Drilling, Open Space Encroachments a Hot Topic on Council Agenda

The Peters Township Council meeting unveiled a new township website, discussed homeowners who are encroaching on open space and approved several ordinances Monday.

During the public comments portion of the agenda, several area residents voiced their concerns about the upcoming public hearing regarding the gas drilling ordinance set for July 18.

In the aforementioned allotted time for public comments, Jet Miskis wanted to educate the public about the upcoming hearing.

Prior to the meeting, Miskis stood outside the municipal building collecting signatures for . The petition, which would not be voting for a ban on drilling, is only for the right of citizens in Peters Township to collectively determine whether shale drilling makes sense for the community.

Miskis displayed a picture of a residential home in Dallas, Texas with a large drill 200 feet from the property line—she noted it as a large eye sore in a quaint suburban plan.

“There are 20 to 30 drill sites expected in Peters Township," she said. "They only have to be 200 feet from a residential home.”

Ann Shaner, a Peters Township resident, also voiced her concern about the Marcellus Shale issue. “I just want concerned citizens to attend the hearing July 18th,” she said.

Grant Carroll also spoke out against the proposed drilling. Carroll said, “Peters Township is 90 percent residential neighborhoods. I am devastated by the news that Peters wants to accept these proposed drilling sites.”

He cited decreased property values, eminent danger to the water and air supply due to the hydraulic fracturing process, and noted that the gas and oil companies are using the same public relations and marketing company that worked for the cigarette industry.

“I was looking forward to retiring here in Peters Township," he said. "I am devastated by this. I implore you (council) don’t listen to what the gas and oil company said.”

Tim Curran also used his allotted five minutes in the public forum to speak out against hydraulic fracturing. Curran cited an article in the July 11th Tribune-Review, “Butler Braces for gas driller’s good, bad, ugly.” He also cited National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” which recently visited Mt. Pleasant, PA and discussed the mineral extraction issue.

Another resident, Ted Taylor, raised an issue about replacing the guard rail on Valley Brook Road. He wanted to know the status of the project. Council said it is at the mercy of PennDOT with the issue.

Council discussed open space encroachments at length at the meeting.

It voted 5-2 to approve a proposal to give scofflaws six months to remove everything including sheds, fences and a pool house on public land. Council members Frank Arcuri and James Berquist voted no—they feel a year should be allotted to residents to remove items.

Silvestri offered a presentation with photos regarding several places where homeowners encroached on public land. One individual in the Cross Creek housing plan is using open space to store an RV and stacking significant amounts of firewood, even though he had been warned a few years ago about storing items beyond his property line.

Council had similar issues with pools, fences and swing sets in Hidden Valley, Aston Court and a large pile of branches behind houses on Will Scarlett Road.

Solicitor William Johnson said homeowners who to fail to obey within six months will be sued in Washington County Common Pleas Court.

In other township news:

• Council voted unanimously to approve two ordinances amending Chapter 24 of the Township Code of Ordinances, regarding tax law issues. One ordinance regulated Earned Income and Net Profits Tax; the other regulated the Local Services Tax.
• Council decided that further discussions were warranted on another issue—the proposed rezoning for 164 Waterdam Road. That issue will be on the agenda at the Aug. 22 meeting.