A crowd of Tilden Township residents voiced their opposition and concerns regarding a zoning change request and proposed warehouse near Cabela’s during the morning workshop meeting Dec. 8.
Filling every seat in the meeting room and standing along the walls and in the back, the majority in attendance voiced opposition to a proposed Logistics Park Overlay District request and to the construction of a warehouse during the more than two-hour public comment period. Even more residents stood in the lobby as the room was filled to capacity.
Tilden Township Solicitor Joan London said no plan for a warehouse has been presented to the Board of Supervisors, the board has only been presented a conceptual plan by developer Mark Powell of Century Land Development, Sinking Spring.
“Nobody said we wanted this,” board members said in unison. “There are a lot of misconceptions.”
The Board said they are neither for or against the zoning change and the warehouse.
London clarified that the overlay district ordinance was not initiated by the Board of Supervisors, it was submitted by developer Century Land Development Company. London said the Board will take into consideration planning code, zoning and public comments.
The developer was not present and the property owner was not present.
“I’m glad to see so many here. It’s a serious topic… I commend you for being here,” said London. “Today is for receiving public comment. This is your time to be heard on this issue.”
Nearly every person in attendance was given the opportunity to speak, some appointed a spokesperson to speak on behalf of a group. Many asked the Board to consider what is best for the township and the township’s future, showing unity in their emotional pleas for the Board to vote against the zoning change and against the construction of a warehouse. Several noted the property owner’s right to sell, emphasizing that their opposition is to the zoning change from residential and to the warehouse.
Concerns shared by residents included, but are not limited to, water quality, crime, noise, pollution, safety, increased truck traffic, stormwater management, flooding, possible need for sewer, as well as impacts on the view, quality of life, property values, wildlife, wetlands and the Bald Eagles that have been sighted on the property. Another concern is that more warehouses would follow in the future.
Many talked about the quiet, peaceful beauty of the area, elements that attracted some from cities like New York City, Philadelphia and Reading to live in Tilden Township, while for others their roots run deep in Tilden, as does their love for the mountain scenery.
“I love living here in this area,” said Barry Shollenberger, Tilden. “Preserve the beauty of the mountain. Please don’t do this.”
Brett Long commutes to Philadelphia everyday and lives in Tilden, “It’s peaceful. It’s quiet. It’s unique. You don’t get this anywhere else. That’s the reason why I live here.”
Tilden resident Deena Kershner, who is Executive Director of Our Town Foundation in Hamburg, said, “This is not economic development… People have been moving here for the quality of life. This involves everyone in the area. Think about what you are doing.”
Dave Gross, a Tilden farmer, said his parents were farmers and his grandparents were farmers. He said farmers make a living selling products like milk, grain and vegetables and in the end, they sell their land. He defended the owner’s right to sell his property. He suggested those concerned with the property’s future use should buy it.
Ken Mengel of Tilden asked the board to fast forward to 10, 15, 20 years, and to ask themselves, “Which legacy will I be most proud of?”
After hearing more than two hours of public comments from Tilden residents, London said, “Thank you for how well this conversation has gone. We appreciate your civility. We will be addressing those (concerns) in coming months… We know there’s overwhelming opposition.”
When asked if the Board could deny the request now, London said, “The Township has been presented with a proposal for consideration. We have to look at it. There is a process,” said London. “It’s very important that we follow the law.”
London said no date has been set for a vote on the proposed overlay district ordinance, it is being reviewed. She said that day’s workshop meeting was meant for discussion only and to add public comments to the process.
“There will be other public meetings where this will be discussed,” said London.
Meetings will be advertised in the local newspapers, posted on the Township website and social media, as well as go out on the township Code Red Alert.
The meeting concluded with prayer and gratitude for the opportunity to voice their concerns.
