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Whitemarsh board approves flood-mitigation waiver for Brookland Behavioral Hospital
Summary
After a presentation from the project engineer, the board approved Resolution 20269 granting a land-development waiver to Universal Health Services for flood walls and removable barriers at the hospital site to reduce flooding from Sandy Run.
The Whitemarsh Township Board of Supervisors voted June 11 to approve Resolution 20269, a land-development waiver for Universal Health Services to install flood-mitigation measures at Brookland Behavioral Hospital, 7170 Lafayette Avenue in Fort Washington. The board carried the resolution by roll call after a brief presentation and questions.
Engineer James Barbas described plans to wrap portions of the hospital with a combination of freestanding flood walls, a brick waterproof facade under window sills, and removable temporary barriers designed to limit water intrusion from Sandy Run. Barbas said the project included a FEMA map-revision (LOMAR) to reflect current conditions and that the protections would provide elevation at or above the 500-year flood line in several locations.
Board members asked about the visible treatment along Lafayette Avenue and landscaping. Barbas said the visible wall sections will have a brick facade rather than bare concrete and include architectural elements such as a capstone; the top of the wall will sit at the bottom of the existing window sills to preserve sightlines. The presentation noted drainage and gated access points would preserve ingress and egress where needed.
Chair Tol called the motion to consider Resolution 20269 and Mr. McAlly conducted a roll call; Mr. Geranchelli, Mr. Manuel, Missy and Cheryl recorded affirmative votes and the resolution carried.
The action completes the township’s local land-development review steps for the waiver; staff noted the project previously received planning commission recommendation and required variances from floodplain and riparian-corridor rules earlier in the review process. The board did not direct further changes at the meeting; the resolution passed closes the waiver step before construction permitting.
