Residents express concerns over new housing development near Marley Darby area

The Willard Planning Commission meeting on March 6, 2025, focused on local ordinances and community concerns regarding housing developments. Key discussions highlighted the importance of enforcing city ordinances to maintain public health, safety, and welfare.

One speaker emphasized that if local government creates ordinances but fails to enforce them, it undermines their purpose. The speaker raised concerns about fairness, questioning whether businesses would feel entitled to ignore regulations if others were allowed to do so. This point underscored the need for consistent enforcement of local laws to ensure all community members adhere to the same standards.

Another resident expressed apprehension about proposed housing developments near their neighborhood. The speaker, who moved from Lehigh to escape high-density living, advocated for maintaining larger lot sizes, specifically half-acre properties. They voiced concerns about increased traffic and environmental impacts associated with lower housing developments, reflecting a broader sentiment among neighbors who share similar worries about changes in their community.

The meeting concluded without a formal decision on the discussed topics, but the concerns raised highlight ongoing tensions between development and community preservation in Willard. The Planning Commission will need to consider these viewpoints as they move forward with planning and zoning decisions.