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Plymouth Township to have hearing on leaving distressed status

Our Opinion: Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton council members shouldn’t be in dark about city finances

LAKE TWP. &#8212; A citizens committee is forming to determine the feasibility of developing a local zoning board, said Bob Pace, a Lake Township supervisor.The rural Back Mountain community falls under the Luzerne County Zoning Board. But in 2014, a proposed hydraulic fracturing fluid treatment facility threatened the tranquil community spurring interest among residents and supervisors to investigate the benefits and disadvantages of a local zoning board.&#8220;I like the idea of planning out our own zoning board,&#8221; Pace said. &#8220;We (township residents) could determine what our township will look like in the future.&#8221;The trade off for the independence are expenses, he said.The small municipality has over 2,000 residents and a 2016 budget totaling just under $400,000, Pace said.&#8220;We have to look at the expense of having a zoning solicitor, a place to meet and creating a zoning ordinance,&#8221; he said. &#8220;No one wants to see taxes go up, but we do need to pay for township services.&#8221;Revenue generated from zoning applications could cover some expenses, Pace said.&#8220;There is much more that needs to be done to understand the effect a zoning board would have on the township,&#8221; Pace said. &#8220;It will take time and research.&#8221;Lehman Township and the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors have offered assistance in Pace&#8217;s search for information.&#8220;PSATS is willing to help with the legality of establishing a zoning board,&#8221; he said.The idea has created conversations in the township. Pace has heard from supporters and opponents who stated the municipality is too rural to need a local zoning board.With public opinion widespread, Pace is developing a citizen&#8217;s committee to study the pros and cons of the idea.&#8220;There are currently seven people volunteering to work on this,&#8221; he said.Residents interested in studying the concept of a Lake Township Zoning Board can call 570-639-2828, email laketwp@epix.net or visit www.laketwppa.com.<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta>By Eileen Godinegodin@www.timesleader.com</bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta>Reach Eileen Godin at 570-991-6387 or on Twitter @TLNews</shirttailMeta></div>

Feasibility of having a Lake Township Zoning Board to be investigated by a citizens committee