My Point of View . . . . Celeste Bish

As a resident of New Hanover Township and a member of the Paradise Watchdogs, I have attended all Board of Supervisors meetings for almost three years.  For the past two years I have attended most of the annual budget meetings.  These meetings are open to the public---but rarely has there been more than two residents attending.

The recent uproar that ensued following the rumors of the possible disbanding of the New Hanover police department was competently handled by the township officials at the Dec. 13 Board of Supervisors meeting.  They allowed everyone present to speak, and the Board listened.

It was unfortunate that a New Hanover landowner and developer, Gibraltar Rock, Inc, took advantage of the residents' concerns about the future of the police department to hold the audience captive to their plea that this township should agree to renew meaningful negotiations with Gibraltar Rock in an effort to save taxpayers' money.  At the Dec. 13 board meeting New Hanover solicitor, Paul Bauer, correctly pointed out that recent court appearances requiring the attendance of the current solicitor, zoning board attorney, and special counsel, was due to Gibraltar Rock's appeals filed by their company, in the Court of Common Pleas.  New Hanover Township did not initiate any of these court appearances.

We hope the residents and taxpayers of New Hanover Township and other nearby communities will thank the New Hanover Board of Supervisors for standing firm in requiring this developer to adhere to all township ordinances, state laws, and the mining permit issued by the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection.  All other developers have been required to follow the rules and regulations established in New Hanover for the protection, health and welfare of the community at large.  All other developers have gladly complied. 

Gibraltar Rock, Inc. seems to think they are entitled to special treatment for their planned development.  If the township would grant all the exceptions expected by this company, wouldn't that open the floodgates for other developers to expect or demand the same?  What would be the purpose, then, for township ordinances?  This company is even ignoring their own Mining Permit.

The Paradise Watchdogs of New Hanover applaud the township officials for enforcing the rules for a company who has stated in testimony that they will not bring employment to this area.  They stated in past zoning hearings that they will hire a maximum of 20 quarry employees and those employees will be hired from outside our area.