Neighbors raise noise, parking and transparency concerns ahead of East York Elementary zoning hearing

Several residents told the board they lacked information about upcoming construction near East York Elementary and voiced worry about safety, noise and lost outdoor time for students.

"There was no recess. There was no outside gym classes," said Louise Soskin, who lives behind the school and reported grassy areas were blocked off while soil testing took place. Soskin said she found a $10,000 fee added to the project, questioned where construction equipment and staging would be placed, and said there had been no public forum to explain the plans.

Engineer John reported that the school district had applied to the zoning hearing board for at least three variances — related to the quantity and placement of parking and for a digital, changeable sign — and that the zoning hearing is scheduled for Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. in the township meeting room. He said anyone within 200 feet of the school property will be notified and that the township may assert standing at the hearing to preserve appeal rights.

Board members agreed the township should preserve options; several supervisors said they would attend the Oct. 3 hearing and that the township zoning officer would be present to assert standing if appropriate. John said the zoning hearing could be continued if there is extensive testimony.

No township action to block school work was taken that evening; instead the board advised residents of the hearing date and said staff and supervisors will monitor the zoning process and consider asserting standing if necessary.

The zoning hearing affords residents an opportunity to present testimony about parking, construction staging, safety, and noise levels before the zoning hearing board issues a decision.