15 Dec 2007

Hon. Edward J. Brandt

Chairman

Lower Gwynedd Township
PO Box 625
1130 N Bethlehem Pike
Spring House, PA 19477

Dear Mr. Brandt:

As you know, Gwynedd Mercy College has recently petitioned the Zoning Hearing Board for several variances and a request for interpretations of the zoning ordinance in connection with their intention to build a 1000 seat stadium on their property.

We have opposed all their requests for variances on the ground that they have not met their burden of proof for a variance as required under the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code as reflected in the Lower Gwynedd Zoning Ordinance.

Regardless of the outcome of the Zoning Hearing Board decision, Gwynedd Mercy College may continue the process of seeking a positive recommendation from the Planning Board.   We would again like to voice our strong opposition on the grounds that GMC has not done a sufficient study of the potential effects of this proposed construction on either the residents or the environment.  

While GMC has had plenty of time to prepare for the zoning hearings, GMC has done no credible assessment of the potential impact of noise from the stadium activities, no determination of the potential impact of traffic and traffic-related safety issues such as emergency services access to our properties in the event of a fire, etc. 

We see the proposal to rent the stadium to third parties as absolutely inconsistent with educational nature of the college’s existence.  If GMC is unwilling to commit its own funds for this project without seeking commercial revenue sources, then we again seriously question the value of this stadium to GMC.

As we see absolutely no community benefit to this stadium, we recommend that the Township strongly encourage GMC to pursue a more environmentally friendly and responsible use of the campus.

Finally, it became very obvious to us during the Zoning Board hearings that the traffic on Sumneytown Pike has become onerous and especially impacts the residents on Stonebridge Road. Motorists frequently ignore the speed limits and it is becoming increasingly perilous to turn left on Stonebridge Road.  We respectfully request that you evaluate the current traffic situation and help us remediate the traffic hazard.

Thank you for addressing our concerns and we sincerely hope that the Township will pursue the right course of action on behalf of the majority of citizens.

Sincerely,

cc: Mr. Larry Comunale, Township Manager, Lower Gwynedd Township

      Hon. Kate Harper