Residents tell supervisors Daniels Cement and excavation operations create safety, noise and air concerns

Several Salem Township residents used public comment at the Oct. 16 meeting to press supervisors to enforce developer and operator compliance after nearby industrial operations expanded near residential properties.

Resident Lisa Segina submitted a petition of 28 signers (kept private) and asked the board to act on complaints about industrial complexes that residents say have encroached on residential backyards. Segina asked that the board require developers to meet township requirements before proceeding with projects.

An email from long-time resident Linda Helman was entered into the public record and not read in full at the meeting. In the email Helman said she and her husband have lived on Sidehamer Lane for 47 years and described two principal complaints: speeding cement trucks on Route 819 creating safety hazards for drivers and school commuters, and noise and air pollution from expanding plant operations. "Since we are older, we cannot attend the meeting, but we are requesting that this letter be read aloud at the meeting and entered into the public record," the email said. Helman asked for mitigation measures, including fencing and better coordination with neighbors, to protect property values and safety.

Solicitor Atty. Falatovich told residents the township has been addressing the concerns by bringing Daniels through the Planning Process and expects as-built plans to be submitted by Dec. 31, 2024. No enforcement actions or new mitigation measures were adopted at the meeting; the concerns were entered into the minutes for follow-up.

The board did not vote on specific remediation measures at the Oct. 16 meeting. Residents and supervisors said the issue will continue through Planning and permitting channels.