Note: The following is not a verbatim transcript of the Zoning Hearing Board meeting; it is simply one person’s summary of the major points made by those involved in the hearing process.  For that reason, quotation marks are not used unless a direct quote was recorded.  For information about obtaining an official ZHB transcript, contact the New Hanover Township office.

This meeting was the second where those with party status were allowed to address the zoning hearing board with regard to issues concerning the proposed quarry. There are approximately 125 people with party status. In alphabetical order they were allowed to speak.

Joe Kuniewicz

Concerned about traffic and noise. As a person working in construction he voiced his opinions about the noise from heavy equipment.

Edwin Liedike

Very concerned about emissions and dust. Related how he lived in another area close to a quarry and how as he flew into a local airport you could see the haze caused by the dust from the quarry.

Gloria Martell

Talked from first hand experience on the effects of dust on an asthma suffer. Explained how she has to carry medicines and inhalers because of environmental pollutions. Also, as a pharmacist, she discussed the effects of the medicine she must use.

G. F. Michael

Concerned about traffic issues.

William Miller

Presented a map showing the existing out-of-date oil pipeline that exists in close proximity to the proposed quarry. Also shown on his map was the proximity of the steams to the oil pipe. His concern is that the blasting will damage the oil pipes and discharge oil into the streams and aquifer.

Jeannette Moll
Concerned about the depth of wells and the depth of the proposed quarry. Also concerned about traffic and the impact of those living close to the site.

Russell Purnell
Concerned about traffic, well water, and the impact of chemicals on the water and air quality.

Bob Ream
Very concerned about allowing the township to deal with convicted felons (John and Lawrence Silvi).  Also concerned about the spurious nature of the data presented by Gibraltar Rock’s ‘expert’ witnesses.

Deborah Stahley
Concerned about traffic and the effects of the quarry on children attending the neighboring schools. Also concerned about property values.

Ralph Weitz
Very concerned about air quality and respiratory conditions.

Robert Wood
Concerned that the township should provide an exception to their zoning ordinances just because Gibraltar Rock says that the size of the existing HI zone is too small for the proposed quarry to be economically viable.  Mr. Wood thought that this was ridiculous---that a township should change its ordinances so that a company would benefit. He also spent some time explaining (as a representative of the New Hanover Historical Society) the number of historic structures, their construction, and their vulnerability to blasting.

The next GR 1 meeting is June 3, 2004 at the New Hanover Township Building, 7:00 PM.

See Also:
Summary of the previous meeting (April 1, 2004)