Gibraltar Rock’s Latest Attempt to Mislead our Local Residents - PART II

Misguided Group in New Hanover?

Currently there is an attempt to form a new citizens group in New Hanover Township – in support of the proposed quarry that would be located one-half mile from the elementary school, one-quarter mile from a school for troubled youth, and approximately one mile from the growing Frederick Mennonite Home.  The Boyertown Area School District’s Junior High-East is located nearby.

This group believes the only “issue” involved is the creation of a few jobs.  The quarry company has stated a maximum of 20 jobs to “qualified” individuals, but this group advertises 30 jobs.  The small pro-quarry group promises the positions will be filled by New Hanover residents.  What are the chances of that?

This pro-quarry group states in their newsletter, “We have looked into this operation as concerned neighbors . . . ”.   We wonder how and when they have ‘looked into the operation’  -  they have attended NONE of the 8+ years of zoning board hearings, have not heard the testimony of expert witnesses, and have not attended any of the Planning Commission meetings to hear details of the plan.  What are the air-quality standards for a quarry, asphalt plant and concrete plant?  What is the quarry’s remedy for loss of well water for area residents?  Do they know and understand what ‘volatile organic compounds’ are?  Do they have any idea how many heavy-duty trucks will travels our roads on a daily basis?  Do they really care about the neighborhood?

This newly-formed local group feels justified in putting pressure on our Township to stop spending tax revenue, when in fact the quarry company has initiated the costly litigation and continues to do so.  Since 2001, the quarry company has appealed every township decision and chooses to force the Township into court.  Who is spending taxpayers’ money?  It seems to me that this newly formed local group is saying one thing (end the litigation and stop spending taxpayers’ money) but at the same time is helping the quarry company to keep the fight going in court, all at the taxpayers’ expense.  Our township’s only “crime” has been their attempt to require ALL developers to follow local laws.

In 2008-09, New Hanover Township worked with the quarry company to devise an agreement for settlement of the issues.  Hundreds of residents from north and south New Hanover Township appeared at three meetings to demand that the Township reject the agreement.  These residents believe there are more issues involved than a few new jobs.  In response to the public outcry, the Township allowed the agreement to expire.

Another attempt to settle differences was made in 2010.  At that time, the Township was not involved.  Many residents surrounding the proposed site expressed their concerns and demands, but the quarry company rejected their offer for settlement.

We believe the truth will prevail.

        Celeste Bish,  Paradise Watchdogs-Ban the Quarry