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Residents renew opposition to Woodburn Ridge and Knights of Columbus projects, citing traffic and water concerns
Summary
Multiple residents used the public-comment period to object to planned developments on and near Woodburn Road, arguing the township should protect green space and raise infrastructure concerns; the township said approvals have been granted but permit work and external approvals (PennDOT, water authority) remain.
MIDDLETOWN — Several residents urged the board during public comment to halt or reconsider planned residential development on the former Eisenhower School site and nearby parcels along Woodburn Road, renewing longstanding local opposition focused on traffic, stormwater and water-supply concerns.
Beth Pollock told the board she considers the open lawn in front of the Eisenhower School “sacred ground” and said the planned Woodburn Ridge project (identified in public remarks as a proposal by Westrum Development) would be “demoralizing” for Levittown. “I have come to the conclusion that that property is sacred ground,” Pollock said. She urged preserving the site as open space and said the adjacent ERA food pantry and parking lot provide community services that would be difficult to relocate.
Jonas Johnson and Jean Johnson said they were disappointed that zoning approvals had already been granted for the projects and criticized the township for allowing further development. Johnson referenced a package of roughly 104 additional units described at the meeting (combined projects including townhouses and Knights of Columbus parcels) and said traffic is already congested on Woodburn and Oxford Valley roads. “I'm disappointed in approving the zoning that they're gonna be 34 more townhouses…it's terrible, the traffic there,” Johnson said.
Resident Lance Seggers presented results from a community forum he organized, reporting that a large majority of respondents opposed further development and criticized the board for altering professional zoning designations that enabled higher-density projects. Seggers urged supervisors to restrict variances and require developers to build within existing zoning where possible.
Township officials responded that the properties are privately owned and that some approvals have already been issued through the public review process. Solicitor Esposito said developers are still working through external approvals such as PennDOT traffic permits and that final plans have not been signed and recorded. Staff also noted water-authority filings and permit reviews remain outstanding in some cases.
No board action was taken during the public-comment period. Several speakers said they have circulated petitions and planned to pursue further engagement ahead of any construction. Residents requested clearer information about water and traffic studies and indicated they will continue to press the township for mitigation measures.
