Marple residents have stake in plan

To the Times:

I have been following discussions regarding the Don Guanella site and recently read commentary from Save Marple Greenspace (SMG) that is clearly contradicted by public documents published by Delaware County and Marple Township.

SMG claims that Carlino cannot build 232 homes proposed in its by-right plan. In a July 19, 2018, letter from Linda Hill, director of the Delaware County Planning Department, to Marple Township Director of Code Enforcement Joseph Romano, she states, “A total of 234 dwelling units are permitted, where a total of 232 units are proposed.”

The letter goes on to state that “43.1 acres of open space is provided, where 34.7 acres is required,” along with “the applicant appears to be preserving areas adjacent to stream banks, on steep and very steep slopes ... Other portions of the site that are more suitable for construction are proposed to be developed.”

Additionally, SMG opines the Township Engineer found 51 “deficiencies” with the residential plan. I read Marple’s Review Letter and, while I am not an engineer, they appear to be basic design comments and requests for additional information obviously part of any development.

Ironically, many SMG supporters are not even Marple residents, yet their opposition to The Town Center may force Marple residents to accept the byright scenario and even if it’s modified, we lose the substantial greenspace, recreation space, tax revenue and amenities the Town Center creates. This is irresponsible and simply not fair to those of us who actually live in Marple. I also note that a person who helps run SMG is opposing projects in other townships, which suggests he is simply anti-development and his “relevance” comes from his opposition to any development, even one as obviously well-balanced as The Town Center.

In the end, let’s remember the Town Center at Marple Preserve preserves 166 acres of the existing 175 acres of greenspace. And yes, Wegmans is going to be a great addition to Marple, along with the other amenities including multisport fields and a destination playground.

Please, I urge community members to visit marpletowncenter.com to learn about this proposal. Contact our commissioners. Let’s not have Marple Township hijacked by SMG, whose leadership opposes The Town Center even after previously supporting it. This will be a great addition to the Marple community, and we need your support to make it a reality.

Bryan McCarthy, Marple