—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, Nov. 20, 1976 30 Land By JUDY MITCHELL Berks County Reporter READING - The land use issue got its first public airing in Berks County at a series of hearings on “Agricultural Land Preservation” held at three locations throughout the county on November 9, 10 and 11. The purpose of the hearings as set forth in a memorandum issued by the Berks County Agricultural Land Preservation Com mittee appointed by the Berks County Planning Commission was to accept public testimony on two aspects of the issue, in cluding: “1. Should agricultural lands in Berks County be specially preserved’ 2. If so, how should the preservation process be implemented?” The overwhelming majority of testimony presented at the first meeting held at the Metropolitan Edison Auditorium in Reading supported a yes vote on the first point in question, and a call for a show of hands near the conclusion of the'hearing indicated that a majority of those present also favored the preservation of ag land in Berks. One member of the audience, however, objected to what he termed the “failure” of the hearing in considering the question of “how it should be done.” At least one other par ticipant at the meeting ex pressed impatience with the absence of concrete suggestions as to how ag land preservation might he approached, commenting that “I really came here to get an education, not to talk.” County Commissioner Vemon Shaffer pointed out to the gathering that “the purpose of this hearing is not for us to tell you how we are going to do this; we are holding the hearings to try to get ideas - from the people in the audience as to how to do this.” Although individual comments seemed to suggest that -many in at tendance were in favor of preserving agricultural land in Berks County, many also indicated that a number of those present were wary of the “how” if it meant in creased government restriction on the individual landowner. In a telephone con versation at the conclusion of the senes of hearings, Alpheus Ruth, who farms in Fleetwood R 2, and who represents agriculture on the Berks Ag Land Preservation Committee, indicated his dissappointment with the Reading meeting and par- ticularly with the farmer turn-out there. He indicated. however, that he was pleased with general at- tendance at the hearings, particularly at those held at Conrad Weiser and Oley Valley high schools which, he said, were each attended by 100 or more persons Farmer attendance was best at Conrad Weiser, ac- cording to Ruth, and discussion was considerably more constructive than at Reading. Robert Manbeck and Harold Heck, both farmers in Heidelberg use discussed in Berks County township where ag land is protected by stringent zoning regulations, gave testimony which indicated that the majority of residents of Heidelberg are happy with the situation there Get the Rigid-Rib®extras at Agway There's more than one reason why Agway offers Republic Rigid-Rib steel roofing in its line of building supplies. It's extra dry, with a positive, self-draining channel design that prevents moisture seepage. It's extra easy to install too, available in long, wide strips that makes the job go more quickly and easily. And it is extra attractive. The distinctive Rigid-Rib design looks good on almost any style of farm building. You'll find Rigid-Rib and a most complete line of other building supplies and barn fittings at Agway. Heck had also attended the Reading meeting where he briefly responded to testimony made by one in dividual who suggested that implementation of the concept of preserving ag land would economically Kill CEESJ CEL AGW wm m CHAPMAN STORE RD2, Wescosville, PA 215 395 338] disadvantage the farmer or his heirs who wished to sell their land. Heck informed the gathering at Reading that three farms in Heidelberg township now been sold for ag 7 use under the present zoning AY AVONDALE SUPPLY CENTER Junction US 1 & 41 Avondale, PA 215-268-8238 ordinances “and the pur chase prices received were not detrimental in value.” Ruth also expressed satisfaction with the Oley meeting, although he pointed out that likeßeading, farmer attendance was poor. Feryl You can't beat Alcoa 9 Super Temper Rib® in agricultural roofing and siding for ■ performance •durability •cost Super strong .. more walk-on strength. Beam strength design supports heavy snow and wind loads 50% higher ribs.. snug fit at the laps. Anti-siohom design T discouragesr leaks, even in driving rain. Easy handling .. lightweight so one man can handle it Easy forming, cut ting and fitting speeds up construction Fast nailing and fitting embossed satin design and strong high ribs mini mize denting, dimpling and bulging when nailing Reach-across cutting . convenient 36" width makes cutting or sawing a breeze No long stretches to fatigue workers. Temper Rib CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGWAY STORE FOR PRICES. TEMPLE SUPPLY N Sth St. Highway Temple, PA 215929-5264 Treichler of Virginvllle, Berks County Pomona Master, appeared at the Oley meeting to give testimony on the State Grange policy Allowable uniform toad Ob/sq ft) (1 95 safety factor against failure) Single sheet covering one or Purlin spacing (in) two spans 18 24 30 36 LANCASTER SUPPLY 1027 Dilfeivilte Rd. Lancaster, PA 717-397-4761 YORK WEST STORE 26 W Market St York. PA' 717-792-2674 [Continued on Page 33) Single sheet covering three or more spans 130 73 46 32 151 85 54 38