| Council Unanimously Approves SunCoke Rezoning |
| Wednesday, August 20, 2008 11:01:22 AM - Middletown Ohio |
Middletown officials have voted unanimously for a second time to rezone Bake-Martin parcel from residential to industrial land during their meeting on Tuesday, August 19th. Councilman David Schiavone once again could not participate in the vote due to conflict of interest as his brother owns property in the affected area.
With the rezoning approved for a second time opponents to the SunCoke plant are running out of options. "Tonight was another farce," exclaims opponent Lisa Frye, a Middletown resident and organizer of the SunCoke Watch group. Many local residents and opponents were not surprised by the decision made by council, as the first parcel passed in similar fashion. Fry submitted a 3,500 signature petition in opposition to the rezoning, and was also among those who spoke out against the rezoning during Tuesday's public hearing. Opponents from local Middletown and Monroe neighborhoods also questioned the rezoning stating issues concerning health, safety, quality of life, and proprety devaluation.
With Councils decision last night, Robert Snook, a former technical manager at AK Steel's coke plant, declared the city council decision as "the triple whammy". Tuesday's decision eliminated the 600-foot setback requirement in an industrial area, which could open the way for another 100 coke ovens on site; and the Ohio Environment Protection Agency "rubber-stamping" SunCokes permit application.
The rezoning decision has drawn major criticism from local residents and officials from Middletown and Monroe alike. Monroe Councilwoman Suzi Rubin was critical of Middletown stating that the city should be diversifying its economy, instead of going with another heavy industrial facility. "Instead of being open for business, you're saying that you're open to polluters." says Suzi Rubin.
Middletown Councilwoman, Anita Scott Jones, expressed her frustration with the criticism and personal attacks she has been receiving, stating that she makes all her decisions based on the best interests for the people of Middletown.
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