We need your help ---- now!

New Hanover Township has brought to our attention the introduction of Senate Bill No. 898, dated March 25, 2011, to the Penna. General Assembly (can be read here).  The purpose of this amendment to the current law is to give QUARRIES free reign in the state of Pennsylvania by taking away the rights of our local municipalities to enforce their Zoning Ordinances and require that quarries submit a Land Development Plan for approval.

New Hanover Solicitor Paul Bauer has written to Senator Robert Tomlinson from Bucks County, one of the lawmakers to introduce this bill, to advise the senator of the township's strong objection to this amendment.  The township officials have talked to State Rep. Marcy Toepel (who opposes the bill) and have requested a meeting with State Senator Bob Mensch.  At the May 9^th Board of Supervisors meeting, a Resolution will be presented in opposition to this challenge of the township’s authority.

It is possible that the Silvi Group, owners of Gibraltar Rock, Inc, are behind this proposed amendment.  Gibraltar Rock is, at the present time, involved in the Land Development stage and it is not proceeding well for the company.  This amendment is related to "temporary cessation" of a quarry, and at the present time New Hanover Township has an appeal pending with the Environmental Hearing Board in Harrisburg on this very issue.  Just a coincidence?

What can the residents do?  WE CAN MAKE SURE THIS BILL IS KILLED IN THE COMMITTEE!   We can make sure it never leaves the Committee for a vote!  You can help us.  Let’s defeat this latest attempt by Gibraltar Rock to circumvent current laws designed to protect the residents in our area . . . and the entire state!

 To read a copy of Senate Bill No. 898, click here.

Also available:

• A list of our local representatives, a list of the senators who are sponsoring this bill, and a list of senators on the state Environmental Resources & Energy Committee. Click here

• A sample letter to send to the state senators to voice your opposition. Click here.

We hope you will be able to send a letter to all 16 senators on the mailing list.  If you use our letter, please sign your name & address at the bottom. 

It is especially important for the members of the Environmental Resources & Energy Committee to receive your letters.  

Please don't delay - we need your help!  We are told that this bill "will be fast-tracked" for passage as quickly as possible.  We have been making progress against the proposed quarry because of you.  As always, we thank you.