Dozens of Luzerne County residents gathered at the Dallas Senior High School to voice their concerns over a potential commercial property slated for Irem Road in Dallas, Luzerne County. The anticipated turnout was so large that they moved the location to the auditorium. The meeting went on for more than three hours and dozens of concerned residents addressed their concerns.

“There's no doubt in my mind that this will affect the property. When we moved there it was a very nice quiet neighborhood across from a golf course. Now we're going to have a commercial building in the midst of homes directly across the street from some of my neighbors which are significantly impacted. So it's not right," said Dallas resident Patrick Dorn, who raised these concerns during the meeting.

“I came and bought my home 27 years ago because it was quiet, and there were trees, and it was a good neighborhood. And now, I do see in spite of what others have said, I see an increase in traffic, and I think it's a safety issue," said Dallas resident Philip Decker.

Many other residents voiced their opposition to the proposed 21,600 square foot Farber Land Development Project proposed for Irem Road in Dallas, citing concerns about the commercial development decreasing their property value and causing safety issues in the neighborhood.

The permit was initially denied by the Dallas Zoning Board, but Farber Land Development is now seeking a special exception to obtain the permit.

A real estate appraiser who testified on behalf of the developer said he believes the development is conducive to zoning laws.

We're told after the meeting did not finish tonight, it will reconvene at the end of June. There is still no word on when the Dallas Township Zoning Board is expected to make a final decision.