Neighbors and friends,
I'm writing to inform you and ask for your help with opposing the proposed development and requested variances for 445 Ambler Road (again). To back up with some details for those who do not know, I'll give you a bit of back story (to my knowledge). 445 Ambler Road has been on the market for quite a few years and has been placed under a contract of sale as of 5/2021 with Deck LLC. This buyer owns Deck Hardware in Ambler and they also own Deck Landscaping. Deck Landscaping is currently working out of a one acre property that they lease out of Lower Gwynedd Township. They are hoping to move their operations to 445 Ambler Road. They would plan to house all of their landscaping equipment, plow equipment, mulch and other landscaping chemicals and fertilizers. They claim at this point they will not store any hardscaping materials at the site other than gravel and rock. They plan to place pole barns and mulch storage containers on the property (see the link attached from the zoning board hearing). They currently have 8 employees and promise their operations would be between the hours of 7am and 5pm, 6 days a week. They would also have security lights on the property overnight to deter theft. 
The variances they are requesting are as follows:
1. To place and use an industrial drive way in an area zoned as A Residential
2. To reduce setbacks from neighboring properties to 25 feet.

For those who aren't aware the property is currently zoned as A residential in the portion that borders Ambler Road and is zoned EC (employment center-- essentially commercial) in the portion that borders the Septa line. The original zoning was created with the intention of placing the Septa line in and not for use for commercial or industrial use. My property happens to have the same zoning.

There were projections presented as to what they think their current traffic and noise impact would be based on their current operations of 8 employees out of 1 acre. The property here at 445 is 8 acres of land. The sale of the property is actually contingent upon the fact they get the driveway approved. Without approval they cannot access the industrial zone and cannot place this business there. 

In my opinion, if I may, this would set a very dangerous precedent on an already slippery slope that our community seems to be sliding on. This would allow a commercial business to be placed in the middle of a residential neighborhood. There are many reasons why this would be an inappropriate choice of development for this property but a few include traffic (truck traffic both 35 foot delivery trucks, pickup trucks with trailers and snow plows), chemical containment so close to the Wissahickon creek watershed, noise and light pollution.

I can go on and on but I ask for each of you to do your own research and take a stance on how you feel. This is a pivotal point in our community and can set a dangerous precedent for the future. I have nothing against the current buyer and he may be a really outstanding citizen, however I fear that once the chains are off what type of development will be allowed in this space in the future and future properties for that matter.

There will be a meeting held at the library next Tuesday, March 3/8 at 7PM.