ARCHBALD -- Another public hearing was held Tuesday over the controversial proposed power plant in Jessup.
Jessup council had been taking testimony for months from the energy company pushing the plant. Now those opposed to the plant got a chance to have their argument heard.
Emotions were high once again as Jessup borough council held another public hearing on a proposed power plant in the borough.
“And we live in a residential development near those buildings,” shouted someone in the audience.
After hearing testimony for months from the energy company pushing the facility, now it was time for those opposed to make their argument at Valley View High School.
Ron Kordish is with healthyjessup.org, a grassroots effort to stop the plant.
“We don't like the way they do business. We're concerned about the pollution, air, noise,” said Kordish. “The citizenry doesn't want it. We have four softball fields right within range of this plant.”
Invenergy wants to build a natural gas fired 1,500 megawatt plant inside an industrial park and needs Jessup council to amend zoning to allow this type of facility to be build.
Testifying on behalf of the opposition was a consultant who says he has a background in power plant operations.
At times, the exchange between the consultant and the attorney for the Invenergy got downright nasty.
“But you're asking me in an area that I'm not an expert,” yelled the consultant.
Before the meeting, Invenergy once again gathered its supporters, handing out T-shirts, hats, and food.
Many of those at the meeting were union workers who say Jessup can't afford to lose this opportunity.
“This plant is essential for the progress of Pennsylvania, essential for the economy of the northeast Pennsylvania,” said Joel Ram with IBEW Local 81. “Not only do we need the jobs, but we need to build for the future.”
There is still no decision if the plant will get the green light. Jessup council says three more public hearings will be held before council makes a decision. Those meetings are scheduled for June 30, July 14, and July 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Valley View High School in Archbald.
