Paving company granted zoning change despite opposition
BUFFALO TWP — Supervisors granted a zoning change to a portion of the property owned by Heilman Pavement Specialties on North Pike Road. The change would shift the rear parcel of land at Heilman’s facility from B-1/B-2 (business) to M-2 (manufacturing).
The intent of the zoning change was to bring this parcel of land in line with the paving company’s other, adjoining parcel of land, which faces North Pike Road and is also zoned M-2.
“Heilman Pavement Specialties has a prior existing nonconforming use to continue doing what they’re doing there,” said township solicitor Brian Farrington. “But in light of keeping the zoning clean and tight on that parcel, I did submit the request to change the zoning.”
The approval was given despite multiple residents coming to the municipal building on Wednesday night to register their opposition to the change.
These residents were concerned the change from business to manufacturing would lead to increased operations on the property, which would reduce the quality of life for those living nearby.
“M-2 zoning is not designed for residential areas,” said Annette Kline, who lives on Riemer Road. “M-2 zoning, in my opinion, means increased operations, which means increased dust and noise, which has not been adequately addressed to this point.”
Kline said nearby residents had lived in peace with the paving company until the past year, after Heilmen underwent managerial changes.
“They have a new president and appear to be expanding their operations,” Kline said. “They have cleared out all the trees and woods in the area that separates our properties. The dust is at an all-time high, not to mention an eyesore.”
Maggie Cunningham, who also lives on Riemer Road, was concerned about the business’s impact on the residents of her mobile home.
“The owners of this house have cancer issues. They’re on oxygen and have issues like that,” Cunningham said. “We’re wondering if there’s going to be any kind of bigger dirt or dust impact, and we want to make sure that it’s not going to affect the property values.”
Kline’s father, Sylvester Palko, expressed concern about the three large tanks that are kept on Heilman’s property.
“No one even knows what’s in them, and they’re probably about 150 feet from the property line,” Palko said. “I’d hate to realize what he has in them. He might have oil, he might have whatever. They should be removed.”
Kline says she attempted to talk to Heilman about her concerns, but was brushed off.
“I've actually called in and complained about it on one occasion, several months ago,” Kline said. “I have not seen any evidence of environmental testing to evaluate if Heilman Pavement is in compliance with OSHA limits for dust exposure.”
Despite the complaints, the supervisors voted 3-1 for approval. One member was absent.
Representatives from Heilman Pavement Specialties did not respond to a request for comment.
