Residents urge commissioners to address proposed ICE facility and landfill concerns during public comment

Multiple residents used the public-comment period at the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners work session on May 6 to raise concerns about a proposed ICE detention facility, local landfill impacts and accessibility for people with disabilities.

Lisa Von Ahn of Pottsville and residents from Tremont — including Lara and Joe Wiscount — commented on plans for an ICE facility proposed for Tremont Township. The speakers expressed concern about the local impacts of such a facility during the public-comment period; the transcript records their participation but does not provide verbatim statements or any formal response from the board during the meeting.

Jeff Dunkel of Palo Alto and David Plachko of Pottsville both raised issues related to the Brads landfill and data centers. Chris Melusky of Norwegian Township specifically commented on access to the public-comment process for people with disabilities. Shirley Wagner of Joliett noted an upcoming Department of Environmental Protection meeting in late May and mentioned the proposed ICE detention center.

No formal action or vote on the proposed ICE facility or landfill projects was taken at the May 6 session; these concerns were recorded during the public-comment period. The board’s published agenda and minutes list the comments but do not show a staff report or motion addressing them during this meeting.

The commissioners approved the rest of the agenda items during the work session and adjourned; any follow-up on the ICE facility, landfill concerns or DEP-related items would require future agenda placement or separate staff action.