
<br />
At this point, Robert Lynn, engineer for the township requested the microphone, and addressed Mr. Hecht's line item survey challenge. Mr. Lynn pointed out that while several individual line items have been addressed, many remain in addition to the ones that Synagro has not addressed (the EIS, variances, and SALDO). Mr. Lynn pointed out that of the sticking points, there has been little progress for months.<br />
<br />
Chairman Heard questioned Synagro about why it had not gone to the Zoning Hearing Board for variances. The mealy mouthed reply he received was that Synagro wanted to resolve its violations (which it has steadfastly denied exist) through design changes. This is just nonsense. If Synagro has picked up the phone and asked the Zoning Officer, he would have told them at each step that they have resolved either variance. Mr. Heard stated that in 12 years he has never seen an applicant not go and get variances. This resulted in Mr. Hecht mumbling that he was just now realizing that Synagro might have to go the Zoning Hearing Board. He didn't state that they <i>would </i>(they could/should have submitted an application in the intervening time since September 9, if they were acting in good faith - which they are not). Mr. Heard added that while this is a permitted use, he sees this proposal as very negative for development the Slate Belt - people want Starbucks, not sludge plants and trucks hauling odorus waste through town.<br />
<br />
Counsel Witmer said something at some point that was of no consequence. It was not as daft as usual for her, but there is a saying about fool me once, fool me twice. It is doubtful many listened to what she said. Basically she held to the "we don't believe these variances or EIS are required, but hey we tried to work things out (our way, not yours)" storyline.<br />
<br />
At this point, board member Jane Mellert spoke. She stated that she had been to all the review meetings. She itemized that there had been nine 30-day extensions and two 60-day extensions since the reviews began. Now Synagro is here suddenly asking for an 18-month extension, and you never went for your variances. (Mr. Heard also made these points). You came into the September 9 planning meeting unprepared to agree to a reasonable extension to address major issues - why is that? It was obvious where the vote was headed after Mr. Heard and Ms. Mellert had spoken.<br />
<br />
Mr. Heard again spoke, and made clear that an EIS would help the township assess the impacts the project will have on the community, including neighbors. The landfill has been an issue, and now you are going to add another potentially problematic business on the same site - this merits a study.<br />
<br />
Mr. Heard made a motion to reject the application. Before there was a second, Mr. Brennan's hand shot up and he yelled out "can we have a 5-minute break?" The audience groaned, there was some confusion, and eventually Solicitor Backenstoe explained that the either the board should follow through with a second and then discussion and possibly take a break, or Mr. Heard retract his motion and a break be taken per Synagro's request. Mr. Heard retracted his motion as a courtesy, and Synagro and Waste Management huddled in conversation. At the end of the break, it was announced that Synagro and Waste Management were withdrawing their application. Note that the Applicant technically is Grand Central (Waste Management) and the Operator is Synagro. Also note that if Mr. Heard had not retracted his motion, after it was seconded - which it likely would have been by Ms. Mellert - the application could have been withdrawn then, prior to a vote.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dJvdvXiHwUoCU44aLMbAwObqCSmoUjdVx88RVod786RiKlaN4_AYBURHi2SNdDh6-vBmF9ZOLyhLpm0NWrNWn9Zsc9HUehCzTPDc1_gWTrF0Me4esmwJNOIVTFUiFlIpzFNubopWm5s/s1600/interruptus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dJvdvXiHwUoCU44aLMbAwObqCSmoUjdVx88RVod786RiKlaN4_AYBURHi2SNdDh6-vBmF9ZOLyhLpm0NWrNWn9Zsc9HUehCzTPDc1_gWTrF0Me4esmwJNOIVTFUiFlIpzFNubopWm5s/s1600/interruptus.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Pardon the interruption</i></div>
<br />
This caught many by surprise, but the lawyers in the room suspected it. For the township, it will save the expense of defending an appeal in court - pocket change for the Applicant but several tens of thousands of dollars potentially for the township. While a rejection could be appealed, withdrawing avoids the bad press of a rejection. Let's face it, Synagro doesn't need any more bad press. As Mr. Backenstoe pointed out, Synagro and Waste Management could turn around and file a new application tomorrow, starting the entire process over again. Mr. Hecht was seen looking annoyed as he shoved some items into his carrying bag - but he had no one to be upset with except himself.<br />
<br />
It is unknown what will happen to the four DEP permit applications. It is hard to understand how they can work on permits for a project that does not exist, but this is the DEP and they appear to "want" this kind of project.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Courtesy of the floor</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tracy Carluccio pointed out that Synagro is gaming the system, by pulling its application and being able to file another one. It is causing the township a great expense. She said the Riverkeeper Network will remain committed to protecting groundwater and the high quality creeks that the basin feeds with the groundwater. If this proposal comes back, the RiverKeeper Network will be too.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Howard Klein pointed out that Synagro was not able to get a simple additional 30-day time extension on September 9 supposedly because they could not contact management, but on this evening within 5 minutes they received approval to withdrawal their application. Mr. Klein stated that the board must be sure that the township is in attendance at all DEP meetings, and he had heard that they were excluded from an important one on May 23, 2019. The Municipalities Planning Code must be changed so companies with very deep pockets like Synagro and Waste Management can't bleed towns dry of cash by dragging out applications; if Synagro/Waste Management want to file a new application, they should reimburse the township for the $200,000 it spent defending itself against this plan.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Don Moore pointed out the details of what happened on May 23, and displayed two agendas for back to back meetings that Tom Pullar of Synagro's engineer EarthRes had crafted with Roger Bellas of the DEP, that excluded the township from a discussion of deficiencies of sedimentation basin #2. Mr. Pullar had previously told the township that they would be participating in this meeting. Mr. Pullar stared at the floor as Mr. Moore pointed out the deception that had taken place. Mr. Moore also stated that this project is not economic development - real economic development would be for Waste Management to return the township's trail when the landfill closes, which would allow the township trail to travel through Grand Central Woods and connect with Wind Gap and Pen Argyl. Trails - especially through trails - are known to increase adjacent property values.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Elisa Robles presented the board with a petition signed by over 1000 citizens, objecting to the project.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tom Carlo pointed out that this project was said to be all Green Knights and Synagro when it began, and no questions could be asked of Waste Management. It has become clear that Waste Management is the Applicant and more questions should be asked of Waste Management if this project returns. Sludge is not safe for application to land - it contains 350+ known pollutants, 60+ hazardous.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sheri Acevedo of Northampton County Parks encouraged the township to be vigilant and uphold its ordinances, including requiring an EIS for a project with such potential impacts. The township also must not let applicants file new materials a few days before meetings - if there is a 21-day rule it must be enforced uniformly.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rachel Rosenfeld of the Sierra Club congratulated the township on the recent passage of its Appalachian Trail Ordinance, which implements various protections of the Appalachian Trail corridor and throughout the township. Ms. Rosenfeld stated that the Sierra Club seeks to assist communities in protecting its citizens from degraded natural resources, especially high quality waters - as are present at the proposed Synagro site.<br />
<br />
David Flyte reminded everyone that Synagro/Waste Management owes at least $21,000 in land development review fees.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Several speakers thanked the planning commission members for the outstanding effort they put into reviewing Synagro's application, over the course of 2 years and 10 months in total.<br />
<br />
Synagro and Waste Management will be back with another try at this - they are way too greedy to let this opportunity go, no matter how insane their proposal is.</div>
Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-15936219965782688742019-09-17T09:55:00.000-07:002019-09-17T15:55:02.821-07:00Resident calls out DEP for irregularities in Synagro biosolids bakery permit review process for Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center in Plainfield Township<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnNQ-SL8V2iWIWnwguRaWxO2HgHcB6WoaPYuk8BULvkNsMioiGH1CjPLsdTojLlJbgxNcJ9mUgn3nVV-t7dnQMzAJf6KZjpe7_8OjGOF29dq0dtsnHnmHtBRzY-gXqYmtDF6Rpi5VxZE/s1600/justice+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="157" data-original-width="321" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnNQ-SL8V2iWIWnwguRaWxO2HgHcB6WoaPYuk8BULvkNsMioiGH1CjPLsdTojLlJbgxNcJ9mUgn3nVV-t7dnQMzAJf6KZjpe7_8OjGOF29dq0dtsnHnmHtBRzY-gXqYmtDF6Rpi5VxZE/s400/justice+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
The meaning of the phrase "the fix is in" is pretty widely known. It implies that the process has been corrupted such that the outcome will not biased away from the criteria that should be evaluated. The outcome may be consistent with an unbiased evaluation, or more commonly it will be the opposite, and shock the conscience.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the case of this biosolids plant, which will process 400 tons of crap a day, to be distributed to a farm next to you as fertilizer, some may say "This biosolids plant will be approved. These are big companies, they will get what they want." It is true that big companies have big money, and have lobbyists working overtime attempting to curry favor with politicians. But lacking a change in law, weakening even further Pennsylvanians' ability to enjoy a healthy environment, at the end of the day the courts must uphold the law. The passionate observer must stand up for him or herself, and get involved in the fight. That is what this blog is all about - justice for citizens. Active participants and voices in the fight against this proposed plant are the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Clean Air Council and the Sierra Club.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Several warning signs have appeared in the case of this crap factory that indicate the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection may be biased in favor of approving it. The letter below, written by a citizen, identifies these warning signs to Joe Buczynski, the Assistant Director of the Northeast Regional Office in Wilkes-Barre. This office is reviewing three of Synagro's permint applications, the fourth is being reviewed in Harrisburg since it is a general permit that will allow plants like this to be spread across the state, and to sell their product as a fuel.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are the warning signs the letter writer cites:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>DEP is intentionally not putting in writing decisions it has made</li>
<li>DEP is intentionally not putting in writing a record of negotiating a lengthy list of deficiencies</li>
<li>DEP participated in excluding Plainfield Township and Pen Argyl from attending a critical meeting they were told they could participate in to discuss <a href="https://illegaleldredtwplanduse.blogspot.com/2019/04/pa-dep-issues-scathing-deficiency.html" target="_blank">significant deficiencies</a> of Sedimentation Basin #2, a pond located next to the proposed plant</li>
<li>DEP is acting consistent with a bias towards spreading similar plants across the state, leaving the protection of the water and air in <i>this </i>community and on <i>this </i>site is a lower priority</li>
<li>DEP is acting like Synagro in placing a priority on the goal, without regard for how it reaches that goal</li>
<li>DEP and Synagro have made statements that seem to indicate DEP has already decided to issue permits once local approval is granted, and Synagro has stated an intent to use a DEP permit to pre-empt local ordinances</li>
</ul>
<div>
The letter writer also expresses a fear that DEP may be participating in or accommodating "state pressure" to approve this project - outside pressure - which may have resulted in one or more of the behaviors in this list. You have the power to fight back against such biases, but it takes your participation - which you are guaranteed as a right as a citizen. Asses in the seats send a message as much as those who speak.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Plainfield Township Board of Supervisors will meet to vote on this proposal on Thursday, September 19, at the Fire Hall Banquet facility on Sullivan Trail, beginning at 7pm. The planning commission voted unanimously to recommend rejection by the Board. If you care about your property and health, or that of your neighbors, northeastern PA citizens and future generations, you are encouraged to attend and participate either as an observer, or speaker at courtesy of the floor. Speakers will have 5 minutes to make their voice heard.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/426270238/Letter-to-DEP-regarding-irregularities-in-review-process-of-Synagro-s-proposed-biosolids-plant-in-Plainfield-Township#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Letter to DEP regarding irregularities in review process of Synagro's proposed biosolids plant in Plainfield Township on Scribd">Letter to DEP regarding irr...</a> on Scribd</div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7733905579399142" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/426270238/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&show_recommendations=false&access_key=key-hNMWlMFIWqMMOZke4NTy" title="Letter to DEP regarding irregularities in review process of Synagro's proposed biosolids plant in Plainfield Township" width="100%"></iframe>
<br />
<div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
The first six people on the sign-in sheet at 11:00AM are officials and consultants for Plainfield Township and Pen Argyl, who were let in the room at 11:20AM. Most all of people who attended beginning at 10:00AM then signed again - an odd exercise.</div>
<div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/426285389/DEP-Sign-in-Sheet-for-Slate-Belt-Heat-Recovery-Center-Meetings-on-May-23-2019#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View DEP Sign in Sheet for Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center Meetings on May 23, 2019 on Scribd">DEP Sign in Sheet for Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center Meetings on May 23, 2019</a> on Scribd</div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_55133" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/426285389/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-l8k8T6N3HxrsOEu10Uod&show_recommendations=true" title="DEP Sign in Sheet for Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center Meetings on May 23, 2019" width="100%"></iframe>Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041871151441892268.post-23590675354751459982019-09-10T20:52:00.002-07:002019-09-11T12:21:45.576-07:00Signs that Waste Management controls the waste energy of non-profit Green Knights Economic Development Corporation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2loWH-9Aq2jwcLcJGzCcfembS8Edo6SGjpn5JNp0d0w9QRTz3WrpVIhIj7s1JKwhRuVy8z0dWYvLYQt-FpL6HLjlYz3YpKOr1vZdEYSYp5v__hcw4eb24irxkAPcUWS1KY1_oUOZZBhc/s1600/stacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="94" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2loWH-9Aq2jwcLcJGzCcfembS8Edo6SGjpn5JNp0d0w9QRTz3WrpVIhIj7s1JKwhRuVy8z0dWYvLYQt-FpL6HLjlYz3YpKOr1vZdEYSYp5v__hcw4eb24irxkAPcUWS1KY1_oUOZZBhc/s320/stacks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Who owns the waste heat going up Green Knights' stacks?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
On April 5, 2017, a <b><a href="https://illegaleldredtwplanduse.blogspot.com/2017/04/synagro-announces-it-plans-to-operate.html" target="_blank">dog and pony show</a></b> was held at the Plainfield Township Fire Company Banquet Hall, and representatives of Synagro took questions from the audience. However, neither Waste Management nor Green Knight were on the panel that answered questions.<br />
<br />
After the meeting, Green Knights President Carlton Snyder informally addressed some questions by audience members. He stated:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>This was not our idea - we were approached by either Synagro or Waste Management</li>
<li>We looked at three criteria in choosing this project, one of which was contractual obligations</li>
</ul>
<div>
Synagro was asked how they got involved, and they stated that they were approached by Waste Management. Together with Mr. Snyder's statement, the project was envisioned by Waste Management, who likely discussed it with DEP, and then approached Synagro. Green Knights was brought in at the end. It is logical that if it was Waste Management's idea, the potential of making insignificant income was present.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In 2018, it was learned from Green Knights' treasurer Peter Albanese that Green Knights will receive up to $100,000 a year by selling the waste heat used by Synagro. The assumption that Green Knight is selling its waste energy to Synagro appears to be false; Synagro's project manager Jim Hecht has stated that Green Knights has "an arrangement with Waste Management" for remuneration for its waste heat (July 2019).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On August 9, Mr. Hecht was asked whom Synagro is paying for its waste heat, and he stuttered "It's c... complicated," implying that Waste Management is involved.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Why would this be? Green Knights is a non-profit and should be an independent organization. It converts the landfill gas it receives to electricity and in the process waste heat is generated and sent up the stacks of its generators.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We found <b><a href="https://illegaleldredtwplanduse.blogspot.com/2018/11/waste-management-stands-to-earn.html" target="_blank">earlier</a></b> that Waste Management and Synagro could both earn millions of dollars a year off of this project, while Green Knights sucks out $100,000 maximum of exhaust fumes. This analysis assumed that Waste Management would makes its income from a lease fee for its property - it could charge virtually any price it chooses. The assumption this is Waste Managements' only source of income from Synagro appears to be incorrect.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is a very simple matter to estimate what the worth of Green Knights' waste heat is to Synagro, to replace the heat from burning natural gas. Krüger is a manufacturer of a belt dryer for biosolids, which performs the same function as the one Synagro proposes. Krüger has published a chart that shows the energy needed to reduce biosolids of various water content to 90% dry - the same as proposed. This analysis is at the link above, and repeated here:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hlDE5KCz4B9axTmjUz2ljgQXeN0gz8qV7ACvxBipRkaWu6VeszVpfM1G1EIuQRh0EeWqH__sIhuU4va3Mbgdi80qwn0TpS9M9YT_7rpCr9U3DLldrtR6XrjIEav8og2snpUfqvex1OA/s1600/Cost+of+drying+9523_8+pounds+21percent+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1132" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hlDE5KCz4B9axTmjUz2ljgQXeN0gz8qV7ACvxBipRkaWu6VeszVpfM1G1EIuQRh0EeWqH__sIhuU4va3Mbgdi80qwn0TpS9M9YT_7rpCr9U3DLldrtR6XrjIEav8og2snpUfqvex1OA/s640/Cost+of+drying+9523_8+pounds+21percent+cake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
Synagro has stated that the water content of its biosolids is 21% - the highlighted row. Looking at that row, 9523.6 pounds of wet biosolids requires 11003492 BTU of energy. There are 1000 BTU per cu ft of natural gas, so it will take 11003.5 cu ft to dry 9523.8 pounds of "cake"- Synagro's class B raw product. This is 4.76 tons of product.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In August 2018, natural gas in PA was an average of $9.38 per thousand cu ft, so the cost to dry this amount of product is $9.38 * 11003.5/1000 = $103.21. To obtain the cost per ton to dry wet cake, we calculate $103.21/4.76 = $21.67.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Synagro will process 400 tons a day maximum, and using 100% natural gas we obtain 400 * 21.67 = $8670 per day as the cost of fuel. Per year, this is $3,164,422.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Synagro has stated that Green Knights can not provide more than 84% of its energy needs (showing the project isn't as green as suggested), and that they plan to run on 84% waste energy and 16% natural gas. The 84% of heat energy that is supplied by Green Knight is equivalent to 0.84 * 3,164,422, or $2,658,114 worth of natural gas per per year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This must be where Waste Management sticks its greedy hand in the pot and makes a heck of a lot of money. Green Knight is receiving $100,000 per year, saving Synagro $2,558.114. Mr. Hecht has implied that Green Knight will receive its $100,000 from Waste Management, not Synagro. This begs the question, <i>how much per year will Waste Management receive from Synagro, for Green Knights' waste heat</i>? It would obviously be far better for the community, and more like the "economic development" touted, if Green Knight were receiving say, 50 cents on the dollar, or roughly $1.6 million per year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another question is, is there some "contractual obligation" of Green Knights in Mr. Snyder's words, in which they don't control or have ownership of their own waste heat? It certainly seems like they have little or no independence from Waste Management.</div>
Connolly Victimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12801984119434182337noreply@blogger.com0