Mazzino Tract Development

Introduced speakers from the Darby Creek Valley Association and Shade Tree Commission, noting upcoming presentations on funding and forest maintenance.

Outlined the step-by-step process for purchasing and preserving the Mazzino forest using state, federal, and foundation grant funding sources.

Spoke as the chair of the Shade Tree Commission about maintaining the Mazzino tract as a wild natural space with minimal cost.

Thanked council for listening, highlighted petition signatures, and urged a no vote on rezoning the forest.

Emphasized the irreversible loss of the mature ecosystem and urged council to prioritize preservation as progress.

Described severe traffic and safety hazards exiting driveways on State Road and argued development would worsen conditions.

Shared photographs of local wildlife, including deer frequenting his property near the tract, and urged their protection.

Presented 1,110 signed petitions from township residents opposing development and supporting environmental health.

Requested council to table the ordinance or put it to rest, and read a letter from a nurse practitioner regarding public health and green space.

Recalled childhood memories in the woods and urged the township to acquire the property for permanent public benefit.

Shared past experiences as Shade Tree Commission head working with Natural Lands Trust to acquire open space.

Urged preservation of the forest for future generations and children.

Asked detailed questions about permitted uses in the CMU ordinance, including religious assembly, recreation, and sewer system impacts.

Discussed the complexity of the issue and asked council to table the ordinance to explore purchase options.

Urged council not to advance the CMU ordinance and to work with conservation groups to acquire the land.

Highlighted the wildlife and stress-relief benefits of the woodland.

Stressed that the township is already commercialized and losing the forest would harm the entire region.

Briefly urged council to protect the forest and allow wildflowers to grow.

Warned of wildlife displacement, severe downstream flooding from the removal of the natural sponge forest, and school overcrowding.

Spoke as a Lansdowne resident downstream about stormwater risks and regional watershed impacts.

Presented a detailed environmental GIS analysis of the Mazzino tract, detailing tree canopy, steep slopes, FEMA floodplains, and prime soils.