Mahoning Township is preparing an amendment to its ordinance regarding truck terminals, warehouses and distribution centers for its meeting next month.

During the Carbon County Planning Commission meeting last week, Ivan O. Meixell Jr., county planner, reviewed the proposed amendment, which aims to establish new regulations for these structures, as well as commercial solar power generation and accessory solar collectors within the township boundaries.

“Basically, it updates and it really stiffens their ordinance up for basic and solar power generation in these warehouses,” he said.

Meixell said that the amendments, as proposed, are “consistent with existing land development standard and practices and represents a proactive approach to managing land development, distribution and fulfillment centers, truck terminals, warehouses and solar power generation.”

He then recommended the planning commission recommend that Mahoning Township approves the amendment after it complies with holding a public hearing.

Commission member Dennis DeMara asked for an example of what could happen if this amendment doesn’t occur.

Meixell said that Mahoning did not have requirements for warehouses or distribution centers in the ordinance so this outlines where they can go and how they can be built and operated.

He noted that the amendment includes further reviews and steps needed for plans before anything could happen.

“Basically, it makes it a little more stricter,” Meixell said.

According to a legal notice published in the Times News on June 22, the township supervisors will hold a public hearing on this proposed amendment at 5:30 p.m. on July 8 at the township municipal building, 2175 Blakeslee Boulevard, Drive West.

At that time, supervisors will hear public comment on the proposed amendments to Chapter 116 of the zoning ordinances.

Copies of the amendment can be reviewed at the township building during business hours.

The township supervisors will then hold their regularly scheduled meeting following the hearing.