Meeting Summaries

July 9 - WM/GCSL Application to Request the Rezoning of 212 acres of Farm and Forest Land owned by Slate Springs Farms LLC, Gary Perin Manager, to create a 2nd Solid Waste Processing and Disposal District was submitted in September of 2024. 

At the July 9, 2025 Plainfield Township Board of Supervisors meeting, a motion was made by Ken Field and seconded by Nolan Kemmerer to move forward with advertising for the public meetings to consider the adoption of three (3) Ordinances proposed by WM/GCSL. The motion passed with Ken Field, Nolan Kemmerer and Jonathan Itterly voting yes. Glenn Borger and Ken Fairchild voted no. 

Township Solicitor David Backenstoe was directed to prepare the advertising with a projected hearing date of August 27th, 2025. As per the PA Municipalities Planning Code and Plainfield Township Code regulations, residents near the proposed area to be rezoned will be notified by mail and the property will be posted prior to the public hearing. 

The proposed Ordinances are currently being reviewed by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and will also be on the agenda of the Plainfield Township Planning Commission in August. Strategic Solutions a third party planning agency was hired by the Board in April of 2025 to conduct a review of the submission. The report was due back on July 10th, 2025. The projected timeline leaves little time for the Board and public to properly review the reports prior to the public hearing. 

The Monroe County Waste Authority's Executive Director, Mike Stettler addressed the Board by stating his that his job is to have places for Monroe County's waste to go and the expansion isn't just about (Plainfield) residents. Maybe Waste Management has found the perfect partner to locate their next landfill in Monroe County? Instead of buying up property from Slate Spring Farms that is so close to residents, Waste Management should consider working with Monroe County Waste Authority to acquire property that is appropriately separated from residential areas in Monroe County. 

Nolan Kemmerer made a motion to have an Economic Committee, the GKEDC, be an advisor to the Township for Economic Development. John Itterly seconded. Glenn Borger brought up that they have closed meetings that are not open to the public and they don't represent the Township. David Backenstoe noted they are a 501 c3 . This was not an agenda item and it wasn't voted on to add onto the agenda. Furthermore, the GKEDC brought the Township Synagro and wants the expansion. Without following proper meeting protocol and without withdrawing the prior motion, Nolan made a motion to amend the agenda and it was seconded by John Itterly. The vote was 4 yes 1 no (Glenn Borger.)

Nolan Kemmerer made a motion for him to get together with Pete Albanese and some other members of the GKEDC to discuss economic development. John Itterly seconded and it passed 4 yes 1 no (Glenn Borger.) It should be noted the planning commission recommended the formation of a public economic development commission, that would be bound to public accountability and transparency. 

On March 17, 2025, after months of meetings featuring presentations, deliberation, and public comment, the Planning Commission representing Wind Gap, Pen Argyl, & Plainfield Township recommended NOT approving Waste Management's proposal to expand their landfill by a 4-1 vote.