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Residents demand redline as Haverford zoning reorganization moves to planning commission
Summary
Residents and neighborhood advocates asked the township to publish a redline comparison of the legacy zoning ordinance and the proposed reorganization before the planning commission continues hearings, arguing the draft contains substantive definition and use changes that require clearer public review.
Several residents told the Haverford Township Board on June 8 they do not trust assurances that the phase‑one zoning reorganization contains only nonsubstantive changes and asked the planning commission to publish a clear redline and hold plain‑language workshops.
"If the township is truly only making nonsubstantive changes in phase one, then why is the June 11th meeting being presented as an opportunity to discuss substantive comments?" asked Dory Dowy, a longtime resident, and urged the board to direct the planning commission and its consultant to produce a full redline comparison before further action. Dowy and other speakers said the public packet and communication from different township sources have been inconsistent, leaving homeowners unsure how proposed definitions and use consolidations might change how rules are applied to existing properties.
Resident Mike Sweeney said the consultant's presentations and draft materials are ambiguous and suggested that a third of local houses have shared alleyways that could be affected by unclear nonconforming language. He urged clearer, side‑by‑side comparisons and more time for public review.
Township officials and the zoning consultant told the board that the project materials include three appendices meant to help residents track changes: a section change log (migration guide), a definitions change log, and a use change log with side‑by‑side tables. Commissioner Forstey Grub summarized those resources and invited residents to the planning commission hearing scheduled for June 11. The board also noted additional local constituent meetings will be held this month to field resident questions.
The planning commission is expected to continue hearings on the reorganization draft. Residents seeking clarity should request the redline comparison and the appendix materials from township staff or attend the June 11 planning commission hearing.
