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Letters (3/25/09)

By Staff | Mar 25, 2009

Dear Editor,

Attention Muncy Borough residents: once again your basic fundamental rights as a property owner and business owner are being challenged. On Monday, March 30, 7 p.m. at Geringer Social Hall a Public Hearing is being held by Muncy Borough Council to possibly enact the same 180 page Zoning Ordinance that they tried to pass through on May 6, 2008.

At that hearing, roughly 200 well informed citizens and business owners showed up to voice their concerns and questions. The majority of people that voiced their concerns and submitted written testimony were in opposition to the Historic District Regulations. Borough Council never even discussed these concerns. Borough President Vivian Daily gave it back to the same people that drafted the original. This is a disservice to our community by our elected officials.

The Section 700 Historic District will encompass 3/4 of Muncy properties. Any property or businesses in this section will be regulated as historic. These can be found on the website: www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standguide/. Go to this site then click on the Standards and Guidelines of each section.

Historic Commission Chairperson Karen Richards helped draft a large portion of this ordinance, she’s also on Borough Council, will control the permits by her interpretation of substantial compliance and recommendation to the Zoning Officer.

I guess our Constitutional rights to protect us from illegal search and seizure doesn’t apply in Muncy. Law enforcement requires a search warrant to enter properties but a Zoning Officer doesn’t?

Please don’t sacrifice your rights by doing nothing. Get copies of the Ordinance and review them. Show up to the meeting on the 30th and voice your concerns. Don’t let peoples political and personal agenda effect your rights and our community values.

Dan Arnold, Muncy

Dear Editor:

I write this letter commending the efforts of the Muncy Borough Municipal Authority and the Muncy Borough Council on their ability to deal with the Chesapeake Bay Strategy mandate.

In the past I have had some reservations about this particular program and some of the intentions of both bodies acting in their performance of duties relating to this issue.

At the Tuesday, March 17 Authority meeting I had an opportunity to hear first hand the thoughts, concerns and views shared to address this very costly endeavor. I have also felt there has been some tension between these two bodies but left the meeting with some profound thoughts that I think that everything will work out for the best.

These individuals proved to me that they are all bright, talented and educated individuals capable of making upcoming decisions to address this utility service in the most efficient and economical way which would benefit our community and surrounding areas.

The driving force of the mandate can be simply stated as a regulation, not so much by PA DEP, but the U.S. EPA and other watershed groups of the Susquehanna and Chesapeake Bay which can affect future plans of even a newly upgraded facility by even more stringent regulations which may add to further costs.

It’s my opinion even though these are different perspectives by both bodies, when the best point of each are placed together to achieve the final objective, these people will find the right fit, at the right time and at the best possible price for the taxpayers.

I hope the negativity which so often rears itself can be held to a minimum. These volunteers are most certainly going above and beyond to share their gifts and talents to do the community a great service. I appreciate your efforts and am humbled by your passion and sincerity. Thank you for stepping up to the plate and may God bless your endeavors.

Ron Alexander, Muncy