TREVORTON - Zerbe Township supervisors have approved a zoning change in anticipation of further economic development related to the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA).
Monday night's 3-0 vote by Gene Geise, Mike Mazer and Michael Schwartz came after some opposition at a 45-minute public hearing. Township leaders, however, said there was a need to update outdated zoning designations, last changed in 1966, while also allowing business growth along the main township thoroughfare, Route 225, or Shamokin Street, in the village.
"There are things happening in Zerbe Township that made it necessary to update the ordinance and make it more consistent with what is going on around here," Todd Kerstetter, zoning solicitor, said during the hearing.
Schwartz was recently named to the five-member AOAA Authority, which will begin formal operation in January to govern the off-highway vehicle park.
The 6,500-acre property, owned by Northumberland County, stretches across five townships, its western end starting in Zerbe.
What changed
The key changes are as follows:
- The "commercial-neighborhood zone," which previously extended along Route 225 at the west end of Trevorton for 4 1/2 blocks - from the midpoint of Sixth and Seventh streets at Trevorton Fire Company west to 11th Street - was extended east all the way to the border with Coal Township. In its new territory, a distance of about 3 miles, it replaces the previous "multi-family residential" designation.
Those living along the highway now don't have to do anything, because the new designation allows businesses and homes to be in the same area.
- A one-block area from 11th to 12th streets at the west end of town, previously in the "multi-family residential," was changed to "commercial-heavy." That designation already existed from 12th Street west a short distance out of the village, to about the area of the township sewer plant. It now backs up one block into Trevorton.
Kerstetter noted that Union Bank and Trust Co., Angie's Market and a few restaurants were technically in a residential zone under the old statute.
"It is surprising that there were all those things in the residential zone," he said.
Regarding the second change, it was done to allow Mountainside Motorsports, an ATV service shop which opened in 2010, to also now sell ATVs and other vehicles.
Kerstetter said township leaders hope the zoning changes pay off.
"I drove through the area today and saw some empty garages, buildings that aren't looking so good," he said. "Hopefully, these changes will help economic development and people can buy these dilapidated buildings, tear them down and make something out of the area."
ATVs 'not too good'
Brient Wiest, of East Market Street, was among several residents in the group of 12 at the hearing to voice objections. A stenographer was present, and all who testified had to swear under oath.
"I just wonder why we have to change the zone. Why don't we keep it the way it was and give out variances?" Wiest asked.
Even with the AOAA, development may not occur, he said.
"What I see running around in Trevorton with the ATVs now isn't too good for a bedroom community," Wiest said.
Former township supervisor Edward Hull took an opposing viewpoint.
"I think it's a great idea," he testified. "When we went through the paperwork for the Dollar General store in 2005, we only had two people against running the (commercial) zone all the way through (the township). We have nothing in town now. It's not going to hurt a thing along Trevorton Road."
"I just can't see any good coming from the ATVs and what they bring to Trevorton," Wiest retorted. "I see it now in my neighborhood. I disagree with you, Ed."
After the meeting, Wiest approached supervisors and township solicitor Roger Wiest to further question the decision.
"So the three of you voted, and that's it? The residents don't get a vote?" he said.
"That's why you elected them," Roger Wiest calmly retorted. "To make the decisions in the best interest of the township."
A map detailing the zoning changes is posted for public display for 30 days. Appeals must be filed by Nov. 21.