At its meeting Oct. 24, East Allen Township Board of Supervisors opened bids for demolishing the former state mental health facility on Weaversville Road. Penmar Services’ winning bid, $133,350, was well under the projected cost. There were nine bidders and several alternate configurations.

Based on the final bid amount, township Manager Brent Green asked that the township be allowed to expand the scope of the project to include the options. The options will allow the township to include removing the storage tank and clearing the athletic facilities.

The township is looking to remove the building and the stone farmhouse on the property.

In other news, the township is reviewing its contract with CodeMaster Inspection Services to clarify code enforcement and zoning issues. In prior meetings, the board asked to increase the hours for the zoning officer.

The board expressed its concern about a DEP report that signaled concerns about the water drawdown expected by the Keystone Cement plant.

The permit, as it has been presented, indicates water could be drawn down in wells along Jacksonville Road. The concern is the relatively shallow wells serving residents would be rendered useless if the permit were extended to its limits.

The fine print indicates the drawdown in the aquifers might not occur for decades. East Allen Township resident Tom Miller said he talked with Keystone face to face about his concerns. Miller indicated his discussion with the company was informative.

According to Miller, the underground aquifers are isolated. Determining the effect of the drawdown and its effect on the community will require more review.

Based on the township’s initial look at the parameters of the permit, coupled with the DEP concerns, the board is against the permit pending more information.

Keystone, according to Green, is interested in discussing the details with individual property owners. The township is looking to set up a community meeting to discuss the permit with Keystone representatives.

The board of supervisors has only one meeting scheduled during the months of November and December. The November meeting will be held Nov. 13.