A revised proposal to build a 6,700-square-foot training facility for truck drivers still isn’t sitting well with neighbors in the north end of Palmer Township.
This week representatives of Werner Enterprises returned to the township planning board to address earlier objections to the planned development at Tatamy and Newlins Mill roads. That includes moving the driveway to Newlins Mill Road and lowering the building height from three to two stories. Employees will not learn to drive trucks at the site, as originally sought; a driving course was eliminated. The facility would train inexperienced drivers how to maintain tractor-trailers.
Neighbors said they remain worried about noise and traffic, and a possible drop in property values. Some complained that an 8-foot high berm wouldn’t prevent noise from seeping into their homes, particularly at night.
Township Supervisor Ann-Marie Panella said the plan seems more like a truck terminal than a training facility. Werner Vice President Randy Kraft said it would generate about 35 truck trips a day, far fewer than a warehouse, even though it would have parking for 200 trucks. About 75 percent of the site would be used for training and 25 percent for maintenance, Werner officials said.
Werner is seeking conditional use approval and is expected to return to the planning board in April.
What do you think? Is this an appropriate use for the land? Should the planning board approve it or reject it? Have a say in our informal poll, and feel free to join the conversation in the comments section.
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