The Union Township Board of Supervisors meeting on February 8th, 2023 saw a full house of local residents, who were eager to hear the decision on a highly anticipated rezoning ordinance. The meeting was held to discuss the proposal by Eugene Mease to rezone his 5.89-acre property located at 3219 State Route 72 in Jonestown from agricultural to industrial.
Mease’s property is situated in the surrounding area of the Swift Transportation center, which recently rezoned its property for expansion purposes. The public hearing saw residents gather to voice their opinions, mainly showing opposition due to the anticipated increase in noise, traffic, and lighting near their residences.
However, Township supervisors, Gary Longenecker and Dennis Firestone, had a different view on the situation. “I believe a property owner has a right to do what he wants with his property,” Firestone stated. The board passed the motion 2-1, with Kerry McCray opposing the rezoning.
Another item on the agenda was a proposal by Lickdale Associates to build an additional tractor-trailer parking lot behind the Love’s Truck Stop. David Tshudy approached the board seeking a waiver from the land development process and promised to contribute to the mitigation of traffic concerns that may arise from the construction. The project will also have to seek approval through NPDES Permitting and the County Conservation due to the size of the land being disturbed. The motion passed unanimously.
The township also reminded the community of the upcoming tire collection recycling project, which will be held on April 26th. Pre-registration is open from February 25th to April 14th, and applications can be picked up at the township building.
Additionally, Quartermaster Road will be closed for a culvert repair starting Monday, February 13th. The repair could last up to a month, weather permitting, and detours will be available.
In conclusion, the Union Township Board of Supervisors meeting was a lively and productive one, with several important decisions being made that will have a significant impact on the community.
