Jackson Twp. hears public comments against warehouse development

This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.

The Jackson Township Board of Supervisors heard from four people during the public comment session on June 2 about proposed warehouses at 50 S. Ramona Road.

Residents who spoke at the meeting said they would bring a petition with signatures advocating against the development. They cited the farmland where the warehouses would be built, the nearby wildlife, and the increased truck traffic.

MJ McFalls attended the meeting with family members, who also spoke up. She said she has a campground and a short-term rental on her nearby property, and a warehouse would decrease the property value.

“People come here for the serenity and the quietness of the stream, the wildlife — from New York City and Philadelphia, from the great big cities,” she said. “People like to ride bikes and walk down South Ramona Road. Now, it’s proposed to be marred by the warehouses.”

The warehouses would be built on 104 acres of land divided into three plots on industrial-zoned land. In March, the developers attended a meeting to explain their plans and answer questions.

Read More: Jackson Township supervisors voice concerns about warehouse development

In May, Jackson Township approved an ordinance that would regulate warehouses and truck terminals. Legal representation for the developers attended the meeting to say the legislation seemed to be targeting the Ramona Road property and urged supervisors to delay a decision so the two parties could discuss further.

Township officials said the ordinance had been in the works for months and did not intend to stop the warehouses.

Read More: Jackson Township approves regulation for warehouses and truck terminals

Dean Moyer, a former township supervisor, also spoke during public comment. He recommended that the board ask developers for financial help to adjust the roads to accommodate truck traffic. Coupled with the public’s disagreement, he said they would have a good case to change the zoning from industrial and fight any legal challenges.

“I think you should take him to court to try to get that changed, and you have plenty of ammunition now with the petitions and all the people with the remarks about the nice land,” Moyer said. 

Supervisors were vocal in past meetings about their disagreements with the development, but noted they’re limited in what they can do. Supervisor Michael Dunkle said changing the zoning from industrial to agricultural is possible, but it could bring legal consequences.

“You never know, they might take a lawsuit against the township if we change the land from the zoning they were in favor of,” he said. “You have to look at both sides.”

Dunkle said they have not heard anything from the developer or their legal representation following the last meeting’s ordinance approval, so they don’t know where the project currently stands.

In other business, supervisors:

• Advised township staff to bring the $4,800 quote they received to run electricity to the Jackson Recreational Park pavilion to the recreation board for consideration. Dunkle said they hope to make a decision at the next meeting.
• Heard from engineer Stephen Sherk about bid openings for the first phase of the Wheatland Woods project, the 60 N. Ramona Road basin modification, and the resurfacing of the township parking lot. He said they are having prebid meetings for the projects on Wednesday and will open bids next Friday.

The Jackson Township Board of Supervisors will meet next at 60 N. Ramona Road on June 16 at 7:30 p.m.