SOUTH PARK TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A project aiming to bring hundreds of new townhomes to South Park Township took a big hit Wednesday night.
The township planning commission voted against recommending a rezoning of land necessary to move the development forward.
South Park Township community members packed the planning commission meeting to oppose the construction of nearly 300 townhomes on 59 acres of land right next to South Park.
“This is a truly unique area in South Park Township,” said Carolyn Savikas, with the group Friends of South Park. “As you know, once it’s gone, it’s gone.”
An online petition opposing the townhouse development at Sleepy Hollow has collected more than 3,000 signatures.
Residents presented more than 300 additional paper signatures to the planning commission Wednesday.
“To have this uniform support for the park and the feel of it, people just want to keep it as is,” said resident Tim Foster.
People who live near the proposed development shared concerns about clearing the wooded area, losing green space, disturbing wildlife, disrupting storm water management, increasing traffic and more.
“It’s important to me because it’s my home, and once this is done and takes place, it cannot be undone,” said resident Jason Sobek. “It’s going to forever change the landscape of our neighborhood.”
Steven Victor, who represented the Philadelphia-based developer, Red Rocks Group, pointed out the piece of land in question currently allows for single-family homes to be built, but said townhomes would make the township more accessible for everyone.
“A single-family home is the ultimate dream and desire for all of us, but some people don’t for lifestyle reasons and some people don’t because of affordability,” he said.
Even though the planning commission voted to recommend the project not move forward, the township’s board of supervisors will have the final say on the rezoning application.
Supervisors are set to meet and vote on the proposal on April 10.
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