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Whitemarsh supervisors table decision on 3‑unit proposal at 201 Roberts Avenue after extensive neighbor opposition
Summary
After more than an hour of technical questions and public comment on safety, sewer and process concerns, the Whitemarsh Board of Supervisors voted to table the developer’s request for land‑development waivers for a proposed three‑unit building at 201 Roberts Avenue and encouraged further meetings between the applicant and neighbors.
Chair Atoll opened the board’s review of SLD‑226, a minor land development plan to replace a greenhouse and single‑family residence at 201 Roberts Avenue with a three‑story, three‑unit building. Solicitor Kilkenny and staff described prior zoning determinations and noted that the planning commission recommended denial of the waivers the applicant is seeking.
Robert Rutoski, the applicant, walked the board through the design changes he said reduce the project’s footprint and improve sight distance at approach points. He told the board the plan would provide six off‑street parking spaces (two per unit), add about 69 trees and shrubs, resurface a short stretch of the alley adjacent to the property, and “dramatically improved the sight distance” from both Roberts Avenue and the alley.
Neighbors told the board the development would worsen street parking, create safety and stormwater concerns, and undermine the single‑family character of the Cedar Heights neighborhood. Kathy Burke, who lives two doors down, reviewed the rezoning history for Roberts Avenue and said she was “heartened by the planning commission’s recommendation to deny” the waivers. Several residents including James Pickle and Danielle Ramirez alleged a lack of procedural transparency during prior zoning actions, with Pickle saying the township “lied about the existence of zoning documents to obstruct my inquiry.” Those claims were entered into the record during public comment and were not resolved at the meeting.
Board members and staff focused their review on the specific waiver requests before them — including use of aerial imagery in lieu of a field survey within 500 feet, sidewalk and curb waivers, reduced setback and buffer widths, a shorter sidewalk connection length, and a reduced standard for storm‑drain piping. Staff clarified that some zoning determinations are final and not under the board’s remit tonight; the board’s decision would be limited to the requested land‑development waivers.
After extended testimony and questioning, Chair Atoll moved to table SLD‑226 until the board’s next regular meeting to allow additional review and to encourage the applicant and neighbors to meet in the interim. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The board did not act on any of the waiver requests tonight; the item will return to the agenda for further consideration.
