A spirited discussion regarding desired language to be included in the comprehensive plane took place between Dyberry Township supervisors and the citizens on Monday, March 8.
The supervisors anticipated having a draft of the comprehensive plan, which encompasses Honesdale, Bethany, Dyberry and Texas townships at this month’s meeting however, the meeting scheduled for February 25 where they were supposed to receive the draft, was cancelled due to the snowstorm.
Jane Bollinger asked for a section of minutes from the last meeting to be read for the benefit of those who did not attend the meeting. Secretary Jill George read the following: “Jane Bollinger is attending the meeting to discuss farm land preservation issues. Jane asked the supervisors to place strong language in the comprehensive plan to support farmland preservation. Roger Hill agrees that Dyberry Township show support in whatever manner to allow small and medium sized farms to remain viable.
“The trend to have more locally grown food is strong and he would like the supervisors to support this effort going forward. Skye (Baalentine) stated that farmland is important and that people in the township need a support system to continue offering pristine agricultural business. Ed (Fritsch) stated that the comprehensive plan is not legally binding. It is a written record of what our vision is for the township over the next 10 – 20 years. The new plan…is expected to be finished by this spring. Jane urged the supervisors to take action and get wording included to support the preservation of farmlands in Dyberry Township. Bruce (Varcoe) stated he was in favor of preserving Dyberry as much as possible. Ed (Fritsch) will speak with Wayne Earley about including this language.”
How would they vote?
Jane Bollinger inquired how each supervisor would vote.
”I think it’s premature to decide how you’ll vote on something that hasn’t been decided yet,” said Supervisor Bruce Varcoe. “It would be irresponsible of me.”
“According to this survey, 78 percent of the people surveyed (in Dyberry Township) approve of preserving (farm land),” said Jane Bollinger. According to Bollinger the survey was sent to 28 percent of the residents of Dyberry Township.
“I’m all for keeping this as much as possible…like it is,” replied Varcoe.
Bollinger then inquired, “What kind of action are you willing to take?”
“(There is a) meeting scheduled for March 11 at 5 p.m. with the steering committee for the comprehensive plan,” said Supervisor Ed Fritsch “The farmland preservation language will be available at that time.”
“Can we go to the meeting on the eleventh?” asked Krista Hartley. “Is it open to the public?”
“It is, but it isn’t,” said Fritsch.
“What does that mean?” asked Hartley. “Does that mean you’d prefer a representative?”
“Yes,” replied Fritsch.
“I would like to take a stab at convincing Mr. Walker,” continued Bollinger. “I know you’ve been opposed to it since day one.”
“No,” replied Supervisor John Walker. “I was representing the people.”
“If people don’t understand it, and they think it’s going to go to zoning, you’re going to have a hard time,” said Varcoe.
“There are ways to do zoning that won’t tie up everything,” said Bollinger. “The comprehensive plan is not zoning. To kill the comprehensive plan is not forward looking. Once this is all said and done, there will be a 45 day waiting period and a public hearing.”
“We all want Dyberry township to stay the way it is,” said Matt Meagher. “I think everybody ought to be able to get a copy of the comprehensive plan and read it.”
“If it’s just a plan and not law, anybody can do what they want with the land, right?” asked Krista Hartley. The supervisors agreed that was correct.
“What is in the plan?” asked Delores Falvo. “We’re talking about the plan and no one knows what’s in the plan.”
