Update on GR3 Application –

At a meeting before the New Hanover Township Zoning Hearing Board on September 3, 2009, the Board announced their decision to “dismiss” Gibraltar Rock’s third application (GR3) to quarry on 50+ acres of “residential” property and also approx. 8 acres on west Colflesh Road.  Gibraltar Rock is appealing that decision to the Court of Common Pleas.

Ban-the-Quarry’s attorney, Thomas Keenan, filed a “petition to intervene” in this appeal on behalf of five township residents and the Paradise Watchdogs/Ban the Quarry.

Stephen Harris, attorney for Gibraltar Rock, Inc, has accepted the intervention of two residents on Church Road, one on Colflesh Road, and a family living on Hoffmansville Road.  He has rejected approving party status for one Colflesh Road resident and has not accepted the Paradise Watchdogs as a party to the application and appeal.   An order permitting the intervention of the four parties noted above has been approved by Judge Kent H. Albright of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County.

In addition, Judge William R. Carpenter of the Court of Common Pleas has issued an order permitting intervention in this appeal by Louis P. Farrell who is represented by Lawrence Sager, Esq.   Attorney Michael Gavin of West Chester, PA, has filed a petition to intervene on behalf of the Mincklers on Hoffmansville Road.  No date has been set for the hearing.

As you can see, our legal counsel has led the way in opposing Gibraltar Rock’s desire to consume more acreage outside the industrial district, potentially locating a quarry pit 30 feet from the back door of the Perkiomen Valley Academy, one-quarter mile from the New Hanover-Upper Frederick Elementary School, in a residential neighborhood populated by families with horses, ponies, and young children, and in a township with 18 historic areas.  There are over 400 residences within a mile of the site, all with private wells.

If you would like to help us continue to fight this attempt to adversely impact our community and quality of life, you may send donations for our legal fund to:

Paradise Watchdogs/Ban the Quarry

P.O. Box 115

Frederick  PA  19435