Cornwall Borough Council advances blasting ordinance

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At Monday’s meeting, Cornwall Borough Council voted to advertise the blasting ordinance, a required public notice step that moves it closer to adoption and the implementation of stricter blasting regulations in the borough.

Key provisions of the advertised ordinance include: 

• Blasting may only occur during the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. No blasting is permitted on federal holidays.
• All property owners within 1,000 feet of the site must be notified at least three weeks prior to blasting. The notice will have the name, address, email address, and phone number of the contractor listed. 
• In emergencies, blasting can proceed without a permit or advance notice, but all other safety rules still apply.

Cornwall Properties representative Mike Swank raised several concerns, including that the ordinance seems to be unclear in how to obtain a blasting permit, uncertainty about where the 1,000 feet number came from, and the legality of submitting home inspections to the borough.  

Solicitor Josele Cleary said she believes the home inspection reports would not be considered public records, citing Right-to-Know Law exemptions related to personal security.

Swank also noted how this could pose problems for residents who may need to do blasting of their own. 

“Think about a homeowner who’s trying to construct a pool in their backyard and they hit rock and it makes more sense to drill shot it rather than peck it, it’s not going to be financially feasible,” said Swank. 

Members of council continued to emphasize that they believe the ordinance is in the best interests of borough residents. 

“We’re not worried about the cost to (builders), we’re worried about our residents,” said council member Tom Burton. 

Council also approved a camping ordinance for advertising. 

The issue of Iron Valley Drive and Cobalt Alley will remain under review after council voted to table the matter until next month. In the meantime, planning and zoning chairman Ray Fratini, along with Louis Hurst and Swank, are expected to meet to further discuss the situation.

The issue centers on longstanding uncertainty over whether Iron Valley Drive and Cobalt Alley are privately owned or dedicated public roads, with ongoing development plans and incomplete documentation complicating the borough’s decision.  

In other news, council: 

• Asked that all professional staff of the borough sign the code of ethics. Previously, just borough council members signed it. 
• Reviewed quotes for room microphones ranging from $14,000 to $22,000 as the council works toward enabling public Zoom access for meetings. Council said the prices are too high and will seek quotes from other vendors.
• Unanimously approved a letter of intent for the regional fire committee, which is a committee of different municipality representatives that are exploring the option of working more collaboratively with local fire stations. 
• Reject a bid of $1.4 million for Snitz Creek Park. Council noted they have budgeted up to $500,000 for the project. 
• Accepted time extension for the Cornwall Properties Boyd Street warehouse submission until May 12. 
• Approved solicitation of three proposals from different companies to conduct a traffic study for the proposed Knoll or lakefront property, with council ultimately to select one firm to complete the study.
• Approved to move forward with planning a public meeting on the warehouse mixed-use development for the first week of June. Council will work to finalize a date and location.