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.

During the January and February meetings local residents spoke directly to the xoning hearing board about their concerns. The following is a summary of these meetings.

James Connley. Mr. Connley owns a large horse farm across Rt. 73 on Church Rd. He presently has his property in the Open Space Preservation program. His property was set aside to be a recreational farm for exotic animals. He is concerned with increased truck traffic and dust that will potentially harm the race horses that live there now.

Jeannette Moll. Ms. Moll is a retired person, who with her husband live very near the proposed quarry. She was concerned about dust and her well, as well as noise and air pollution.

Nancy Swanick. Ms. Swanick talked about dust, fumes, and potentially dangerous driving. She also mentioned the potential effects of dust on people with asthma and bronchitis. She mentioned the children at the New Hanover Elementary School with breathing problems.

Bob Swanick for Ray Ginkowitcz. Bob read a prepared statement that dealt with the negative quality of life issues. Mr. Ginkowitcz was concerned about absentee business owners who do not care what local residents feel is their right to live in quiet peaceful surroundings.

Frank Keith. Mr. Keith talked about noise pollution.

Roger Buchanan. Mr. Buchanan talked about people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, of which there are many in the very near surrounding land. He also talked about the two elementary schools within .4 mile from the proposed quarry.

Dolores Shank-Semiack. Ms. Shank-Semiack spoke as a mother of a 2nd and 4th grader at New Hanover Elementary School. She is concerned because there is no air conditioning at the school and during the day the windows must stay open. She reminded the zoning board about the air quality expert that told the board of the negative impact of the proposed quarry on air quality and that the school is in the direct path of the air movement.

Theresa Jobson. Ms. Jobson talked about the potential problems with cracks in homes, pool, and issues with her children and traffic.

James Butler. Mr. Butler was concerned that the light industrial area might become a heavy industrial area. He is also concerned about health and the effects on historic homes.

When the residents had concluded, the board determined that the following would happen.

1. All parties would submit (by April 16, 2007) to the Zoning Hearing Board, their "proposed findings of fact" and "conclusions of law," which is their report on what they consider to be the main points and main legal issues.

2. Closing arguments will be held May 3, 2007 at 7PM in the Township Building.

3. The Zoning Hearing Board then has 45 days to render their decision.