Supervisors approve noise barrier for Daniel's Ready-Mix after contested discussion

Salem Township supervisors voted April 16 to allow Daniel's Concrete to build a noise barrier around its existing ready-mix silo, a decision that drew sharp objections from residents and planning reviewers and passed by a 2-1 margin.

The motion followed a lengthy exchange about whether issuing a permit before outstanding land-development approvals — specifically stormwater management, erosion & sediment (E&S) controls, and PennDOT highway occupancy permit (HOP) matters — would create a de facto building permit that could expose the township to liability. Solicitor Atty. Falatovich told the board it has the authority to permit the barrier now because the township engineer determined the barrier area did not implicate the outstanding conditions. Supervisor Kenneth Trumbetta said the measure was an attempt to "try to work with people" and address neighborhood noise concerns. Supervisor Kerry Jobe opposed taking the step, warning it could be used to challenge the township's procedures in court.

Resident Connie Mattei and Lisa Segina argued the barrier should not be permitted while the larger land-development approvals remain incomplete; Mattei cited SALDO section 207 and said earlier township e-mails recommended against permitting during review. The board recorded the vote: Bob Zundel and Kenneth Trumbetta voted for the motion; Kerry Jobe voted no. The motion carried by majority vote.

The solicitor and township engineer noted that final permits and HOP remain required for other aspects of the development; the barrier approval does not waive those future reviews. The board directed that the contractor obtain any required construction drawings and that the Township BCO review the permit documents prior to issuance.