Sunday, June 18, 2006

As reported by the Evening Sun: "Despite allegations at least two members of the Straban Township Zoning Hearing Board are biased, all three members insisted Tuesday they could fairly consider whether or not a proposed slots parlor fits zoning law. "But the matter will soon be left for a judge to decide."With board members refusing Tuesday to recuse themselves from the case, casino investor group Chance Enterprises will petition the Adams County Court of Common Pleas to rule on whether or not the members are biased and should recuse themselves. "The board was scheduled Tuesday to consider whether a casino is a permitted use at the proposed site near the intersection of routes 15 and 30. It is currently zoned as a commercial district.
"But the meeting adjourned after it became clear the bias allegations would end up in court.

"At last week's meeting of the township supervisors, Chance attorney Jeffrey Ernico revealed he had discovered the names of Marcella Kammerer, who chairs the zoning board, and Ed Gillespie, the board's vice chairman, appear on petitions submitted to Straban Township opposing the project. Additionally, Ernico said, a No Casino sign is standing on or near Kammerer's property…"