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Blakely councilors, residents discuss regional zoning, land swaps and mine‑reclamation concerns
Summary
Councilors discussed a proposed study to regionalize zoning across mid‑valley boroughs and heard multiple residents raise questions about a proposed land swap, a data‑center site (mostly zoned R‑1), an NPDES mine‑reclamation permit and culm‑to‑topsoil reclamation plans.
At meetings on Sept. 10 and Sept. 15, 2025 Blakely Borough officials discussed beginning a study to regionalize zoning across mid‑valley municipalities and heard several residents ask questions about land use and mine‑reclamation projects.
Borough Secretary Christopher R. Paone raised the idea of a regional zoning study that would produce one common zoning book and map for participating towns while leaving final control with each municipality. Planning Commission Chairman Gino Merli (present) and Mr. Paone described the approach as a tool to limit certain development types in individual towns while ensuring they remain allowable somewhere within the region.
Residents used the public comment period to ask about site‑specific questions: Lou DeMarco has requested a land swap tied to a project at the end of Everson Street; Lisa Wilson asked what could be built on land owned by Kriger Construction, and Mr. Merli said most of that property is R‑1 Low Density Residential (allowing single‑family homes) while parcels nearer the highway allow more commercial uses. Mr. Paone said about 90% of the land proposed for a data center is zoned R‑1, and that clearing land to stage heavy equipment would not be permitted under current zoning.
On environmental concerns, residents asked about an NPDES permit for Al Patel's mine‑reclamation work. Mr. Paone said the NPDES permit covers earth‑moving activities and is regulated by the state through the Lackawanna County Conservation District; the borough receives the permit paperwork and inspections and makes those records available to the public. Mr. Paone also explained the culm reuse plan: culm from Dickson City would be mixed with topsoil as part of standard reclamation practice in the region.
Other neighborhood concerns raised during public comment included traffic‑signal detection on Main St., damaged street signs, parking of commercial vehicles on streets/private property, and requests for additional stop signs. Chief Salerno said golf carts, ATVs, UTVs and most e‑cycles are not allowed on public roads.
Council did not take formal zoning action at these meetings; staff said ordinance updates are in progress and a regional zoning study was proposed for further consideration.
