Mar 15, 2007 By Rebekah Sungala 2 min read

South Union Township supervisors gave their approval Wednesday to rezone a piece of property, changing it from residential to business, despite protests from a handful of residents who attended a public hearing regarding the matter. Township supervisors voted unanimously to rezone the property after hearing testimony from five residents against the change.

The property in question is owned by Route 40 Properties Inc. and is located between East Main and Elm streets.

Residents said they were opposed to the rezoning because they see no need for further development in that area.

“We’ve got enough noise and businesses in that area now,” said James Clark of 31 Bradbury St.

Erica Bane of 482 E. Main St. said she didn’t want a business of any sort near her residence.

“I don’t want to end up with a parking lot next to my house,” she said.

Other residents voiced concerns about possible congestion on Elm Street, a one-way street, if the area is developed.

Residents also said they were concerned about water runoff once construction begins.

In addition, Bane accused the supervisors of granting the zoning change because state Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-South Union Twp., has a stake in the property.

“It’s all politics,” she said.

Mahoney owns a share in Route 40 Properties Inc. but was not present at the public hearing.

Robert Similo, president of the corporation, attended the meeting on behalf of all the shareholders.

Supervisors denied that granting the zoning change had anything to do with Mahoney, saying they believed developing the area is what’s best for the township.

“We have to look at how it will benefit the township as a whole,” Supervisor Thomas Frankhouser said.

Frankhouser said the area is not fit for residential development, adding that he believes economic development is a good thing.

When asked what kind of business would be developed, Similo said the corporation is not exactly sure what will be located there, but said plans call for a professional plaza of some sort to be developed.

“We feel developing this piece of property will enhance the community,” he said.

Similo said Route 40 Properties Inc. is working with the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to get permission to access Route 40 so that Elm Street will not have to be used.

As for other issues, Similo said shareholders are aware of potential water runoff issues and that the matter will be addressed when the land is developed.