Board of Supervisors

Upper Providence Township

Dear Upper Providence Supervisors,

As residents of Upper Providence and neighboring communities, we strongly encourage you to defend our current ordinance and vote NO on the approval of the  Parkhouse plan which proposes 1,200 units on that land.  In doing our research with other concerned residents, we object for the following reasons:

1. The proposed plan clearly does not confirm to Upper Providence's zoning code.  The Article XI IN Institutional District code now states:  "Licensed nursing convalescent home, residential care facility for senior citizens, personal care home, assisted living residence, or adult day care if in the same building as the personal care home or assisted living residence."  This proposal is not a licensed nursing facility. Of the 1,200 units proposed (153 single family, 177 townhouses, 144 "multi-family" housing, 684 apartments, 45 assisted living units), only 45 assisted living units are in one building.  This building is technically the only building on the entire plan that the zone permits. On this condition alone, this development should be denied by Township Supervisors.
2. If built, this plan (1,200 housing units) will increase the population of Upper Providence Township by 10%, taxing the already strained infrastructure of our clogged roads, increasing the need for more Fire, EMS, Police services, raising our taxes and affecting property values.
3. We would like a more complete picture of the cost to taxpayers to include EMS, police,  water/sewer, and road/bridge improvements.
4. When originally sold to the developer by the county, it stated that only 15% was deemed developable due to flow rates of water runoff. This is not reflected in the current plan.  In fact, flooding issues, currently a major problem in this area, will increase significantly.  The Parkhouse property storm water runoff drains into the Schuylkill River upstream from Monte Clare.  This will make flooding worse in Upper Providence, Monte Clare and the surrounding community.
5. At the Planning Commission meeting the "Worcester Decision" was often cited in justifying the "by rights".  In fact, the Worcester Decision has no impact on this decision. The Worcester Decision is related to the development of the Center Square Golf Course in Worcester.  Why was this cited?
6. Endangered Species:  The migratory monarch butterfly is now listed as  an endangered insect.  Arriving in May, and staying the summer, they produce offspring.   The milkweed plant, in abundance on the Parkland parcel, is the host to the butterfly larvae.  Before approval of this development, more studies (and confirmation) from the environmental organizations, must be included. You have the opportunity to save this important habitat for endangered species.  In addition, many migratory birds and other animals use this site.  Home to the Leni Lenape Indians, historical significance must be acknowledged, due to the numerous artifacts that have been and continue to be collected from the Parkhouse property.

In closing, we respectively remind you that we voted for you to  protect the health and safety of the residents, and trust that you will continue to demonstrate the same kind of leadership you have shown in the past.

Sincerely