Slippery Rock Township's zoning hearing board voted Monday to uphold the change of the zoning classification for a property owned by Heilman Pavement Specialties from rural conservation to light industry and to investigate a special exception for a heavy industry business under the new classification.

A large crowd of concerned community members, some holding signs saying “Save Slippery Rock Creek,” attended the two hearings at the Slippery Township Community Building, which jointly spanned more than six hours. They expressed concerns that the plant would bring harmful pollution, emissions and disruptive noise to surrounding properties, particularly the nearby creek, located 660 feet from the tree line on the property.

According to previous reports, the property at 490 Stoughton Road is intended to be a cold-mix asphalt plant for Hei-Way, which is associated with Heilman Pavement Specialties.

During the noon hearing, the board voted to deny the substantive validity challenge presented by community members. The challenge, filed on behalf of residents Marcia E. Carnahan, Donald M. Carnahan, Paul Boas and Christopher Coleman, argued against the township's action to change the zoning classification of the property. This hearing was continued from Oct. 27.

At the first hearing's conclusion, a hearing for a special exception application for Heilman Pavement Specialities commenced, but was ultimately continued to Dec. 15. This hearing will determine if the township will allow a special exception for heavy industry in a light industrial zoning district.

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