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Health & Fitness

Why has the building of the Springhouse Trail still not begun?

In the Fall, 2002, Vaughn & Sons provided a newsletter which offered construction updates about the Springhouse Development in Newtown Square.  In this issue(picture attached), Vaughn noted that “A walking trail and a large expanse of open space will enhance the entire community.”  More than ten years later, Vaughn has not completed the walking trail.  Since the August, 2013 Board of Supervisors’ meeting where the request to abandon this trail was turned down, there is still no indicator that Vaughn is making any effort to complete the trail.  What is Vaughn waiting for and when will the trail finally be built? 

Why has it taken the township so long to ensure that this builder complete the plan as it was approved.  Why is this public amenity, another step in providing walking trails that would enhance the residential experience in Newtown not a priority? 

The Township leadership, including the Planning Commission, the Township Manager and the Township Board of Supervisors has just spent thousands of dollars including advertising and legal fees to try to adversely impact Newtown residents with a poorly conceived and written Commercial-Residential zoning amendment in an effort to benefit a few interests.  This amendment would have brought more commercial development into residential areas.  This waste of taxpayer dollars is astounding and made even more astounding by the Board of Supervisors’ Chairman Catania chastising the residents when hundreds attended yet another meeting to make it clear that the C-R zoning amendment should not be approved. 

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Yet, that same energy has been elusive in the actions which would benefit all residents.   Right now, the Township Manager has announced as if it is a monumental accomplishment redoing the basketball courts at the township building.  An initial grant of $10,000 morphed into well over $30,000 in additional cost for basketball courts that serve a smaller population than would be served if those funds were utilized for trails and open space.

In addition to a Comprehensive Plan for zoning, Newtown Township needs a comprehensive plan for walking trails, bike trails, open space and recreational facilities.  Ensuring that Mr. Vaughn completes the walking trail he so proudly marketed with the Springhouse development would be a first step.  Let’s take that step and let’s seek to make is part of a broader planning effort.

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