Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Residents speak out against Crebilly Farm development
WESTTOWN » Following three years of public meetings, the fate of Crebilly Farm is now in the hands of the board of supervisors.
After holding 10 continued conditional use hearings, the board will publicly make a decision Dec. 28.
The current board, which heard all the evidence, expects to decide prior to when Scott Yaw takes a seat on the board in January. Standing Supervisor Thomas Haws was defeated by Yaw in the
November election.
The board is battling the clock, with two scheduled executive sessions, to be held in the shade.
Monday’s meeting was reserved for public comment. During the meeting, attended by 150 concerned citizens at Rustin High School, all residents compelled to do so had their chance to be heard.
Toll Brothers plans to build 317 homes on the 322-acre tract. County residents hope to keep bulldozers away from the likely Brandywine Battlefield site, and iconic Chester County view shed.
The public had its say last. Hundreds had attended marathon four hour meetings. Several, of more than 40 speakers, Monday, declared that they hadn’t missed a hearing.
A representative from Toll Brothers was mum at the podium as he nibbled on finger foods during much of the meeting and regularly glanced at his cellphone.
Many public speakers badgered, cajoled and implored supervisors to stop development of the last large tract of open space along Route 202, from King of Prussia to Wilmington.
Mindy Rhodes, of West Bradford Township, has probably been the fiercest opponent of Crebilly development. She regularly distributes emails concerning the value of the farm and notifies residents of upcoming meetings.
Rhodes discussed a phrase she had heard no one say.
“Gee, I really can’t wait for that historical farm to get developed with over three hundred houses,” she said.
Rhodes also sympathized with supervisors.
“I imagine that this isn’t quite what you signed up for,” she said.
The activist ended her time at the podium with a tag line she has regularly uses.
“If not you, then who?” she asked.
“The quality of life is at stake,” said Westtown resident Tony Simkovich.
Westtown resident Cecilia Wright also directly addressed the board.
“Your discussions are irreversible,” Wright said.
Wright told supervisors that the decision was “difficult and challenging” and would have lasting implications for centuries.
West Goshen Planning Commission member Dick Pomerantz said he was not speaking in any official capacity, but rather as a Westtown
“Other than the additional tax revenue this development would bring, I’d like to hear one benefit that this development is going to bring to the township.” — Richard Weaver, 32-year Westtown resident
resident.
He suggested that the builder had copped an attitude of, “the Toll way or no way.”
“Take the road less traveled and vote “No,” Pomerantz said.
Richard Weaver is a 32year township resident.
“Other than the additional tax revenue this development would bring, I’d like to hear one benefit that this development is going to bring to the township,” Weaver said. “This development is going to do nothing but create problems for your residents.” Jennifer Kramer agreed. “There is nothing about this development that benefits Westtown residents,” she said.
Several residents talked about traffic congestion, notably at the Route 202 and Route 926 intersection.
Ann Sattelthwaitte referred to the farm as the “crown jewel” of Westtown Township.
“With all the building and traffic … my quality of life has diminished exponentially,” Sattelthwaitte said.
One resident said that traffic tremendously aggravates drivers, while Peter Dukault said that traffic is a longstanding nightmare.
He compared building at Crebilly to adding water to an already boiling pot of water.
Revolutionary troops likely marched across the farm on Sept. 11, 1777, during the battle of Brandywine, the war’s largest single-day battle. Many in the audience were opposed to building at the possible battlefield site.
Bill Vosburgh wants to preserve the likely war site.
“It’s tantamount to our Revolutionary War success — it kept the American Revolution alive — that’s our history,” he said.
Ginger Gray wants to save the site from townhomes.
“The Battle of Brandywine was a battle of the American Revolution where our patriots fought hard for our independence and freedoms,” Gray said.
While referring to more than 20 conditions suggested by the planning commission, Sue Mutter talked directly to the board.
“I ask you to be as brave as the men who fought on the sacred land,” Mutter said. “We’ll support you if you vote ‘No.’
“If not, attach every condition.”