Petition aims to soften environmental impact of Mountain Valley Golf Course development

Brendan Welsh-Lowe of Schuylkill Haven has launched a Change.org petition to advocate for the preservation of the Mountain Valley Golf Course property in Barnesville, Pennsylvania, which is slated to close permanently in October. The petition, which has garnered approximately 1,100 signatures, calls on local, county, and state officials to oppose any industrial or large-scale commercial development, such as warehouses or data centers, on the 108-acre site. Welsh-Lowe emphasizes the environmental value of the property and its importance as open space for the community. The golf course owners, Mountain Valley Corporation, announced that the entire complex is being sold for "future commercial development and industrial business use." This announcement follows a decision by the Ryan Township supervisors in February to rezone portions of the golf course from residential to industrial. Additionally, the township has enacted new ordinances specifically regulating data centers, solar farms, and warehouses, which now require water feasibility studies and conditional use hearings, potentially increasing the difficulty of industrial development. Welsh-Lowe expressed deep concern over the potential transformation of the scenic property, citing increased traffic, noise, light pollution, stormwater runoff, and loss of wildlife habitat. He believes the community's voice should be heard before permanent changes are made to this valued local landscape. The petition will be forwarded to officials as an appeal for careful consideration and preservation.