We are busy preparing for the Feb. 27 conditional use hearing regarding the million-square-foot proposed warehouse on Rt. 222 and in reading the local news, it’s staggering how many towns like ours are facing similar battles with developers looking to forever change those communities. Recent news makes this clear.

Per WFMZ, the Pocono Township Board of Commissioners voted Monday to amend their zoning ordinances and more clearly define truck terminals, warehouses and distribution centers.

What does this mean? Among other things, the township commissioners “will reserve the right to impose certain conditions on warehouse or truck terminal use.” That could involve limiting the number of truck bays and/or parking spaces, which would consequently limit the size of such development.

It is a good step towards preventing the kind of gross commercial overdevelopment that plagues our neighborhoods. However, part of the amendment involves adding an “Overlay District” — defined as “a zoning district applied over one or more previously established zoning districts” — to the township map, which opens the door for other warehouse projects.

As one advocate notes, it’s not enough.

“We do not find it appropriate to allow for the Enterprise Park Overlay District to be placed next to any residential communities,” Jones said. “Our enjoyment of the township is going to be compromised by the influx of distribution centers and tractor-trailers.”

Abigail M. Jones, an attorney representing PennFuture, a statewide environmental organization

Our township will be meeting to discuss similar ordinance amendments on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. Attend if you can and make your concerns known.

From our FB group:

I do not know if a decision will be made but I expect them to discuss the zoning overlay ordinance for the Park rd commercial district. This is another very important issue to many residents in the area. The owners of the commercial property in front of Plaza Azteca and Massimo’s along Park rd are asking to overlay a residential zone on top of the commercial zone. They intend to build a large multi unit apartment building on this property.

The fight continues. Join our FB group and get involved