Although it was generally favorably received, a final report delivered to township council by Lower Saucon Township’s Economic Redevelopment Task Force Wednesday drew criticism from Steel City resident Heather Pekarek, after task force members reissued their recommendation that land along Applebutter Road be rezoned; an action that would allow for IESI Bethlehem Landfill to expand outside its current boundaries not far from where Pekarek lives.
Pekarek, who told council she has lived on Mixsell Avenue for seven years, said a foul odor many residents of that area have complained about in recent months may ultimately force her from her home.
“I worry about my animals, I worry about the vegetables I grow, I worry about my daughter,” said Pekarek, whose voice trembled as she spoke. “You step outside of our doors, and the odor is horrible. If this keeps going on, I’m going to pack my bags and leave.”
“I can’t even go outside and work anymore without having to call a number,” she said, referring to the phone number for the DEP, which residents who smell the bad odor have been encouraged to call to report it.
Several members of the task force who attended the meeting appeared surprised or shook their heads “no” when Pekarek turned to them and asked whether they live anywhere near the landfill.
“We’re residents, and you guys don’t care,” Pekarek stated, before walking away from the podium, picking up her belongings and leaving the meeting.
Councilwoman Priscilla deLeon responded to Pekarek’s remarks by saying she disagreed with the task force’s recommendation that the Applebutter Road rezoning be approved.
“None of you live on the eastern side of the township,” she said to the task force members present–among them IESI Bethlehem Landfill district manager Sam Donato.
DeLeon said that if the proposed rezoning were going to affect them, “you would be the first ones here…complaining.”
She also remarked that the entire task force was not present for the meeting at which that recommendation was voted on, which prompted member Karen Beyer to assert that “it was a heavily-attended meeting and I think it was clear what our motivation was.”
Councilman David Willard, whose efforts led to the creation of the task force in the first place, clarified that the vote on the Applebutter Road rezoning amendment recommendation was 12-0.
At its formation, there were 21 members of the task force, and by the time it concluded its work last month that number had dwindled to about 15, he said.
“I don’t care what you say, it’s all about the money,” deLeon said of the rezoning recommendation, which council previously said it doesn’t plan to vote on while councilman Glenn Kern is absent due to medical issues.
Without a fifth member present, any vote on the recommendation could be tied.
The township currently receives more than $2 million annually in landfill host and tipping fees; money that helps to offset the local tax burden, and will be lost if the near-capacity facility closes.
Among the other recommendations presented by the economic development task force were:
-The creation of a committee to work with township staff in reviewing township policies/permitting
-The re-examination of zoning districts, including permitted uses and the area and dimensional requirements
-An inventory of land parcels to “determine highest and best uses as well as maximum development potential”
-Review and revision of zoning regulations, if needed, “to promote creative and new businesses and industries”
-An examination of public utility infrastructure in the township to determine areas that are best suitable for development
According to the vision statement adopted by the task force and included in the final report, Lower Saucon Township “will support existing businesses and institutions while developing future opportunities through managed growth that reflects the township’s heritage.”
PHOTO: A screen shot of a bird’s eye view of IESI Bethlehem Landfill and Steel City in Lower Saucon Township. PHOTO CREDIT: Google Maps.
