Dear New Hanover Residents,

  By this time you have noticed the activity on the Gibraltar Rock property.  EVERYTHING they are doing is in violation of township zoning ordinances.  According to the state

code, our township should initiate enforcement proceedings.  Our attorneys have been strongly encouraging the township to do so.

  On Thursday, Aug 20, 2009, the New Hanover Code Enforcement Officer faxed, sent by certified mail and regular mail, a CEASE & DESIST ORDER to Gibraltar Rock.  This order requires "any and all operations and activities on the Gibraltar Rock site to be stopped immediately."  Should Gibraltar fail to comply within 5 days, a summary citation may be issued and/or the township may file an injunction in county court.

  If found liable in violating the township ordinances, New Hanover Twp will fine Gibraltar Rock $500/each day that the violation continues. Gibraltar Rock has the right to “appeal"  this order.

  We (Paradise Watchdogs/Ban the Quarry) believe New Hanover Township should both ENFORCE THEIR ORDINANCES AND FILE AN INJUNCTION.

  Will a $500/day fine will stop Gibraltar Rock?  Or... will Gibraltar Rock readily pay the fine and continue their activities?   Wouldn’t a $1,000-$2,000 per day fine be more effective?

  The PARADISE WATCHDOGS WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LAND RETURNED TO THE CONDITION IT WAS IN BEFORE THE VIOLATIONS BEGAN.  DO YOU AGREE?

  We invite you to write to the Board of Supervisors of New Hanover with your opinion on the current flagrant violations of township ordinances.  Adherence to local laws and ordinances is vital to ensure the protection of the citizens.  We all know an industry such as a quarry, asphalt plant and concrete plant has many potentially harmful and probable effects: harmful emissions, noise, traffic, loss of well water, contamination of creeks and streams, etc. 

  The township Board of Supervisors has told us they want to hear what we think.  Send your comments to:

      Board of Supervisors - New Hanover Township

      c/o Ed Wagner, Township Manager

      2943 N. Charlotte St.

      Gilbertsville  PA  19525

    Or, email comments to:  ewagner@newhanover-pa.org and address the email to the Board of Supervisors.