Lower Milford Planning Commission Denies Quarry Preliminary Plan

In the latest development on the longstanding proposal for a quarry in Lower Milford Township, the township Planning Commission last Monday night voted unanimously against the preliminary plan.

But Geryville Materials, the company seeking to build the quarry, said it would appeal the ruling in court.

Geryville owner David Rittenhouse, who was at the meeting with his attorney Terry Parish and engineer John Ross, said of the commission's ruling, “It's a little disappointing but we will do better in court.” He said the company will appeal the decision within the week.

Meanwhile, township manager Ellen Koplin, who serves on the commission, said of Geryville's preliminary plan, “There was quite a laundry list of deficiencies.”

One of the contested areas was Geryville's land development proposal. To satisfy the requirements of township ordinances, the company had to submit a land disturbance and use calculation.

Geryville had submitted its plan as one lot, but township ordinances prevent lots from being consolidated when divided by public roads.

Rittenhouse said the plans were proposed as required but that the commission had then "changed its stance."

Geryville has been in talks with Lower Milford since 2004 when it applied for a special exception with the Zoning Hearing Board. The company's proposal is to build a quarry on 628 acres on both sides of W. Mill Hill and Buhman roads.

Planning Commission solicitor David Backenstoe is working on a written version of the commission’s denial.