Wantage committee issues warning to business

WANTAGE — A representative of an area business recently came before the Wantage Township Committee to address citizen concerns about noise coming from his facility and the company's hours of operation.

The township put the business on a 30-day probationary period due to noise complaints as the business is in a residential area.

Michael O'Krepky, of 284 Aggregates, LLC, Soil Removal Operation, said there are allegations that the business begins work prior to 7 a.m. Operating hours are listed on the company's website as 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until noon on Saturdays.

He explained that sometimes employees come a little early to warm up the trucks, and they may stay a little longer.

O'Krepky gave the council a handout of pictures of other trucks that have nothing to do with our facilities.

"There is a residential tenant with a a lot of trucks," he said. "By all means, I will address this as well.”

To the best of his knowledge, O'Krepky said no trucks enter or leave down Lower Unionville Road. All trucks come from Route 284 empty, get product, and are weighed.

“If there is anyone sneaking out the back, please call the police,” O'Krepky said.

Mayor Bill DeBoer said that the residential tenant with a lot of trucks is “of concern, because the town is looking to shut you down.”

O'Krepky said he will talk to the zoning officer to see what the codes are.

"I don't want any problems, and I'm not receiving rent commensurate with commercial operations,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Bill Gaechter said that warming trucks up at between 6 and 7 a.m. is very early, while Township Attorney Glen Kienz said the times are set.

"7 means 7," he said.
During public comment residents said they heard the concrete plant running as late as 6 p.m. Also, there was noise consistently before 7 a.m. The stratifier, separator, and heavy equipment are very loud noisy machinery to hear 60 hours per week.

Administrator Jim Doherty said the committee wants it clear not to do anything before 7 a.m.

"That's understood," O'Krepky said. "From now on, we will be in strict adherence."

“I'm putting you on notice," DeBoer told him. "I am sure we will hear from the neighbors if you are not compliant in the future. Then we would have to take action."

DeBoer said the committee didn't want to give O'Krepky a hard time, but reminded him the business is in a residential area and he needs to be considerate of his neighbors.