The latest news on this mostrosity -
Scott submitted plans to the Monroe County Planning Commission on August 12, 2025 for the "Gateway Warehouse Land Developement and Minor Sub-Division Plan in Ross Township" Plans were accepted. We believe Scott will submit the plans to the Ross Township Board of Supervisors before the end of the year. APWC was able to view the plans, and there have not been any signifigant changes form the original. Some statistics:
38 acres, 306,000 square feet
33% impervious surface- meaning stormwater runoff, likely containg oil, pollutants, etc.
On lot septic and truck court
Building height of 39'
Parking- 157- 248 slots
Wetland Areas- 69,498 square feet
Steep Slope- 4.1 acres
More like the Nightmare Gateway project. Welcome to the beautiful Poconos- here's an ugly industrial building in your face. Along with snarls of truck traffic added to Route 115. Enjoy your commute and your visit to our lovely area!
The story starts here-
APWC requested and was granted standing before the Ross Township Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) regarding the Tighe and Neil Scott application for a preliminary opinion of the Zoning Office. Background: The Scott brothers own property in Monroe County at the intersection of Rt. 115 and Rt. 33. This land is immediately adjacent to the headwaters of the Aquashicola Creek (if you are familiar with the former Ross Common Spring Water facility, it is just uphill from that). The Scotts intend to sell the property to a developer who has plans to build a 316,800 square foot facility with a total tract area of 1,679,408 sq. feet, multiple truck bays and even more parking spaces. They claim that this is a “warehouse” and not a “distribution center/truck terminal” (DC/TT). APWC obtained copies of Ross Twp. Zoning Ordinances and definitions of various types of buildings, uses, and landscape features. The property is located in the General Commercial (GC) Zone. A Warehouse in the GC Zone is a Permitted use subjected to the requirements of the SALDO, whereas a DC/TT would be considered a Special Exception requiring a Planning Commission review and approval by the ZHB. As a reminder, Zoning Ordinances are adopted by townships for the purpose of regulating development and activities within the township borders in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipality Planning Code. Citing the proximity of the property to the creek and noting the many years that we worked to have it redesignated by DEP to EV status, our request for participation in these proceedings was granted. At the meeting it became clear that our Zoning Officer considered a facility of these specifications to be a DC/TT not a warehouse. This decision is what the Scotts appealed to the ZHB. No decision by the ZHB was made on this date. There were three other parties who also requested standing on this issue: One was PennFuture, and the other two were neighbors to the property. As interested parties we were provided the opportunity to submit a written statement of our position/opposition to this matter by March 31st, which was done.
The Ross Zoning Hearing Board decided to reverse their position and agree with Scott that a 316,800 square foot monstrosity with 75 truck bays was a warehouse, not a distribution center. Wonder what made them change their minds.........