From grassroots to policy: zoning law is a lesson in democracy

To the editor: As Pike County doubles in population in the next twenty years, water resource protection will be a top concern. All government officials and agencies will need to adopt strong land-use policies to address this problem. The need for goods, services, and job producing economic growth is mutually entwined with long term environmental sustainability. These two issues can no longer be framed in an either/or duality - especially in Pike County. Our economic strength depends on maintaining our pristine environment. It was May 2004 when the Dingman Township officials first proposed their Resort Commercial Zone on top of the Milford Springs aquifer. At that time, the axiom -- a healthy economy needs a healthy environment -- seemed forgotten. It was also a disappointment in January 2006 when the Milford Borough Council downgraded their support for the Sawkill Creek Conservation Plan from “endorsed” to “reviewed.” That night, it appeared the sample water source protection ordinance I provided the Council would not be used for some time. That is why I would like to thank and commend all the voters/taxpayers who signed my petition questioning the legitimacy of a Resort Commercial Zone on top of a neighboring town’s water source. Over this 2-1/2 year campaign, approximately 1,500 petitioners came together to form a strong coalition. In one voice we stood firm, demanding our local and county leaders address this problem. Even though the ride was bumpy at times, that is exactly what happened in the end. The Dingman Township officials and the Milford Water Authority, along with the County’s Planning Office and Conservation District, came together to update and strengthen the Sawkill Creek Ordinance. This new Dingman Township ordinance provides performance standards such as: 1) a limit on impervious surfaces, 2) a ban on the storage of toxic substances, and 3) strict water infiltration and storm water runoff guidelines. These new enforceable provisions, along with close monitoring, should mitigate the concern for the safety of Milford’s water supply from this new Resort Commercial Zone. All the officials who put together the breakthrough language of this ordinance should be commended for a job well done. The Pike County Commissioners, who have shown leadership on this issue, are also due credit. Now, since the same issue is present on the commercial zone across the street, Milford Township should follow Dingman Township’s lead and pass a similar Sawkill Creek Ordinance update to protect the Milford Springs aquifer zone adjacent to the I84/Route 6 Interchange. We are lucky to live in a democracy where: 1) People can disseminate vital information freely 2) Citizens can come to their own conclusions and petition their government to change policy accordingly 3) Citizens can go to a public meeting to make a public comment of critique, without fear of retribution 4) A free press can publish the arguments citizens make challenging government policy (I want to personally thank the Courier for providing in depth insight into this important issue) 5) Citizens have the power to vote their elected officials out of office when they are not responsive to the public’s needs With complicated problems coming to Pike County as we explode in growth, let us continue to protect and respect these fundamental freedoms of our democracy. Only in this manner, can we protect our environment as we grow our economic base. Only in this manner, can we preserve the dignity of our free society. Vito DiBiasi Dingman Township