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Planning Commission recommends Quarry Support Overlay Zone to support expansion of Rohrer’s Quarry
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to recommend a Quarry Support Overlay Zone that would permit non‑excavation quarry support activities on about 16.5 acres adjacent to Rohrer’s finishing plant; presenters said the change could extend quarry reserves by roughly 50 years and includes a proposed Lititz Road relocation tied to PennDOT approvals.
Representatives for Rohrer’s Quarry described a long‑term plan to consolidate finishing‑plant support activities and reduce truck crossings of public roads. Dwight Yoder (Gibbel, Kraybill & Hess) and Travis Rohrer explained the proposal would create a Quarry Support Overlay Zone covering about 16.5 additional acres adjacent to the finishing plant; they said the overlay would permit activities such as material storage, processing, truck loading, and internal circulation but would not authorize new quarry excavation within the overlay area. Presenters estimated the combined expansions could provide approximately 50 additional years of quarry reserves.
A significant component of the plan is relocating a segment of Lititz Road to remove a dangerous intersection at Fruitville Pike, create a new signalized intersection at Manheim Pike, and direct truck traffic to the new intersection. Township staff and the presenters said construction could begin after PennDOT approvals, potentially in 2027. Commissioners asked about overlay size, traffic impacts, nearby residential development, visual screening, and long‑term reclamation. The applicants described proposed berms and evergreen plantings for visual buffering and noted that state regulations require reclamation plans and financial bonding to ensure site restoration when quarrying ends. Commissioner Bob Kornman raised concern about a proposed traffic island (described in the record as a 'pork chop') at Erbs Quarry Road, and township staff replied that the design responds to a PennDOT requirement intended to route trucks to the signalized Manheim Pike intersection.
On a motion by Marianne McConnell, seconded by Larry Sheckler, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Quarry Support Overlay Zone Ordinance. The recommendation will proceed to subsequent review by the township and PennDOT as required by state and local procedures.
