Monroe County’s economic development lawsuit will decide the future of the Poconos

Dispute Over Coolbaugh Township’s Authority

A dispute over Coolbaugh Township’s authority could alter municipalities’ power to revise ordinances.

Background

Monroe County’s economic development organization and a private landowner are suing Coolbaugh Township over municipal ordinance changes that expand wetland buffers for new development. Township officials say the changes, approved in August 2023, create additional protections for wetlands and nearby waterways.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Emphasis

• Goal 15: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Lawsuit Details

Pocono Mountains Industries (PMI) and Orchard BJK Co., in a suit filed May 3 in Monroe County Court, argue that the township’s Board of Supervisors acted arbitrarily to restrict development. They contend the move violated Pennsylvania’s Constitution by discriminating against developers, causing a multi-million dollar loss to properties they seek to develop in the township.

Impact on Sustainable Development

• PMI argues that the township’s changes have made their undeveloped land nearly unusable, affecting sustainable land use (SDG 15).
• The potential loss of revenue could financially devastate PMI and its parent company, PMEDC, impacting economic growth and industry (SDG 8).

Response from Coolbaugh Township Board

Coolbaugh Supervisor Bill Weimer stated that the board has the right to prioritize the environment and is considering further regulations to protect the township’s natural resources.

Residents’ Perspective

Residents support the board’s efforts to strengthen stormwater ordinances to prevent overdevelopment and protect the environment.

Conclusion

The court’s decision in this case could have significant implications for industrial and commercial development, determining the balance of power between economic organizations and individual townships.

### Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are connected to the issues highlighted in the article are:
– SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
– SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Specific targets under the identified SDGs include:
– Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
– Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets include:
– Increase in wetland buffers for new development to protect wetlands and nearby waterways.
– Financial impact on economic organizations due to changes in municipal ordinances.
– Assessment of land value before and after ordinance changes.
– Potential loss of revenue for economic development organizations.
– Impact on the environment and community due to overdevelopment.

4. Table presenting the findings:

| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|—————————————|——————————————————————————————————|—————————————————————————————————————|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities. | Increase in wetland buffers for new development to protect wetlands and nearby waterways. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. | Financial impact on economic organizations due to changes in municipal ordinances. |

This table summarizes the connection between the issues discussed in the article and the relevant Sustainable Development Goals, targets, and indicators.

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: wvia.org

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