Nick Mobilia arranged a meeting in North East, gathering members of the farm bureau, Congressman Mike Kelly, State Senator Dan Laughlin and several members of the North East community to discuss permitting problems with the various government agencies, especially the PA Department of Environmental Protection. The main topic of discussion was the number of local projects that have been lost due to long delays, high costs and often impossible permitting requirements demanded by the state before development could continue.
The loss of these projects for our community doesn’t mean the projects are not completed, they simply move to more hospitable locations. The jobs, the local employment income, the property taxes and other revenue for our community, the business revenue to local businesses due to spending in our community, is all lost and adds up to many, many millions of dollars.
Our local legislators are on board and understand the issues, but it is unclear whether, or how soon, the necessary changes can be made to move forward. In the meantime, development is stalled.
Jen says
Thank you Paul for reporting this and Thank you Nick for arranging such an important meeting. This community has SUCH potential for development.
And the wait continues……..
Laurie says
I wouldn’t cry too hard about delays or loss of projects. I’m from NE. I moved to a beautiful agrarian area. One of our committees gave the green light to build on every possible piece of land available. We have lost our beautiful scenery, historic areas, small towns like NE. The town that I taught in was a historic stage coach stop along historic route 40. Back in the 1700s to the mid to late 1800s, farmers followed old rt 40 to Baltimore where they sold their crops. The town has new houses built on land surrounding historic churches, and old merchant houses. The road was widened, which has brought cars so close to the old shop doors that I don’t feel it’s safe. There was one set of stage coach steps left, which allowed ladies and gentlemen to comfortably board a stage coach. I don’t know if those have been moved or if they’ve been left to chance.
It just isn’t worth the risk, or the loss of Lake frontage. I realize that funds are needed for various reasons. I don’t know if signs have been placed around Freeport, and some of the other paths that led enslaved people to a jumping off point where they could board boats to head for Canada. I’m a history nerd, so I would love to walk in the footsteps of the these brave people. Marking former safe houses along the path to freedom would add to the overall feeling. Some historic signs explaining that boats moved up and down the shore to guard against attacks by English soldiers from Canada. would be interesting. There are people in town that know far more interesting history and historic sites than I. Mark these sites and trails. Sell souvenirs. It’s a thought
Guy Steg says
What major projects were discussed?