MILFORD, PA — An alternative plan that would end the lengthy dispute about construction of a courthouse addition and save the disputed and historic Kenworthy Building is being discussed.

Commissioner Matt Osterberg has proposed that the site of the new building, still about the same size, could be shifted 90 degrees, to run parallel to Broad Street. The change would require the purchase of the

Lutfy property adjoining the Kenworthy Building and the crossing of Peach Alley.

Osterberg said Wednesday that the engineers are working on the new format. “The interior needs to be reworked.”

The engineers are also working on which variances will be needed for the new plan, Osterberg said.

Whether or not the alternative is possible, the commissioners insisted that security plans for the building will not change. “There will be no further discussion about the security. It will be level three [with separate hallways for the public and prisoners]. There is no reason for anything less. As you can see, we do have that kind of crime.”

“[The alternative] depends on the party involved. We want to go that way, but there will be no further discussion about security,” Commissioners’ Chair Rich Caridi agreed.

“We never wavered on it before,” Commissioner Karl Wagner added.

Osterberg spoke at the commissioners’ meeting, when the commissioners were particularly preoccupied with security, following a state police update of the ongoing search for the killer of a state police officer on September 12.

Chapter 102 relief

Separately, Osterberg said the panel has also sent comments supporting proposed state legislation that would amend and provide relief from Chapter 102 environmental regulations requiring a 150-foot setback from all streams in the watersheds of the state’s high-quality and exceptional value streams.

“Every stream in Pike County is high quality or exceptional value. There’s 25,000 acres of private property impact. That’s huge in a county where so much property is already state owned,” he said.

“We’ve proven we protected the water. Nobody wants to hurt the water. Just give us options,” he said.

“We’re trying to pursue a balance,” Caridi said. (See related story on page 3 for Wayne County Commissioners action.)

Gas compressor station

The commissioners also announced their support of Milford Township’s effort to change power plans for a proposed gas line compressor station. Instead of a gas-powered compressor, some critics are calling for a compressor powered by electricity, which they say would be quieter.

“We want electric power as well. We’re opposed to natural gas, but the township has the lead on this. They’re seeking a public hearing,” Osterberg said. (See story on page 1 for more about the compressor station.)