Ligonier Township zoning map advances
Ligonier Township's new zoning ordinance and map have been recommended by the planning commission for approval by supervisors with two comments for changes.
Amid verbal outrage from members of the public, the board unanimously voted to move the documents on to the supervisors provided that unconventional drilling be made a conditional use and the 650-foot setback from a well site to an occupied structure be increased.
About 100 people attended the meeting, with many of them concerned about Marcellus shale drilling coming to the Ligonier Valley under the provisions of the new ordinance and map.
For the public comment period, the board voted to limit each citizen to three minutes but said every person would have an opportunity to speak. Public comment lasted nearly 90 minutes.
A joint supervisors and planning commission meeting for more public comment on the ordinance and map is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 17 in Ligonier Valley High School, township manager Terry Carcella announced. The time has not been set.
Several residents called for the unconventional drilling portion of the ordinance to be split from the rest of the ordinance to allow more time to craft it.
The projected deadline for the township to complete a new zoning ordinance and map is May. Carcella said if the supervisors don't approve the documents in time, the township will revert to the old zoning ordinance.
Many speakers outlined the negative health, safety and environmental impacts fracking has had on other communities, imploring the board to keep the industrial activity out of the township.
Some reflected on the pristine, quaint nature of the area and how fracking would adversely affect it.
Carcella told the crowd that the previous zoning ordinance allowed drilling in all zones of the township.
Solicitor Michael Korns asked the public to make suggestions not only for the drilling regulations but also for the rest of the ordinance.
Chairman Mark Spitzer, who has a gas and oil lease according to the county deeds website, declined to comment on residents' questioning that he could have a conflict of interest.
Nicole Chynoweth is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-850-2862 or nchynoweth@tribweb.com.
