ALLENTOWN, Pa. — It would be like putting the fox in charge of the hen house.
Such was the analogy offered by Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Chairman Christopher Amato regarding Waste Management’s proposal to have Plainfield Township's zoning ordinance amended regarding sanitary landfills.
The LVPC’s Comprehensive Planning Commission discussed the topic during a virtual meeting Tuesday.
Further discussion of the landfill issue and other items will be held at a full meeting of the planning commission at 7 p.m. Thursday.Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
Further discussion of the landfill issue and other items will be held at a full meeting of the planning commission at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Several township residents implored the committee to take action against the requested zoning change.
Representatives of Waste Management were not present on the virtual meeting.
In its review letter, the LVPC stated that it opposes the change of a designation of sanitary landfill land use from a conditional use to a permitted by right use.
The application proposes to amend the township zoning map by rezoning 18 parcels, totaling 211 acres, on the east side of Pen Argyl Road from Farm and Forest Zoning District to Solid Waste Processing and Disposal.
Conditional uses still are permitted uses, the staff review of the request noted, but with reasonable conditions in place to support the public health, safety and welfare.
'You don't need to change it'
The area proposed to be rezoned is adjacent to the existing landfill across Pen Argyl Road. Pen Argyl is to the north, and exurban, or low population, and agricultural areas are to the east and south.
“I’ve read letters from the public … which disfavors the change by a 2-to-1 margin,” Amato said. “Plainfield Township got this right in 1988; sometimes when something works, you don’t need to change it.
“Changing this from conditional use is a contraindication to the health, safety and welfare of the community.”<br/>Christopher Amato, chair, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
“Changing this from conditional use is a contraindication to the health, safety and welfare of the community.”
Many of the residents who spoke during the virtual meeting shared great concerns not only about the noxious odors and possible health impacts of existing landfill, but regarding an increase should rezoning lead to a landfill expansion.
“There are too many people in the community who don’t think it’s in the best interest of the community,” one resident, identified only as Milly, said.
“This would affect our community for the next 25 years.”
Another resident, a coach in the Green and White Athletic Association, said a strong odor from the landfill can be detected at the nearby fields.
Amendments to the review letter will be disclosed at the LVPC meeting Thursday.
