BUTLER TWP — Rex Energy’s proposal to build a Marcellus Shale gas well pad on the property of Krendale Golf Course advances to the township commissioners but without a recommendation from the township planning commission.

After hearing the plans Tuesday night, the planning commission refused to vote in favor or against the project.

Planning commission members did not even make a motion to take a vote. Afterward, some of the members declined to comment, while others said their actions — or lack of actions — were intended to send a message:

They agree with the township engineer, solicitor and zoning officer that the plan meets the zoning ordinance requirements. They just don’t like it.

“It’s too close to residential houses,” said planning member Ernie Oesterling.

A half-dozen representatives of Rex Energy described their intentions to the planning commissioners and to about two dozen people who attended the meeting at the township municipal building.

The well pad, they said, would be accessed from Route 68 near its intersection with Eberhart Road and would be capable of housing up to 9 wells. It would be on a portion of the 239-acre lot that is zoned multifamily residential and is not used by the golf course itself.

The proposal calls for two stormwater retention ponds, but no ponds for retention of fracking water.

About a half-dozen people who live nearby spoke against the well pad, citing threats to water, safety and air quality as well as potential harm to their property values.

Calling the plan “madness” and “ridiculous,” residents noted the proximity of stores, houses, a nursing home and more than 50 condominiums.

Resident Rosemary Smith questioned why this is allowed in her neighborhood. She said during her 30 years of living on Judson Avenue, she asked the township for permission to open a car painting business and a beauty salon in her home. She said she was turned down both times because she was told the traffic and fumes a business might create are not permitted in a residential neighborhood.

“I don’t want this in my neighborhood,” she said of the well pad.

No one from the golf course attended the meeting.

The plan will come before the township commissioners at their Sept. 15 meeting.

Commissioner Sam Zurzolo is a member of the planning commission. Two commissioners, Charles Nedz and Joseph Hasychak, attended the planning commission meeting and heard the proposal and residents’ objections to it.