Brookline Park parking plan draws neighborhood ire as township approves $199,310 contract

The Haverford Township Board of Commissioners on June 8 approved a $199,310 contract to build Phase 4 parking improvements at Brookline Park even as nearby residents urged a delay and additional meetings to address safety and design concerns.

Residents who live on Sagamore, Kenmore and adjacent blocks raised repeated objections during the citizens forum, saying head‑in parking on two‑way Sagamore Road would create hazardous traffic conditions and reduce protected green space. "The proposed parking plan is a practical and balanced solution," said Melissa Raffle, a member of the Parks and Recreation Board and former Brookline Park Steering Committee member, arguing the perimeter parking retains parkland while adding capacity. But other neighbors said outreach was insufficient and asked the board to table the approval until they could review alternatives.

Commissioners defended the plan as necessary for the park to comply with zoning and to ensure visitors have safe places to park. Commissioner Hart said the phase under consideration includes 24 spaces and that "the total cost at this part of the project is $200,000," and explained that without added parking some park uses could not move forward. He and other commissioners said funding for the larger park remains partial; the initial whole‑park estimate was about $2.5 million and roughly half the funds are in hand.

After hearing public comment, the board voted to award the contract to Ernell Company Incorporated, the lowest responsible bidder. The contract award was introduced and carried by motion; no commissioner publicly recorded an objection to the contract award during the vote. The contract language and procurement documents in the public packet list scope items for paving, striping and curb work to implement the perimeter parking design.

Neighbors asked for more targeted outreach and asked the board to consider alternatives such as angled parking on one‑way streets, time‑limited residential permits, or additional traffic calming. Commissioners said they are willing to meet with neighborhood representatives and to review whether additional angle parking or changes to the plan are warranted as the park develops. Commissioner Hart specifically said staff and commissioners will continue discussions with residents about future park phases.

Next steps: the township will execute the contract and the contractor will schedule work consistent with the public‑works calendar; residents seeking more information were directed to the public packet and to follow up with township staff for detailed drawings and schedules.