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 third 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.

John Zuchero

Mr. Zuchero, past president of Paradise Watchdogs, spoke from 7 PM until 9 PM. His testimony was a comparison of the inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and missing information that has been presented in Gibraltar rock's witness testimony, exhibits, and DEP application.  Zuchero covered Gibraltar Rock witness data gathering concerns and also introduced information about toxic emissions and other quality of life concerns.  Unlike community witnesses at the May 6th meeting, Zuchero was repeatedly interrupted by Mr. Stephen Harris, attorney for Gibraltar Rock, with objections. 

Mr. Zuchero was the last person on the original list of those with party status. The zoning board next heard from interested persons who have recently signed up for party status after a series of motions, by the Paradise Watchdogs, were brought before the zoning hearing board in April 2004.

Rev. Richard Elliott

Reverend Elliott is pastor of the New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gilbertsville, which is the oldest German-Lutheran church in America. Pastor Elliott's main point was that he was concerned with neighborliness. In his opinion, Gibraltar Rock has yet to do enough to assure the community that it could be a good neighbor. He also talked about the church building that was built in the early 1700s on a foundation of timber and rock and the issue of blasting.  He also mentioned the historic stained glass windows that may be damaged.

Dolores Samiec

Mrs. Samiec, who was recently awarded party status, was next to speak.  Samiec, whose child attends the New Hanover Elementary School, was concerned with the health and welfare of the children at the elementary school. She specifically talked about the school not having air conditioning and having to open the windows during the fall and spring, allowing dust and particulate matter from the proposed quarry to enter the classrooms.  She also said, that while unlikely, flyrock reaching the play ground was a concern.

Rev. James Shelly

Reverend Shelly is pastor of St. Luke's Lutheran Church on Big Road in Obelisk. Pastor Shelly spoke of people in his congregation with breathing issues, in particular one older man who moved to New Hanover Township because of its environment and air quality. Pastor Shelly wondered if he would have to move because of the proposed quarry.

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

See Also:
Summary of the previous meeting (May 6, 2004)