The future of a proposed agricultural center and YMCA in Wayne County remains uncertain after a series of public hearings. The project, which has seen four hearings to date, has been met with some logistical challenges, leading to the need for further discussions later this month.
During a recent meeting of the Cherry Ridge Township Board of Supervisors, the county, a key partner in these developments, opted to withdraw its current application for conditional use, intending instead to submit a new application to the township’s zoning hearing board. The YMCA of Wayne County, the other primary partner in this endeavor, continues to pursue its conditional use application.
The proposed site for the agricultural innovation center and the new YMCA spans 40 acres near Spinner Road and Leinert Lane, close to Route 191. Attorney John Martin, representing the county, stated that the withdrawal was a strategic move to streamline the application process by removing the county as a co-applicant.
Martin explained, “We’re doing this in an effort to remove the county as a co-applicant, as a possible appealable issue … since the county’s proposed use is clearly a public or semi-public use.”
County Commissioner James Shook noted that the county’s decision to apply through the zoning board was due to the project’s nature as a public entity, which differs from a private enterprise.
“And we can’t be in a joint application with them. We thought we could,” Shook said, emphasizing the procedural distinction between conditional use and special exception applications. More details on these processes can be found here.
During the session, attorney Mark Zimmer, representing the YMCA, successfully presented their case, which led Martin to disclose the county’s revised approach. Zimmer also mentioned plans for a joint land development application pending necessary approvals.
More information on land development applications can be found here.
Concerns were raised by residents, including Dennis Cheng, regarding the project’s feasibility and financial implications. Cheng suggested that the agricultural center’s location was primarily to justify a new sewer line, benefitting the county’s agricultural holdings.
Insights from Commissioner James Shook
Commissioner Shook highlighted the county’s initial intent to collaborate with the YMCA, explaining that the need for a special exception application arose due to the county’s public status. “We realized once the application was submitted that we, the county, don’t fall under a conditional use. We found [out] we fall under special circumstances (special exception), which is not a conditional use hearing … We had to come off the application to allow [it] to go forward.”
Exploring Medical and Agricultural Uses
Testimonies during the hearing included that of James Pettinato, CEO of Wayne Memorial Hospital, who discussed potential healthcare uses for the YMCA space under a 99-year lease agreement. The hospital’s parent organization has donated half the land for this project, with a reversion clause allowing land recovery if the project fails. More on this agreement can be found here. Pettinato emphasized the economic benefits of leasing space for healthcare services, given the challenges in sustaining some hospital programs.
Ongoing Debate over Sewer and Water Infrastructure
The hearing also addressed infrastructure concerns, with residents questioning the feasibility of a central sewage system. Robert Suhosky, a former sewer authority board member, suggested an alternative site for the project. Zimmer challenged Suhosky’s expertise and relevance, considering the project’s impact on his own business interests.
The hearings will continue on January 26, with additional sessions planned if necessary. This process underscores the complexities of balancing community development with local regulations and resident concerns.
Editor’s Note: Dennis Cheng, who is a member of WVIA’s board of directors, is among residents who are speaking out against the project.
