Packerton Yards Debacle

I read with great interest and a very good memory how the Carbon County Commissioners are considering the sale of the 71-acre Packerton Yards to a developer, Mr. Petrole for a mere $300,000.

I do recall reading that the county spent $1.5 million on engineering fees alone for this large tract.

There are single homes in our county that are assessed on a valuation of more than $300,000!

While Mr. Petrole may be an honest and caring businessman, I would rather see his project in Palmerton be successful before he got a steal once again at taxpayer expense here in Mahoning Township.

I am aware that the Palmerton tract has been leveled and gotten tons of fill dumped upon it, but I am not aware of any prosperous tenants currently operating on the site.

I realize that our commissioners would prefer that we the taxpayers forgive and forget this monumental investment disaster, but I also remember the voice of one Mr. Zimmerman who opposed this fiasco from the beginning, and was branded a near criminal and sued personally by our commissioners.

I think he and the residents of our county are owed an apology for this very costly and devastating mistake.

Joseph Seemiller

Towamensing Township