Residents urge board not to appeal zoning denial for proposed Fort Washington transportation facility

Dozens of residents told the Upper Dublin School District board during public participation that the district should not appeal the Upper Dublin Township Zoning Hearing Board’s denial of a proposed transportation center near Fort Washington Elementary School.

Nut graf: Speakers cited child safety, increased traffic, neighborhood character changes and concerns about variances requested for building size and vehicle weight. Several residents asked why the district had not held a town hall and requested details about alternative sites referenced by district staff.

Multiple residents spoke against the proposal. Nita Brister said the request for variances—particularly a bus garage far larger than zoning allows and variances governing vehicle weight and count—would “change the character” of the residential neighborhood. She noted that three people had testified in favor of the location at the zoning hearing but said roughly 40 community members spoke against it.

Other speakers echoed safety concerns. A Fort Washington resident, Miss Buckman, told the board she had attended zoning hearings and said testimony showed the site was not centrally located and that the project would increase traffic near elementary school walk routes. Burke, who identified himself as a resident of Van Sant Lane and said he had standing in the zoning matter, told the board that a “monstrous” facility 70 feet from a playground would deter families from moving to the neighborhood. Jennifer Qualsy, a Highland Avenue resident and parent of a Fort Washington student, cited traffic, backup alarms and property values and asked the board to “seriously consider not appealing this decision.” Nick Sarlakos and Caitlin Johnson also urged the board to reconsider and look for other locations.

Board discussion and staff comments: Board President Mr. Wallach acknowledged the comments and said the board would address the agenda item later. Mr. Sirota, a board member, told the public that board members had been provided transcripts of all zoning hearing days and said there is no known freely available, appropriately zoned property. He said a property rumored to be available would be in a flood plain, have limited access and is not currently zoned to permit vehicle maintenance; he also said the Greater Fort Washington District zoning explicitly prohibits vehicle maintenance in that area.

Ending: The board did not take action on the appeal during the meeting segment. The public commenters requested more transparency about other sites the district considered; several asked for a town hall. The board signaled further discussion would occur later on the agenda when the matter is docketed for action.