The room was packed for three public hearings in Polk Township this week.

The first was regarding zoning amendments for solar power generation in commercial areas.

Solicitor Jim Fareri explained the proposed amendment would remove commercial solar from R-2 zones. Currently they are allowed as a conditional use in the zone.

The township supervisors feel as it’s been permitted in rural residential zones and taken out of R-2 zones, while allowed with conditional use in commercial zones, it would be best to remove commercial solar from R2 zones.

Setbacks would increase to 100 feet from property lines, 200 feet from adjoining properties and 500 feet from transformers, substations etc.

Several residents were vocal about not allowing commercial zoning solar power facilities in residential zones.

Linda Snyder, from Pocono Heritage Land Trust, said, “I’m begging the supervisors to take industrial solar farms out of our farmlands. Industrial solar farms are dangerous to us, destroy habitats, wildlife and damage water.”

She added, “Do your duty to the township and duty to the citizens with clean air and water and the natural aesthetic value of the environment. This is our precious environment.”

The Chestnuthill/Jackson/Eldred/Ross/Polk townships regional planning committee has talked to a consultant to modify the plan and will be asked to review the solar ordinance.

Resident Ann Gravel said, “We do not want it at all. You can take it out of the RR zone altogether. We cannot get these farmland back.”

Supervisors approved the agreement at their regular business meeting, which followed the hearings.

Short-term rental

The second hearing was for a short-term rental amendment.

Fareri said that STRs were allowed anywhere in the township and now they will be taken out of the R-1 (residential) zone.

In addition, STR owners must apply for a permit under building codes so the property can be inspected to ensure it is safe for fire protection, who to contact in the event of an emergency is clearly displayed and other safety measures.

The fee for an STR application will remain at $300.

The amendment was approved at the supervisors regular meeting.

Geothermal heating

The zoning amendment hearing was about ground source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps.

A permit is required prior to either of the sources, and there is a specific isolation distance from wells, in addition to ground inspection.

The second part of the hearing was to lessen the time of zoning appeals to 20 days for property owners.

Supervisors approved the change.