JESSUP -- Chairman Pat Dempsey of the Lackawanna County Planning Commission believes it erred when it recommended a zoning change to accommodate the proposed natural gas power plant in Jessup.
He warns such a zoning change could open the door to more power plants, landfills, and other businesses some residents might not want.
At the last two meetings of the planning commission, Chairman Dempsey was in Florida and was not present for a key vote.
But before the board recommended a zoning change needed by Invenergy to build its proposed power plant in Jessup Dempsey emailed the board, writing "I cannot support a yea."
"I really don`t want this plant," said Tony Wrightson of Jessup.
Opponents of the plant, including Tony Wrightson of Jessup applaud Dempsey`s stand.
In his letter to the planning commission, Dempsey notes the importance of taking a view that goes beyond just Jessup.
He writes, "to look at each (municipality) without considering the context of the region would only lead to unfortunate circumstances, such as two mega landfills....Within miles of each other.....Dangerously located in residential communities."
Dempsey asks, "if Jessup must allow a power plant, then does the same hold true for Archbald and Throop? Could there be at least 3 power plants side by side?"
"They`re going to bring in bad business to this community. Bad business," said Wrightson. "Because it`s going to set a precedent throughout the area."
"It would bring more jobs for people," said Ryan Pawlikowski of Jessup.
Pawlikowski supports Invenergy`s promise of 600 temporary construction jobs and 30 full-time positions at the plant if the project gets approved.
He says he and many of his neighbors hope a zoning change to allow the power plant might do even more.
"It would open up more opportunities for other businesses to come to the area. And I think it`s a good idea," said Pawlikowski.
The Lackawanna County Planning Commission voted 4-2 in favor of recommending the zoning change. It's now in the hands of the Jessup borough council. A final decision is at least a month away.
