Last evening Supervisor Mark Dunphy asked his fellow Board members why this particular meeting was scheduled and why it is being held in the evening. The Board of Supervisors had rescheduled the next evening meeting for Oct. 8, 2008, so Mr. Dunphy wanted a clear explanation as to why everyone was gathered at this meeting tonight on Sept. 17. No strong reasons were provided by Supervisors Mr. Funk and Mrs. McNeil and no issues on the agenda seemed to be of an urgent nature. It is still unclear why this meeting was held.
Two weeks ago, at the Sept. 3, 2008 BOS meeting, residents were told there was no action on the "TDR and Open Space Design Ordinance Amendments" (Residential Density Multiplier proposal). The Sept. 17, 2008 agenda clearly lists one of the items as the "TDR and Open Space Design Ordinance Amendments." Residents had also been advised that if an ordinance was created, a workshop meeting dedicated exclusively to going over the reasons for the ordinance would be publicized and public input would be welcome. What actually transpired is the TDR Ordinance was placed on the draft agenda (line item 5a), for an originally nonscheduled meeting (Sept. 17, 2008) and without the workshop meeting for the residents of East Vincent.
An East Vincent taxpaying citizen, taking notice of the sudden appearance of the "TDR and Open Space Design Ordinance Amendments" on the agenda, wrote to the Board earlier in the day to express dissatisfaction that this Ordinance was suddenly on the agenda. This taxpaying resident asked the Board if they had received the letter. Mr. Funk called the letter "inflammatory" and did not appreciate the tone of the letter. Mr. Funk said the TDR Ordinance was not going to be discussed and a heated argument ensued. The taxpaying resident again asked for clarification as to why this evening meeting was scheduled. This taxpaying resident also asked why this BOS meeting was not more aggressively publicized as was the Historic Commission's Open House and Art Show. More questions followed and Mr. Funk would not answer any questions. Chairman Funk gavelled the taxpaying citizen and called in local law enforcement to have the individual escorted from the meeting. This taxpaying resident voluntarily left the meeting but with none of the questions entertained.
A workshop meeting date has yet to be decided upon but may occur in November. It is absolutely imperative that residents who would like to see their rural quality of life continue, regardless of which side of the power lines you may reside, attend the "TDR and Open Space Design Ordinance Amendment" workshop (RDM proposal). We understand families are busy and those of us who attend the East Vincent Township meetings regularly can truly appreciate how difficult it can be to attend, but if there is any meeting to attend, it will be the "TDR and Open Space Design Ordinance Amendment" workshop (RDM proposal). Attending this workshop will give you a voice as crucial changes to our township's zoning are being decided upon which will deeply impact all of East Vincent Township.
We will contact our East Vincent Township residents, as well as other neighboring residents who will be affected by this zoning amendment, when we learn of the scheduled meeting date and time for the "TDR and Open Space Design Ordinance Amendments" (Residential Density Multiplier) workshop.
Yours in a balanced East Vincent Township,
The Informed East Vincent Residents Group
