CARBON COUNTY, Pa. — Residents from Carbon County came to a community meeting hosted by the Department of Environmental Protection on Thursday to express their concerns over a recent proposal to build a new warehouse.
"A future that is filled with more and more trucks, more and more traffic, and more and more warehouses," said John Zugarek of White Haven.
This is a reality many residents of Kidder Township are trying to avoid.
"I think we need to pump the brakes. This is too much development, too quick, and we could be going down a very slippery slope," said Lisa Buchholz of Kidder Township.
Residents from across Carbon County came to a meeting hosted by the Department of Environmental Protection at Jim Thorpe Area High School to express their concerns over a recent proposal to build a new warehouse in the township.
The land is owned by Blue Ridge Real Estate Inc., a firm based in Blakeslee. The firm has not said exactly what business or businesses would move into the spot. If approved, this warehouse would be the third one in the area.
"The river, our river, has been endangered by the four square miles of warehouse construction added to the watershed in 2023," said Sarina Berlow of Palmerton.
"This is a double insult to the public, we sacrifice the forest and the water quality, and other life quality aspects to have a warehouse that's not adding any economic value," said Matt McConnell, Sierra Club member.
People Newswatch 16 spoke with say the community's economy revolves around tourism.
"Carbon County's economy depends on our area's pristine streams, our Lehigh River, and, in fact, the environment," said Michael Schirra, Save Carbon County member.
Representatives from the DEP did not respond to the comments at the meeting. Officials say it will take at least three weeks to review the comments. After the evaluation, they will inform residents when they can speak next.