From the Pottsville Republican Herald.......
Paragon Seeks Zoning Exception
BY SHAWN A. HESSINGER
08/03/2007
More than 70 local residents and others concerned over the proposal of a park for off-road enthusiasts in North Union Township crowded a courtroom on the second floor of the courthouse Thursday.
But only one local resident had a chance to testify in a hearing before the Schuylkill County Zoning Hearing Board that will be continued until 7:45 p.m. Sept. 6.
?I believe it will be a detriment to the community,? said Gregory Isabella, a Philadelphia resident and part-time resident of Zion Grove who lives across the road from the site.
Isabella said he planned to relocate to the area full time in five years and was concerned the proposed land use on parcels zoned agricultural and residential would lead to trespassing, litter and environmental problems.
But James Scallion, an attorney representing Paragon Adventure Park, the company proposing the park, reiterated testimony that the park?s presence would likely prevent both.
Paragon owner Kyle Knosp had operated a previous park until recently in Hazle Township, Luzerne County, and told the zoning hearing board the new use would barely be noticed by residents of a nearby development.
?A lawn mower causes more noise than our average customer,? Knosp said.
Compared to the larger park partially located in both Schuylkill and Luzerne counties, Knosp said the new park would not include ATVs, dirt bikes or other exclusively off-road vehicles.
While Knosp estimated attracting an average of 25,000 participants annually to the earlier site in an interview this week, he said Thursday the new park would draw a maximum of 100 vehicles a day and mostly on weekends.
But attorneys Charles Pedri, an attorney for concerned residents, and Paul Domalakes, solicitor for the North Union Township supervisors, presented concerns about vehicles racing through wooded areas at 15 mph, wading through mudholes and spilling break fluid and oil.
They presented photos and information from Knosp?s current website which he said does not adequately represent activities for the new site.
John Bonner, a neighboring property owner of Knosp?s original park in Luzerne County, said the presence of the recreation area had cut down on both trespassing and illegal dumping on the property, some of which is former mine land.
