Residents of Lydia Township voiced strong opposition to the proposed industrial park during a recent town hall meeting, raising concerns about traffic, property taxes, and safety. Trevor Winesroll, a local resident, highlighted the community's frustration with what they perceive as misinformation from township officials regarding the impact of the development.
Winesroll pointed out existing traffic issues on Route 13, where the industrial park is planned, and expressed fears that the construction of a 50,000 square foot warehouse would exacerbate these problems. He noted that the value of nearby properties would likely increase due to the industrial development, contradicting assurances from officials that property taxes would remain unaffected.
Safety concerns were also a major topic of discussion, particularly regarding the dangerous intersection near the proposed site. Residents recounted near-miss incidents and questioned the lack of plans to improve the intersection, with one attendee poignantly asking if a fatality would be necessary before action is taken. The response from officials—that unfortunately, someone might have to die before changes are made—was met with disbelief and anger from the audience.
The community's discontent extended to financial management, with residents accusing the township of misallocating funds from the sale of the land intended for the industrial park. They argued that the budget does not reflect the needs of the public, particularly in light of recent incidents, such as a fire that damaged a local barn.
Overall, the meeting underscored a unified stance among residents against the industrial park, with no attendees expressing support for the project. The concerns raised reflect a broader apprehension about the potential negative impacts on the community's quality of life and safety.