The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Another key issue: Suspected significant wetland
PLYMOUTH » Beyond the land’s historical importance, a “key issue” that the Friends of Abolition Hall group is pursuing regards the alleged presence of “significant wetland” on the Corson Estate, said Sydelle Zove.
The group recently “hired an environmental consultant who ... provided evidence of what he thinks is indication of substantial wetland in the area,” said Zove, who noted the consultant never examined the Corson Estate but surveyed land around the parcel.
Zove defined wetland as a “natural area in a low spot, where water collects and supports a very specific array of vegetation. It is underwater for at least 14 consecutive days out of the year.”
She added, “This is very, very important. It has significant implications. Because if the wetland is as large as our expert believes it to be, then the Hovnanian plan shows a road and houses being built in the wetland, and that is a violation. You can’t do that. Township code would not allow that and federal law would not allow that.
“So this is a key issue here. The history is another track that we’re pursuing, but the presence of the wetland— and the possibility that this development will encroach on a wetland—is significant and warrants further investigation before this plan goes any further.”
When asked about the potential presence of wetland on the estate, Mellor, the township manager, responded, “As part of any application, including this application, there’s going to be environmental requirements that [the developer] must meet through engineering during the course of the land development, if it gets to the land development. They will have to meet our codes and requirements and [Department of Environmental Protection] requirements.” statewide nonprofit organization, has proposed various other changes to the development plan.
Those changes include a small park, which the group has referred to as the Plymouth Meeting Welcome Park, and interpretive signage “that would help people understand the unique history of this property,” said Zove. Contosta also mentioned wanting a small lot where people could park their cars and visit the standing structures.
None of these suggestions have been incorporated into the plans, Zove said.
“From the very start, what we’ve been asking for is that the township and the developer sit down with us and anyone who’s concerned, and figure out what is the best possible development for this parcel,” she said. “Basically, let’s find a solution that helps to preserve the legacy of this historic homestead yet gives the developer the right to pursue his townhouse development.”
To learn more about the Friends of Abolition Hall, visit the group’s Preservation PA page: http://www. preservationpa.org/page. asp?id=65.