On July 2, 2009, a hearing was held on an Application filed by Gibraltar Rock, Inc. and Sahara Sand, Inc. known as Gibraltar Rock 3.  The New Hanover Zoning Hearing Board allowed our attorney, Thomas Keenan, to enter an appearance on behalf of the Paradise Watchdogs and four residents, two living on Church Road and two on Colflesh Road.

At the July 2 hearing, Mr. Keenan presented a Memorandum of Law from the PA Municipalities Planning Code (state rule book).  The Memorandum disagreed with Gibraltar Rock’s challenge of the township’s defective ordinances.  Gibraltar Rock insisted that their challenge would enable the quarry (through the court system) to mine on an additional 60.9 acres. 

More than 50 acres of this land is zoned “residential”, is located approximately one-quarter mile from the New Hanover-Upper Frederick Elementary School and is also located approximately 30 feet from the back door of the Perkiomen Valley Academy on Hoffmansville Road.  Surrounding three sides of this residential tract are private, residential homes with private wells, clean air, and a peaceful atmosphere in which to raise children.  Many of these residents are horse-owners.  Gibraltar Rock’s plan showed an intention to locate a “quarry pit” on this tract of 50 acres.

At the July 2 meeting, Attorney Tom Keenan requested that the Zoning Board DISMISS APPLICATION 3, based on his conclusions of the law.  Last week, at the September 3^rd  Zoning Board Hearing, the Board agreed with Mr. Keenan’s findings and voted unanimously to dismiss Gibraltar Rock’s Application 3 (GR3).  THIS IS A HUGE WIN FOR US – AND FOR ALL OF YOU!

Before we begin to celebrate, you should know that Gibraltar Rock has the option to “appeal this zoning board decision”.  We will keep you posted.

Please help us to continue our forward progress by sending donations to our legal fund.  Our address is:  PWD/BTQ  -  P.O. Box 115 -  Frederick  PA  19435

WE COULD NOT HAVE HAD THIS SUCCESS without your continued support.  Thank you for your donations of baked goods, your financial support, for writing letters/emails to the township officials, the DEP, etc.