South Strabane supervisors block plastic manufacturer’s proposed move into township
An international specialized plastics manufacturer hit a major roadblock in its proposed move to South Strabane Township Tuesday.
Ensinger Inc., which is currently located on Meadowlands Boulevard in North Strabane Township, took steps Tuesday to relocate its North American headquarters to Racetrack Road, but a conditional-use application before the township board of supervisors did not pass and its master plan was denied.
“The residents of Strabane Manor deserve to be listened to,” said Supervisor Bob Weber, who voted against the approval. “I say to you, ‘this is no place to put your light manufacturing plastics plant.'”
Strabane Manor residents in attendance applauded.
Chapman Properties, the owner of a 153-acre parcel of land adjacent to Tanger Outlets, successfully petitioned the board to add light manufacturing to C-3 commercial districts in 2015 in order to clear the way for Ensinger to build a $40 million complex on 30 acres. In August, Chapman offered to fund maintenance of a portion of Tanger Boulevard if the township would take over the private road, which it said was necessary to develop the property.
Supervisors refused that offer Tuesday.
Dusty Kirk, an attorney representing Chapman, said an appeal to Washington County Court of Common Pleas is being considered.
Chairman Jack Keisling, who said he previously was against the development, said he changed his mind and voted to approve the application.
“Something else could come that would not be as desirable,” Keisling said. “We have a plant coming in that would be hiring people. It would be a great benefit entirely for the township.”
Weber and supervisors Tom Moore and Ed Mazur disagreed.
“They don’t want it,” Weber said of Strabane Manor residents, who presented a petition with about 150 signatures opposing the development on the basis of potential noise, traffic and pollution.
“You think people in hotels and restaurants want to look out the window and see a light manufacturing plant?” Moore said. “It’s a nice plant, but it’s a plant.”