Update on William Aiello’s Attempts to Acquire North Manheim Farmland

It has been nearly six weeks since William Aiello of Crossroads Commercial Development LLC officially withdrew his interest in developing mega warehouses in our township, and let it be clear: our community categorically rejects this type of development. We are grateful that all three supervisors, during their January 6, 2025 meeting, publicly committed to outrightly reject this project should Aiello fail to submit a plan or schedule a public meeting in January. Aiello’s actions have wasted our time, effort, and financial resources. The supervisors’ firm stand against this development is a significant victory for the thousands of residents who oppose it.

The Stop 61 Warehouse Group and many community members were right to be skeptical of Aiello’s letter, particularly the last line that stated, “…we are no longer planning to meet with the community or submit plans AT THIS TIME.” What we know now is that Aiello continues to pursue key farmland, even after his letter to the supervisors and our township. We commend our neighbors for having the fortitude and integrity to reject his latest offer, thereby safeguarding our farmland, homes, businesses, and the natural beauty of our southern Schuylkill County community.

Stop 61 Warehouses remains a formidable and unyielding force against this and any future unwanted developments in our township. We will hold our supervisors accountable for their commitment to reject this proposal, continue to attend all township and county meetings, demand full transparency, strengthen our logistics ordinance, and actively protect our community from any future threats.

We deeply appreciate the unshakeable support from our township residents and neighboring communities. We will not back down in our efforts to overcome any challenges that come our way. Most importantly, we will never change our minds.

Click HERE to view the January letter and our initial response

All 3 Supervisors Publicly Reject Support for Warehouse Project

This video and transcript are from the January Board of Supervisors meeting. The January deadline to schedule a public forum for the proposed warehouse project has come and gone. Unfortunately, as of February, William Aiello continues to pursue the acquisition of our farmland within the drafted ‘Enterprise Opportunity Overlay District’ area despite submitting a letter abandoning the project. We should now hold our Board of Supervisors to their word that he has no support from them.

Video Player

Speaker Megan M.
“All right. And do you have anything else, any questions that you think that you’re concerned about or comments or”

Speaker Supervisor Bowen
“I’m with Bill if we don’t see at least meeting scheduled this month (January), then that’s it.”

Speaker Megan M.
“We care what everyone has to say just a little commentary.”

Speaker Supervisor Webber
“All that I want to say is that you know that…”

Speaker Megan M.
“Are you still open? Have you do you have any questions?”

Speaker Supervisor Webber
“I’m a no I mean no I’m a no for it Megan. That’s it.”

Speaker Megan M.
“Rusty? Do you have anything to share Comments?”

Speaker Supervisor Searle
“It’s my opinion. Let farmland stay farmland and it will always stay farmland.”

Speaker Group
“And that’s what we all feel. Applause from group.”