The Kidder Township supervisors listened to residents’ opposition stance and their concerns about a proposed 1.1 million square foot truck terminal during Tuesday’s board meeting, but in the end unanimously gave conditional approval to project waivers.

It was noted several times that this is not a final approval and there is a long way to go in the process.

Supervisor Noel Torres addressed the audience’s concerns, saying he had looked into a great deal of information and ordinances and believed it would be an “injustice if we vote against it.”

He said a judge would rule against the township should supervisors deny it and the issue be argued in court. He said that approval does not give “carte blanche” for Blue Ridge to move ahead with their plans, saying that all projects will be scrutinized, but at this juncture, the vote against conditional approval and then a court battle would not be a good use of taxpayer dollars.

There were 10 public comments about the terminal planned along Route 940, which would be Blue Ridge Real Estate’s second warehouse in the township.

Many speakers presented arguments and research against the proposal, citing concerns over the environment, noise, light pollution, air pollution and crime.

Questions were asked why the supervisors were not following or enforcing the zoning ordinance.

Some speakers requested a new traffic study, pointing out that the last one was in 2019, and so much has changed in the township that a new study is warranted.

Other concerns were for water quality, stating that the plans do not adequately address stormwater and run off. It was also pointed out that Francis Walter Dam Road does not have the infrastructure to handle the off-site drainage.

Attorney Mike Malloy, representing Blue Ridge Real Estate, made his presentation to the supervisors as to why they should grant conditional approval to their requested building project waivers. He referred to how much they have already done to meet township requirements and denied accusations from the public that Blue Ridge would be turning the township into an industrial area.

Malloy said the public presents “red herrings” and “misinformation” in opposition to the project. He said there is no need for a new traffic study, and they have consulted with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Malloy dismissed public concerns over the cumulative environmental effects of the project. His argument concluded by saying Blue Ridge has met all written requirements and supervisors should approve the requested waivers according to their own rules.

Board Chairman Raymond Gluck said several conditions have not been met, and requested Blue Ridge notify the board each time a condition is met.