Natural gas well fracking plans on hold in Indiana Township

A decision regarding a rezoning request in Indiana Township that could pave the way for new gas well construction won’t come for two months.

The township’s planning commission voted 4-0 Wednesday night, May 22 before an overflow crowd to postpone its decision on a proposal by Cranberry-based MPF Management for 60 days.

The planning commission is a recommending body. Actual zoning changes would have to be approved by the township supervisors.

The company is seeking a zoning amendment to change a 59-acre parcel along Route 910 from office/commercial to light industrial.

Planning commission member Kevin McKeegan said he wants to see geotechnical engineering and feasibility studies done on the property, as well as a market study by a broker or appraiser reporting on market trends in the area for commercial uses.

“This is not the extension of an industrial zone. It’s the creation of a new one,” McKeegan said of the request.

He also stressed oil and gas development was not on the agenda, and those discussions would have to take place at another time.

The office/commercial zone is designed to promote professional office centers, restaurants, retail sales and the like.

Attorney Jake Polochak represented MPF Management at the meeting. He said the area selected was more beneficial to the township as compared to a previously considered space at the former U.S. Pallet Co. site. He said the site is farther away from residences and less visible from roadways.

Polochak said the original site would have permitted a gas well to be constructed as a conditional use, so a rezoning request would not have been required.

A majority of the 59-acre lot would be donated to the township, Polochak said. He said only about five to six acres would contain the actual operational site.

“We want to be transparent with the township and all its residents,” Polochak said after the vote. “We want to let them know this is our plan so it wasn’t a surprise if it got rezoned. Whatever residual property was left, we want to see if it could be donated to be part of a neighboring township park.”

Polochak said he and his client will do their best to provide the information planning commissioners requested.

“You have to be patient with these types of projects,” he said. “Folks have concerns. They’ve got to come and hear information and let their local officials know their concerns. That’s the way it’s supposed to work.”

About 100 people showed up to oppose the rezoning, with people standing in the doorway of commission chambers and late arrivals parking in the grass.

Resident Steve Fine was among the dozen or so who spoke. Afterward, he said the planning commission made the right move.

“I think they need more information,” Fine said. “They need to act in the best interest of their citizens. That’s us. The people who live here. The people whose property values are affected by these things and people whose quality of life are affected by these things.”

Fine said there was an active gas well in the township years ago, and it caused a lot of problems for him and other residents.

Resident Nettie Owens also commended McKeegan for making his request.

“I have renewed faith in our planning commission now that we have two new members who understand the law and are thoughtful and deliberate in representing the people in the township,” she said.