JENKINS TOWNSHIP, PA — The Jenkins Township municipal building was packed to capacity Wednesday night as local residents voiced overwhelming opposition to a proposal that would rezone a significant tract of land from residential to industrial use. The controversy surrounds a large, wooded, and mine-scarred area located in the Inkerman section of the township, specifically nestled between Market and Main Streets. Residents expressed frustration that they are being asked to support a zoning change without knowing exactly what the developers intend to build on the site.
The property in question is owned by Forza Holdings LLC, which acquired the land in the spring of 2025 for $1 million, according to Luzerne County property records. Two partners of the company, Frank Nockley and Charles Latona, who are both residents of Jenkins Township themselves, attended the hearing to observe the testimony. Despite their presence, the lack of a specific site plan for the property remained the primary point of contention for the community. During the public comment portion of the meeting, several neighbors took to the podium to outline fears regarding industrial encroachment, potential environmental damage to the wooded buffer, and the lack of transparency in the planning process.
The Jenkins Township Board of Supervisors did not take action following the testimony, choosing instead to enter a period of review to consider the evidence and public statements presented during the hearing. Residents argued that rezoning the land to industrial before a project is even proposed gives the developer a "blank check" to build whatever they choose, which they fear could bring unwanted noise or heavy truck traffic to their quiet neighborhoods. A formal vote on the rezoning request is expected to be scheduled for an upcoming public meeting, though a specific date has not yet been set.