Residents & neighbors of New Garden:

With the impending sale of White Clay Point by JP Morgan to Stonewall Capital LLC, it's been made clear that our township officials plan to unapologetically convert our current low density zoning laws into high density.  This rezoning process has dragged on for over 1.5 years.  We've gone to multiple meetings, we've sent multiple emails, we've spoken to the BOS & Planning Commission to voice our concerns.  We've even filled out cleverly-designed surveys that were structured in ways that prevented residents from expressing opposition. 

But all of this has occurred over such a long period of time, that the voices of opposition have begun to trickle off.  We believe this tactic (meeting fatigue) to be a very intentional part of the rezoning adoption strategy, attempting to confuse and discourage residents from demanding meaningful action.  This so-called "lack of recent opposition" has given the BOS the perception that residents no longer oppose the Michael Baker International high density rezoning proposal, which we know is not the case.

Ask yourselves, have any of our officials shared how many residents sent emails or shown up to meetings to oppose what's going on here?  Have they presented any alternative for revenue generation other than high density development?  

It's time to quantify our objections once and for all.

Overdevelopment in our township is increasingly becoming a risk that threatens the very fabric of our community.  The rapid construction of new housing units, commercial/retail buildings, and infrastructure projects is not just an eyesore; it significantly strains our resources, impacts local wildlife, increases light / noise / air pollution, and diminishes the quality of life for all residents.

Our small roads cannot handle the increasing traffic congestion, leading to longer commute times and elevated air pollution levels.  The demand for more utilities such as water, electricity, sewer, storm water management, and gas will overwhelm our existing systems, resulting in frequent outages, high prices, new taxes, and inefficiencies.

Moreover, the proposed rapid expansion of adding >600 homes + retail development in the green space currently known as White Clay Point does not consider the long-term sustainability of our environment.  Numerous studies—including those from the EPA—show that unchecked urban development increases flooding, degrades water quality, fragments wildlife habitats, and diminishes biodiversity.  While exact figures vary, the environmental risks of high-density land conversion are well documented (EPA.gov & en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiversity_loss).

While we acknowledge that some growth is both healthy and inevitable, the rapid expansion of +15-20% of the current township population packed into an already congested area is completely out of character with what makes New Garden such a beautiful and compelling place to live.

It is crucial to implement a balanced and environmentally-conscious approach to development.  This can be achieved by retaining our current stricter zoning laws and regulations that limit high density development.  

By signing this petition, you call upon our township officials, affiliates, and planning committees to pause further development until comprehensive and eco-friendly plans are established.  Help us preserve the charm, sustainability, and quality of life (for us and wildlife) in our township.

 Sign this petition to make a difference!