Zoning meant to protect neighborhood character

I was very eager to hear the Patton Township Supervisors weigh in on the proposed zoning change for the site of the former Penn State Trailer Park at the Oct. 19 work session. Zoning is not supposed to be malleable in response to market trends, rather it’s a protection from them, the only tool we have to safeguard the character of our neighborhoods. So I strongly support keeping this 30-acre tract zoned residential.

Nonetheless, the township has offered the developers an entirely new zoning category, cloaked as a “mixed-use overlay,” that would not only change the parcel from residential to commercial but would allow exponentially more buildings, at a greater density, with decreased buffering and setbacks, more impervious surface and taller height than is allowed in any existing zoning category, abandoning the very things that give zoning teeth.

I was hoping to hear the board’s explanation for how this zoning would help the township but I was rudely awakened when the self-professed “new guys” Dan Trevino and George Downsbrough steamrolled through “the matrix” with an attitude of bullying and resentment toward speakers. Downsbrough had to be repeatedly educated by the audience about zoning laws and procedures. Only Elliott Abrams, a 30-year board veteran and chair, reflected the feelings of residents when he suggested we tear up this proposal and start anew. I hope the board will consider this possibility at this Wednesday’s meeting at 7 p.m. at the Township Building. Anyone concerned about this issue, please come.

Sign the petition: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/951/550/119/.

This story was originally published October 24, 2017 at 9:18 PM with the headline "Zoning meant to protect neighborhood character."