Tecce Tract News

Springfield Planning Commission to Review Teece Development Plan

Dear Neighbors:

On Tuesday June 6, 2006 at 7:00 PM representatives of the Tecce Tract are presenting to the Planning Commission.

In addition to proposals for some decreased setbacks and the elimination of landscaping in some areas, a recent Engineering Review Letter states"...Plans do not reflect wetlands, only Waters of the Commonwealth. A copy of the environmental report should be provided to the Township". The potential significance of this is currently being illustrated by the fact that the Army Corps of Engineers has requested a site visit to the Boorse Tract to determine jurisdiction as a result of the wetlands which are present there. As with Boorse, if there are wetlands additional permits and reviews will be necessary for the Tecce Tract.

Sanitary issues have not been resolved and although the Tecce Tract is interested in a tie-in with Eagle View's pump station they have not been willing to commit to cooperating with Eagle View's desire for a turn lane during the widening of Ridge Pike to four lanes although they are "very cooperative" in giving land for acceleration and deceleration lanes which they need.

Please attend the meeting on 6/6/06 at 7:00 PM in the township building. Your continued support of the Friends of Springfield Panhandle's efforts to insure the most responsible development of this significant piece of Open Space in our Township is essential.

Thank you
Brennan Preine, FOSP

Springfield Township Commissioners Approve Teece Development Proposal

Message from Brennan Preine, Friends of Springfield Panhandle (12/23/05)

Dear Fellow Community Member,

On Wednesday, December 21st, the Springfield Board of Commissioners approved the Tecce property rezoning ordinance by a straight party-line vote of four Republicans in favor and two Democrats against, with one abstention. The ordinance will allow high-density housing for an age-restricted community on this 41 acre property in the Springfield Panhandle. Its passage further weakens Springfield's AAA zoning, a progressive, lower-density zoning classification that had protected the Tecce property as well as numerous other Township open spaces.

On the positive side, FOSP's negotiations with the Tecce family led to a last minute public commitment on their part to reduce the development from 66 homes to 54. They also stated that they would manage storm water beyond standard Springfield requirements and dedicate land for a left-hand turn lane from west-bound Ridge Pike onto Manor Road. While we could not reach a final, written agreement in time for the Commissioner’s meeting, Tecce's public statements will be grounds for continued negotiations. We hope to forge a final agreement that includes Tecce’s stated commitments and perhaps other benefits such as trails, historic preservation, and open space acquisition rights.

Looking back, we should all be proud of FOSP's success in fighting for open space and responsible development practices. When Tecce first approached the Township in early 2004, his proposals called for as many as 200 units. Our successful 2004 public hearing opposition defeated his proposal for 137 units, and our current effort has forced a committed reduction from 66 units to 54, with a significantly improved site plan.

Looking ahead, FOSP will press for a final settlement agreement and will remain vigilant as Tecce’s development process proceeds. We have not ruled out the possibility of challenging the Township's action in court, although we hope to achieve our objectives through less adversarial means. We are counting on your continued participation and support because you are the source of our strength.

Let’s also recognize the reality of this event – the Springfield Commissioners who voted for Tecce’s amendment failed completely in their obligation to represent the interests of the Township’s citizens. There was clear community consensus against the Tecce proposal, demonstrated by over 300 protest signatures, the objection of several respected environmental organizations, and the voice of many citizens at two well-attended public hearings. Not a single Springfield resident spoke in favor of Tecce at these hearings, and Tecce was unable to prove any hardship to justify the proposal's passage. Yet in the end, the majority of the Board sided with one man against the will of the community and the better interests of Springfield Township. Our ultimate power to change this behavior lies with the ballot box. Let’s make certain we have long memories about this issue, and demand that our future candidates defend our interests against those who would usurp them for undue personal gain.

Developer and Residents Agree to Work Together on New Plan for Tecce Property

Message from Brennan Preine, Friends of Springfield Panhandle (12/14/05)

Dear Fellow Community Member,

There will not be a vote about the Tecce property re-zoning issue at tonight’s Springfield Board of Commissioners meeting. At the 11th hour, the Tecce party reached out to the Friends of the Springfield Panhandle and offered to work with us on a new plan that we hope will be acceptable to all members of the community.

While a full agreement will take time to complete, our goal is to craft a binding good faith agreement, governing the principles of further planning, in time for the Commissioners meeting of December 21st. Until the time the good faith agreement is in place, the Friends of the Springfield Panhandle remains opposed to the Tecce re-zoning proposal.

We view this as a positive step and a chance to truly influence the outcome of the Tecce property for the benefit of the community. Please plan to attend the December 21st meeting. We will send an additional email with further details as we get closer to that meeting.

Thanks very much for your ongoing support on this important issue. Your interest and commitment to this issue is the key reason we continue to make progress.