LOWER SAUCON TWP., Pa. — Bethlehem Landfill officials are challenging a Northampton County judge’s ruling that a zoning ordinance allowing for the landfill’s expansion was void.
The Bethlehem Landfill Co. on Tuesday filed a notice of appeal to Commonwealth Court, according to court documents.
- Bethlehem Landfill Co. has filed a notice of appeal to the Commonwealth Court
- The company is challenging a Northampton County judge's ruling that the ordinance approving the expansion was void
- Residents against the expansion vow to continue fighting
Landfill management did not immediately reply to a LehighValleyNews.com request for comment.
The 275 acre-expansion has been paused since early May, after Northampton County Judge Abraham Kassis ruled the township’s zoning ordinance as void ab initio, meaning the decision held no legal effect since its adoption by township council on Dec. 21, 2022.
Kassis cited improper public notice of rezoning intentions, along with issues regarding the council's actions and vote.
Victoria Opthof-Cordaro, one of the residents leading Citizens for Responsible Development-LST, a group opposing the expansion, said the appeal “is another example of the landfill putting its corporate profits above the community.”
“The Lehigh Valley has spoken loud and clear opposing the expansion and destruction of 275 acres of forest on the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, 9/11 Memorial Trail and Lehigh River,” Opthof-Cordaro said in an emailed statement.
“Judge Kassis identified at least eight deficiencies in the advertising of the zoning ordinance.
"Even Lower Saucon Township Council chose not to appeal, recognizing the error-filed procedure was fatal. While the landfill claims to be such a great community partner, its actions speak louder than all the mailers and biased text polls it sends to the community."Victoria Opthof-Cordaro, one of the residents leading Citizens for Responsible Development-LST
“Even Lower Saucon Township Council chose not to appeal, recognizing the error-filed procedure was fatal. While the landfill claims to be such a great community partner, its actions speak louder than all the mailers and biased text polls it sends to the community,” she said.
Opthof-Cordaro said the group is confident Kassis’s ruling will be upheld.
It’s been less than six months since the township council voted to approve rezoning for the expansion process. Since then, residents have rallied against it, and conditional use hearings have taken place.
Among the issues cited by residents and involved counsel are:
- Environmental impacts, endangered plants and animals nearby
- Traffic and area roadway safety
- The nearby endangered Lehigh River
- Potential impact on the Redington Historic District
- Potential impact on the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
- Council member integrity
- Placement near St. Luke’s Anderson campus and helipad
Opthof-Cordaro, coordinator for all the people who obtained party status in cases against the expansion, said they will continue to fight.
“If Bethlehem Landfill wanted to be a true community partner, and friend to all the neighbors and people who actually live here, it would cut its losses and find a better-suited location to continue landfill activity,” she said.
“With over 350 residents, and united opposition from surrounding communities and organizations, Landfill Warriors will continue defending the community WE CALL HOME!”
