The latest Bell Township board meeting, marked by the presence of State Representative Jill Cooper, has sparked a wave of concern and controversy among local residents. The meeting, primarily focused on CNX’s drilling activities and the MAWC Beaver Run Reservoir project, turned into a hotbed of debate about the township’s adherence to public participation laws and its consideration for residents’ concerns.
A Tense Atmosphere: Residents Feel Silenced The testimony of Cloda Yusko, a local resident, paints a picture of a meeting environment where open dialogue and community involvement seemed unwelcome. Yusko’s attempt to question the board about CNX’s activities was met with interruption and dismissal by the township solicitor, Joe Pantone, who insisted that CNX, as a private entity, was off-limits for discussion. This response raises eyebrows, considering Pennsylvania’s laws that advocate for public participation in such meetings.
Ignoring Legal Precedents in Favor of Silence? The events at the Bell Township meeting appear to challenge the principles laid out in the 1933 Act 69 of Pennsylvania and PA Chapter 65 Title 7 § 710.1, both of which emphasize the role of public participation in township affairs. The act of silencing residents like Yusko and others who wished to discuss the impact of local developments suggests a worrying trend of overlooking legal standards for community engagement.
Community’s Voice Overlooked in Development Decisions Beyond the issue of public participation, residents like Carol Armstrong have voiced their unease with the ongoing developments, including the construction of the MAWC water line and CNX’s operations. The absence of local ordinances to regulate noise and light pollution from such projects further amplifies the perception that Bell Township is not prioritizing the wellbeing and concerns of its residents.
A Call for Transparency and Lawful Governance The unfolding situation in Bell Township raises serious questions about the commitment of the township officials to lawful, transparent governance and their responsiveness to the community’s needs. It appears there’s a growing rift between the township’s actions and the legal and ethical responsibilities they are bound to uphold.
