A resident of Preble, N.Y., is using the Internet to lead a battle against a Flying J travel plaza planned near the Preble exit off Interstate 81.

Frank Hogg uses his web site, www.preblyny.com, to put town officials under a microscope. One of his big topics lately has been the truckstop proposal. Flying J announced nearly two years ago that it wanted to build the $5 million facility, according to the Syracuse Post-Standard. The company planned to break ground last year, but the town's zoning board has rejected site plans. Flying J will have to change the plans to suit the board, or go to court to get the board's ruling overturned, reports the paper.
The 21-acre truckstop would be able to handle 140 trucks and 105 cars. The company said it will create 50 full-time jobs, pay more than $1.2 million in annual sales tax, and pay the local school district $94,000 in yearly taxes. Backers say the center also will give the tiny community a much-needed place to buy fuel, food and other conveniences.
Preble complains that the town's government hasn't done enough to make sure that revenues from the new facility end up benefiting the town. He's also concerned that Preble, a town of about 1,600, will experience sewage problems similar to those at a Flying J in Clearbrook, N.Y.
Opponents in the town also claim the truckstop will foster drugs, theft and prostitution, according to the Syracuse paper. They worry its size will overwhelm town services and that idling diesel engines will pollute the air.
Flying J is also planning another truckstop about 30 miles away in Salina off the New York Thruway.