We have been watching residents of Whitemarsh Township getting organized via social media to fight an application to utilize what is now a utility road for a construction project at The Hill at Whitemarsh. Basically the residents do not want construction trucks using a road they believe is protected from such use.

Below is the text of an online petition (if you want to sign it, click here):

I opose (sic) the application and/or request pending before the Whitemarsh Township Board of Supervisors and its designees; The Montgomery County Planning Commission; and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, to allow the conversion of the “Dump Road” walking trail (Utility Road) between Fountain Green Road and The Angus Tract for use as a temporary construction access for Phase II of The Hill at Whitemarsh. We urge denial of the relief requested since it fails to adequately protect the interests of the neighbors and is in contravention to the rights and responsibilities held by the neighbors as defined by the 2008 Declaration of Conservation and Open Space, Easements, Covenants and Restrictions and the 2010 Amendment. The impact of the proposed road (12 feet wide, over 1000 feet long and directly abutting 14 private homes) will have a significant adverse impact of the health, safety, and welfare of the neighborhood and surrounding community:

1. The planned heavy volume of construction vehicles removing dirt and construction debris from the Phase II construction site will create an on-going nuisance. The noise, debris and vibrations will disturb the peace and quiet enjoyment of the neighbors and surrounding community.2. The proposed road will be used by construction vehicles and workers’ vehicles six days a week morning to evening. It will increase traffic congestion and create even more dangerous conditions along Flourtown Road. 3. This project will continue a minimum of two years – while the 2008 Declaration limits the maximum time frame of the proposed road to 6 months (unless additional approval from the Review Committee is secured). 4. The noise, debris and vibrations from the proposed road will greatly reduce the value of our property. 5. It will present a danger to our collective health, safety, and welfare, especially given the number of children and elderly that live in close proximity to this proposed road. 6. The dump road, a popular walking path for neighbors, purchased with state funds as a trail, will be closed to the public throughout the duration of the construction.

If you are interested in this effort, there is also a Facebook group and the group is planning to attend a the meeting of the Whitemarsh Planning Commission on Tuesday, January 12th at 7:00 p.m.