Rydal-Meadowbrook Civic Association

Ambushed!

That was the tenor of the anger animating the public’s attitude expressed during the Abington Township Planning Commission Hearing on November 17th.

Why?

Because the proposed ordinance regarding the Baederwood Shopping Center was so transparently faulty, sporting a “bonus-system” that had been admittedly conjured without citing precedent or authority.

Capitulation.

Indeed, the lawyers had been composing this ordinance secretly—working only with staff and commissioners, not the public—for upwards of nine months.

Railroad Job.

Repeatedly, it was advised that it must be approved by the end of January, lest costly court costs befall the township because the owner is placed at a “disadvantage” by the current zoning.

Why?

Because, although the official tri-parcel status was known by these purchasers when the land “passed” to Brandolini, it had the “right” to claim harm in the process.

Done-Deal.

This was the take-it-or-leave-it atmospheric that overtly pressured the Commission members whenever they raised potential defects in the Ordinance.

Density.

This was the theme of the Commission members and the residents, the response to which the presenter had no cogent reply—no metric for assessment—despite recognizing the concern.

Bottle-neck.

Although reminded that the traffic study failed to include the T-Intersection at the railroad bridge (Washington Lane and Susquehanna Avenue), and that there is already a back-up routinely extending to the Valley Road traffic light.

No remedy.

Despite recognizing this specific issue, the ordinance proponent admitted he had no specific relief to offer suburbanites who had chosen homes in a community without urban sprawl.

Primum non nocere.

“The first priority is to do no harm” was presented as both an aphorism for wise medical care and for public officials who feel threatened by a monied developer.

Arrogance.

There is no other explanation for the aloofness exhibited on behalf of this boarded-up strip-mall, allowed to fester to leverage approval in a form of the game “Chicken.”

Behavioral extortion.

The Rydal-Meadowbrook Civic Association website traces the multi-year history of near-unanimous opposition by residents/taxpayers—expressed at multiple hearings—to this project.

http://www.rmcivic.com/brandolini

Smooth-talking Commissioners—Kline and Peacock, both of whom are standing for re-election in 2011—should deign to listen…and to fight to maintain the quality-of-life of their constituents.

Hope springs eternal.