Resident urges delay of West Goshen PROS plan, citing process and factual errors

Margie Swart, a resident speaking during public comment, asked the commission to defer action on the township's Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan until reviewers have considered written public input and clarified ownership and dedications for two large properties. "I believe that the adoption of the PROS plan, Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan, should be deferred until the public comments received during the review period have been considered and addressed," she said.

Swart said residents reached out to her with concerns about the plan's process and factual accuracy. She cited the plan's stated 2025 EIT (earned income tax) projection of "$14,800,000" as inconsistent with the township budget documents and raised objections to proposed changes at Lambert Park, including converting a dog park to pickleball courts and adding splash pads. Swart warned that unresolved dedications for Greystone and the Fern Hill Reservoir "would change the township's park and open space inventory as well as future maintenance obligations, costs and priorities." She asked the commission to recommend that the Board of Supervisors keep the plan in draft form until those issues are resolved.

The commission took the comment under advisement and discussed whether the planning commission could pause or otherwise affect the Board of Supervisors' advertising and review schedule. No final Board action on the PROS plan was taken at this meeting; commissioners discussed forwarding comments to the Board of Supervisors and whether a formal motion by the commission was appropriate.