Northhampton News

Rep. Joe Emrick from Upper Nazareth has put forward a legislative proposal aimed at granting voters the authority to decide on the approval of new high-impact warehouses and distribution centers in their communities.

Emrick expressed concerns about the negative effects these facilities have had on the region, including loss of open space and farmland, inadequate infrastructure, increased truck traffic, and higher levels of air, sound, and light pollution. "These high-impact warehouses and distribution centers have had a devastating impact on our region," he stated. "While high-impact warehouses and distribution centers are approved by local governments, the people who are most affected—the community—have no say in whether they should become part of the fabric of our region."

The proposed legislation would require voter approval through a referendum for any warehouse or distribution center considered a development of regional significance that is at least 100,000 square feet in size and occupies three acres or more. Under current law, such developments are defined as those having substantial effects on health, safety, or welfare across multiple municipalities.

Emrick emphasized that smaller retail businesses would not be subject to this referendum requirement. He noted feedback from local officials regarding the need for increased local control within the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code. "I have heard loud and clear from local officials about the need for more local control in the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code," Emrick added. "That is why I introduced House Bill 1960: To maximize local control by giving the people a voice at the ballot box in the final approval of these high-impact warehouses."

For further information or media inquiries, contact Huntre Keip at 717-772-9837.