Delaware Twp. On Record Opposing Power Line Route
By Wayne Witkowski - The Pike County Dispatch
DINGMANS FERRY -- Delaware Township became the second municipality to oppose, on record, the Shawnee-Walker Transmission Line Project when the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution during the regular meeting on Wednesday last week.
The proposed 69-kilovolt, 30-mile power line would run along many homeowners' rights-of-way through parts of Shohola Township, Milford Township, Dingmns Township (which also approved a resolution opposing the project), Delaware Township and Monroe County municipalities Middle Smithfield Township and East Stroudsburg Borough. It also runs through Lehman Township but its supervisors do not oppose the project because they said the route will not encroach on residential areas of that township.
The resolution was available for residents to read in printed out copies. It contends that, rather than run through residential areas, where homeowners have expressed concerns about health risks and lowered property values, "there are alternate routes that are more advantageous to the township as a whole."
It states that the township "encourages the upgrade to the power grid in the township but opposes the proposed location."
During the workshop prior to the regular meeting when the resolution was discussed, resident Steve McBride objected to the wording in the resolution that the township "encourages" the project without complete information about it. Township Solicitor Tom Farley explained that the language in the resolution resembles the Dingman Township resolution that Delaware Township officials examined beforehand and felt it would send a clearer message to the Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission LLC (MAIT) overseeing the project if the resolutions are worded similarly.
Supervisors were asked if they knew of any other municipality that has passed or is planning to pass a resolution opposed to the project. "Not yet," said board Chairman John Henderson and felow supervisor Rick Koehler with smiles.
It was mentioned after the meeting that Shohola Township had inquired about examining a copy of Delaware Township's resolution.
An informational meeting for residents was held on Tuesday night this week regarding the Shawnee-Walker Transmission Line Project at the Delaware Township Municipal Building. Supervisors approved a motion allowing the Tuesday meeting requested by Met-Ed/First Energy Service Company during last Wednesday's regular meeting.
One other meeting was held in January and drew a large gathering.
The previous meeting drew comments and questions, but few were answered by a representative of First Energy, who preferred bringing the notes he took back to his offices for answers.
The resolution, in closing, said the supervisors "recognize that there are economic and lifestyle benefits to the township from the proposed power upgrade but also recognized the negative impact that is current location places upon the township, especially the directly affected residents."
Supervisor Joe Dunne recommended residents wait until after the upcoming meeting to form their conclusions.
A regional manager from First Energy Corp. fielded feedback and questions but had few answers while taking notes, saying he would return with answers to their concerns of risks living near electromagnetic lines.
"This is all in the very early stages," said Henderson during the workshop, pointing out that no permits have been issued. Construction would begin in 2024 and be completed by the end of 2025. according to the energy companies.
Also at the regular meeting, supervisors unanimously passed a motion to remove Dillon Miller as the Delaware Township Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator.
A motion to advertise bid specifications for Mary Stuart Road on PennBid through the township's engineer was approved by the supervisors.
Also, a motion passed to approve the Hartman Family to adopt Mary Stuart Road under the Delaware Township Adopt-a-Road Program.
Supervisors authorized the township to go on a list to pay $10,050 to rent through COSTARS a machine to seal the cracks on township roadways. It would cover 24 miles in each direction and take two weeks, according to Roadmaster Richard Bailo in a discussion during the workshop.
Bailo said during the workshop that potholes are being filled every day and he also is looking into the possibility of installing a prefabricated walking bridge at the Akenac Park lake.
"We've got a lot going on right now," said said.
A proposal from Advanced Recycling in the amount of $1,800 for an electronic recycling day was approved. It will take place on June 10 at Dingman Township, which is partnering on the recycling event.
Kirk, Summa & Co, LLP was approved $8,000 for the 2022 audit of records.
Septic Medic's $1,000 estimate to pump and remove trash from township ball parks was approved.
Supervisors passed motions to advertise for part-time seasonal lifeguards, a part-time seasonal park supervisor and part-time seasonal maintenance staffing.
A request for a Wild Acres Lakes Property Owners Association meeting at the municipal hall on May 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a board of directors meet the candidates was approved, along with a municipal hall use request by the Delaware Cemetery Association Board of Managers on April 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. for a meeting.
The Matthew Oehlmann Memorial Softball League was approved a request for use of township fields on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., beginning April 16 and going through Aug. 27.
Under Announcements at the end of the regular meeting, Henderson said that Delaware Township was awarded the statewide Loan Share Account LSA grant (from casino gaming revenue) for the Akenac Park Road Culvert Replacement Project in the amount of $176,755.
Also, the township is accepting letters of interest for vacancies on the Zoning Hearing Board and the Planning Commission.
Henderson also announced that the Working Pike Job Fair will be held Tuesday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Best Western Inn at Hunt’s Landing..
He said the Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps annual Easter Plant & Bake Sale will take place Friday, April 7 from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ambulance Station, 135 Park Road.