The Northumberland County Planning Commission voted to continue a scheduled public hearing to Jan. 15, with public input to be taken at that later date, after an applicant’s agent asked to defer the matter.

An unidentified commissioner moved “that we honor the request of the applicant to continue this public hearing until January 15 meeting at 07:30PM,” and another member seconded the motion. Staff then explained that including the specific date and time in the motion would avoid the need to re-advertise the hearing, which they estimated would cost about $300.

Commissioners discussed practical implications for members of the public who had already arrived. One commissioner pointed to an email from Craig Babinski stating the case had been pulled from the evening’s agenda; other members cautioned against allowing applicants to unilaterally govern the commission’s calendar. Staff clarified that written comments already submitted remain part of the record and will be considered at the continued hearing; oral comments on that public hearing will not be taken tonight.

The motion to continue the hearing carried by voice vote. Staff said they will notify the applicant and the public of the continued date and time included in the motion.

Next steps: the continued public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 15 at the time the motion specifies; the commission did not require re-advertisement because the motion recorded the date and time.