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Residents urge Upper Darby Council to preserve Mazino tract, cite safety and environmental risks
Summary
Dozens of residents urged the Upper Darby Township Council to reject rezoning and development of the Mazino tract, saying mature trees, a creek and stormwater benefits would be permanently lost and urging conservation or purchase instead of rezoning.
Dozens of residents used the public forum at the Upper Darby Township Council's July 15 meeting to press the council to prevent development of the Mazino tract, saying the privately owned 14-acre parcel provides critical flood mitigation, wildlife habitat and community value that would be lost under proposed rezoning.
Speakers including Terry McGrath, Jim Johnson, Lee Jordan and Bonnie Hallam described the property's mature trees, a creek and wildlife, and warned that more impervious surface would increase stormwater runoff and local flooding. Jim Johnson, a resident of more than 50 years, said the roadway serving the site already experiences heavy congestion and urged a third-party traffic study before any rezoning.
Attorney and longtime resident Michael Friedman told the council that rezoning could invite legal challenge under Pennsylvania's environmental-rights jurisprudence and recommended exploring conservation grants, county open-space programs or a direct purchase to preserve the land. Several speakers, including Shade Tree Commission chair Mike Atwell, emphasized the long time required to replace mature canopy and the role trees play in reducing heat, improving air and filtering stormwater.
Supporters of preservation said the tract meets multiple local priorities: stormwater management, public safety, habitat protection and community character. Opponents of immediate rezoning urged the council to use funding tools or partnerships rather than changing zoning to allow more intensive development. Several commenters asked that the township make more information available to the public about timelines and alternative options for preservation.
Mayor Ed Brown responded that the planning and zoning process is complex and pledged a more detailed explanation at the next meeting, with Director Rita LaRue expected to present how the planning and zoning review works and how residents can engage. Council members said they were hearing the public and that the topic will remain under active review through committee processes.
The meeting did not include a final council vote on any rezoning ordinance for the Mazino tract; public comment and committee work on the issue will continue.
