Next Conditional Use Hearing Dec. 9

As always, you are cordially invited to participate in the Valhalla Brandywine Conditional Use Hearing at 7:30PM, Wallace Twp Bldg. These are running long, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring a drink and maybe even a snack with you! The Architect and the Land Planner will be up for Cross Examination.

NEXT CONDITIONAL USE HEARING THIS TUESDAY!!!

Don't forget to come to the CU Hearing November 25th at 1250 Creek Road, Glenmoore, 7:30 pm !!

PLEASE ATTEND TONIGHT'S CONDITIONAL USE HEARING

Next Conditional Use Hearing Tuesday Oct. 28 at 7:30 PM

Audubon International, a company that certifies golf courses - AND IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY, will discuss Valhalla Brandywine. Also speaking will be Mr. Albert Greenfield, the developer.1250 Creek Road, Glenmoore.

Tonight is Traffic Night! Come One, Come All!! 7:30PM

What's scheduled under the Big Top tonight?! Well, my friends, in the Center Ring we have Traffic! What will the impact from the Resort be?? Massive back-ups, lots more exhaust filled time snaking through our Rural roads at a snail's pace? 10,000 more cars a day, did you say? Come and see the Show! Hear about the Magical Roundabout! Don't miss Ring 2 with Signage! And in Ring 3 there'll be Lighting! There are sure to be clowns, over the top performances and audience participation! Great seats still available - don't be left out!!!

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ASK ABOUT BRANDYWINE VALHALLA?

Cross Examination of the 'Experts' presented throughout the Conditional Use Hearings will begin soon (as early as October 28th). Please think about your concerns and let us know what you would like to ask them! We are here to help!

Unconvinced

Well, the 2nd Conditional Use hearing has been held, and while we have heard testimony from numerous "experts" I think that I am one of many people left scratching their head and wondering why this resort project even exists. It never seems to get any better. How do residents benefit? What great quality of life improvement for us will justify this Urban Outpost and all of the negatives that come with it? Why is the Wallace Township Board of Supervisors in such a rush that residents and concerned citizens are burdened with attending a 3 1/2 to 4 hour or longer meeting every week? Just who is that serving? Only people who have money to make from this project or get paid for attending meetings. It's time to reevaluate where we are going, who's driving, and why we have no brakes.

Where's the Fish??

Well, it had been a while since I got the chance to go out fishing! Unfortunately, even though I had plenty of hits this was the only bass I caught (and a small perch)- not much excitement, but half the fun is just spending time outdoors on a beautiful day! My fishing partner did even worse, but kept his sense of humor. Send me some good pictures of your latest catch and I'll post them - lack of a good fish tale at Gordon's is a bad sign! Now that it's really getting cooler let's see what happens!

Who Knew?

Quite a while back when I was a kid I dreamed of living in a Rural Community. There were 6 of us living in a one bedroom basement apartment in the Bronx. I had plenty of friends, went to summer camp at PS 87, and played out on our crowded one-way street every day. I would see commercials on TV sometimes for the Clean Air Fund and watched the images of children who got to spend 2 weeks or so on a farm. That was my dream. My mother would gently scold me if I brought it up or asked her if I could go, too. There were lots of families with less than we had, she would say. My Uncle Jim would come over on the holidays with pictures and stories of the fish that he caught on trips offshore of Montauk, LI, or with salmon from Alaska. When I went to the beach for the first time at 13 I knew that my love and yearning for nature was justified.

I've always felt a sense of respect for people who know how to make money. It wasn't something that I ever had, so I could really appreciate that it must be some kind of talent. I don't begrudge anyone for that talent, or for any dreams they may have. Maybe when you've had something a while, you forget how special it really is.

I used to spend a lot of time playing in the one square of dirt at the street near my building where there was a tree. If I closed one eye and squinted I could imagine that it was just me and the tree, you couldn't see the other structures around. The front of my building was set back about 15 feet from the street, and to get to my 'front' door you had to go down a long alley about 10 feet wide. According to the Architect at the Conditional Use Hearing, that means we had Rural Character.

Who Knew?

1st Conditional Use Hearing Held! Next Hearing Date: October 7

PART ONE: THE FACTS
The first Conditional Use Hearing for Valhalla Brandywine was held last night at the Wallace Township Building. The evening began with a brief introduction by the Township solicitor and moved onto registration for Party Status. Individuals, Groups, and others affected by the proposed Resort may register at the beginning of each Hearing for Party Status, which allows them to cross-examine (or ask questions of) consultants presenting information on the project. (*This corrects the previous understanding that you had to register at the 1st Hearing for all of the Hearings, so if you were not able to attend last night's meeting and wish to register please come to the next!) It is important to note that you have to wait until the end of the entire presentation to make comments, and that questioning the individual consultants won't be allowed until the whole series of presentations is over. Last night's meeting included an introduction by the developer, Mr. Albert M. Greenfield III. This was followed by presentations by Chuck Dobson, Civil Engineer who touched upon some density and "greenway" allowances, and by Mr. Evans of LRK Architects who spoke about '6 principles' being used in the development plans. The room was more than filled to capacity and a great number of residents and others filed for Pary Status, including the Guardians of the Brandywine and Trout Unlimited.

PART TWO: THE OPINIONS
Hold on just a bit longer while I write them down-in the meantime, don't be shy and give us your own opinion!

YOU NEED TO ATTEND THE CONDITIONAL USE HEARING ON TUESDAY SEPT 23

Tuesday, Sept 23, 7:30 pm, Wallace Township Building, 1250 Creek Rd, Glenmoore. Hearings begin Tuesday on the Conditional Use Application for Brandywine Valhalla, a 600 acre PRIVATE DESTINATION RESORT (Spa/Hotels/Golf Course) in Wallace Township. All residents are encouraged to attend. If you wish to speak at this and subsequent hearings, you must register as a party. If you need more information, or would like help in registering, please email watchourwaters @gmail.com

WOODLAND PROTECTION IN WALLACE TOWNSHIP**PLEASE COMMENT**

As the Wallace Twp. Planning Commission works on revising the Woodlands Protection Ordinances that were previously contested and repealed, a new issue has come to the forefront: Timber Harvesting. Consideration is being given to revising present regulations. This area will be addressed at the next PC work session, Sept. 24, 7:30pm at the Township Bldg, 1250 Creek Road, Glenmoore. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC IS REQUESTED BY ADDING TO THE 'COMMENTS' BELOW THIS ARTICLE.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONDITIONAL USE HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 23, 7:30 PM

There will be a series of public hearings on the Conditional Use Application for the creation of the Spa/Golf Course/Hotel Resort proposed by developer Albert Greenfield III. The first hearing will take place on Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008 at 7:30pm, Wallace Township Building, 1250 Creek Rd., Glenmoore 19343. It is critical to attend this first hearing if you would like to speak or 'present testimony' on this issue because you will need to register in order to do so. The meetings are open to anyone who wants to learn the scope of this project. The plans for development will be presented. The impacts need to be exposed. Please come, and be sure to ask what the benefits are to you, your family and your community. Don't let other people and outside investors plan your community for you! Join with families, friends, and neighbors that share your values and care about you!

CONDITIONAL USE HEARINGS TO BEGIN SEPT 23

The developer of the Spa/Golf Course/Hotel Resort has submitted his application for Conditional Use. Hearings will begin Sept. 23rd. More information will be available shortly.

September - A New Month - A New Beginning

The beginning of each month is a good time to look forward and think about what you plan to accomplish in the 30 or so days ahead. It's also a good time to take a look back and see how you did with the goals you set for last month.

Well, last month was a tough one. The Guardians of the Brandywine, an active group of Chester County residents who work toward keeping the Brandywine Creek and River clean and protected for future generations, were shocked and saddened by the Wallace Township Board of Supervisors' decision to approve a zoning Ordinance that would allow a Spa/Golf/Hotel Resort in an environmentally sensitive area along the Brandywine against the recommendations of the Chester County Planning Commission. Mr. Henry Rowan, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Land Use Coalition and Supervisor of Buckingham Township for 15 years has stated " This is among the very worst ordinances that I have ever seen enacted. It is poorly conceived and technically incompetent. Quite frankly, for a community that has Wallace's history of protecting its land, this ordinance is an embarrassment and is nothing short gift to developers." Many stand to be affected by this decision, and it is quite sobering when you think about it. The waters stand to be polluted and uninhabitable by current fish populations, no longer the High Quality drinking source enjoyed by residents as far as Delaware. Townships near and far stand to experience the effects of thousands of cars a day trying to navigate roads unable to handle the volume. As the population from resort vacationers and workers swells, and the emphasis becomes pleasing people who don't even live in our Townships our Rural Character and Way of Life will be taken from us. This is the decision that the Board of Supervisors has made. Not For Us. Without Us. What Do We Get? This is the decision that the Board of Supervisors has made. Out of fear of being sued by a Developer who's goal is for investors and himself to make money. What Do We Get? This is the decision that the Board of Supervisors has made. Even Though an Appeal Means Fighting the Township's Own Residents. What Do We Get?

Yes, last month seems to have been a bad month, indeed.

Well, how about this month? What are our personal goals? Collective Goals? What do you hope to accomplish this September? -adrienne

Results for Final Tuesday Night Tournament of 2008

While the fishing hasn't been great overall, there were still some nice bass at the end of last night's final competition. Out of 13 boats, first place went to the team of Russell and Russell with 2 fish weighing in at 9.05 total lbs. Second place went to Newton and Newton for 3 fish totaling 7.58 lbs. Lunker (the heaviest fish) went to Searing and Searing for their bass weighing 4.32 lbs. The BIG BAG of the Year Prize of some really nice gear went to the team of Searing and Padden for their catch on the very first night of the Tournament (total weight 13.88lbs). Congratulations to all!

Bass Tournament Nets Big Fish!

Last night's Chester County Bass Masters Tournament at Marsh Creek brought in a record bass weighing in at over 7 lbs! Congratulations to the winners! Next Tuesday evening will be the last of the Tuesday Night Tournaments (TNT) for this season.For more info on the Bass Masters or entering please go to www.chestercountybassmasters.com
**Updated Info** That's Fisherman Wendell Orosz who caught the record giant 7.01 lb bass. 1st place went to the Fishing team of Robinson and Petry with 2 fish weighing a combined 7.34 lbs. They took first place last week as well!

Public Hearing a Farce/Ordinance 1323 Adopted

After hours of testimony from water experts, consultants, and many Wallace Township residents the Board of Supervisors adopted the Ordinance allowing creation of a 600 acre spa/golf course/hotel resort as previously expected.

Compelling information against adoption of the Ordinance was offered by Mr. Henry Rowan, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Land Use Coalition and Supervisor of Buckingham Township for 15 years, as well as Anne Misak of Clean Water Action, Philadelphia/Harrisburg, and Mr. Ott, Land Use Planner of West Chester PA ACLP. Numerous residents also presented testimony as well as signed petitions against #1323.

As required by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), Section 609e, the amendment to the zoning ordinance was submitted to the Chester County Planning Commission for review on July 21, 2008. The County responded with a 6 page assessment of the Plan on August 18, 2008. The review cites gross inadequacies, and plainly states that as presently written, a PCCC (Planned Country Club Community) is inconsistent with both the Township's own Comprehensive Plan as well as the 1996 Chester County Comprehensive Plan, Landscapes. It states that "The Chester County Planning Commission does not endorse this amendment as it is currently written..." and recommends "that the Township defer action on this particular amendment..." and suggests that the Township find a more suitable location for a PCCC, one in a less sensitive environmental area.

In a stunning display of contempt for the Chester County Planning Commission's findings, the Wallace Township Solicitor indicated (not a direct quote) that the CC Planning Commission did not know what they were doing, and that the review was based on a gross lack of understanding. Wallace Planning Commission member Skip McGrew agrees, stating: "...The one new item was the letter from the County Planning Commission. Those of us who have read many such letters were shocked at the tone of the letter and the complete disregard for the existing zoning and subdivision ordinances. It appeared that the author had not read those ordinances and had no understanding of the land planning process. Most surprising was the unprecedented notion that the Township Comprehensive Plan should be revised to provide for a destination resort. Even the most casual reader of the Comprehensive Plan should see that it provides broad, overall direction and doesn't address specific development plans. One can only suspect that some savvy political lobbying was in play here."

At the Hearing it was disclosed that the developer, Mr. Greenfield, has an old application for the resort "pending", meaning that he can decide to attempt development regardless of whether Ordinance 1323 is passed or not!

It is clear that the decision to allow the resort to move forward and adopt this Ordinance was made prior to the Public Hearing. This decision has been made regardless of the overall impact to residents' quality of life, environmental concerns, safety, traffic and water quality - not of just Wallace Townships, but of neighboring townships as well.

*Chester County Planning Commission Does Not Endorse Ordinance 1323*

The Chester County Planning Commission has reviewed the proposed amendment to Wallace Township's zoning ordinances which would allow a PCCC (Planned Country Club Community). Their determination is that this Ordinance 1323 does not appear to be consistant with Wallace Township's own Comprehensive Plan and they DO NOT ENDORSE THIS AMENDMENT. The review cites extensive changes to the physical environment, inadequate study regarding traffic and water studies, & facilities for transient use as some of the serious faults of the Ordinance. It clarifies that the majority of the FRR Flexible Rural Residential District and the I Industrial District fall within the "Agricultural /RuralResidential" and "Open Space/Conservation" future land use categories. The Commission reccommends more "adequate protection for the Township's sensitive environmental features" as part of the Ordinance, and notes that "the protection of water resources in the area should receive special attention". They suggest that the Board of Supervisors
DEFER ACTION ON THIS AMENDMENT!!

Slow Night at Tuesday Night's Bass Tournament

Unfortunately, most of the 15 boats that went out for last night's tournament on Marsh Creek lake came up with a big zero! August hasn't been great for bass fishing, and last night was a frustrating washout for most. The biggest bass weighed in at 4.53 lbs. The same boat hauled in 2 other nice ones for a total of 12.01 pounds and the first place prize. The contest begins at 6pm (registration starts at 5pm) and runs until 10pm. All the boats last night were in before 10 (which is an indicator of a poor night). The head of the Bass Club predicts a good September, and I heard plenty of fish stories to keep motivated! I caught a small one myself yesterday out in the kayak. As a final note, all the fishermen release the bass they catch! (as do I) Next time I'll bring you some pictures. Happy Fishing! -adrienne

Public Hearing and Why I Hate Ordinance 1323

Wow! How's that for a title! First and foremost, it is really important that everyone with an interest in or concern about having a Spa/Golf resort in Wallace Township comes to the Public Hearing on Thursday evening, Aug. 21 at 7:30 pm in the Township Building at 1250 Creek Road, Glenmoore, PA 19343. The regular Board of Supervisors meeting will follow immediately after the public hearing, and it is anticipated that they will approve new Ordinance 1323 - the Ordinance that allows this PCCC, or Planned Country Club Community.

I am a true believer in the democratic system - if everyone loved the idea of a resort in Wallace I would put my feelings aside and attend the 'Conditional Use' meetings that hammer out the details- even though I know that creating a resort will pollute the water and spoil the fishing and wildlife habitat, even though I sigh with despair when I imagine 5,000 to 10,000 more cars a day passing through the intersection of Marshall Rd and Chalfant (a member of the Planning Commission gave me that number, I didn't make it up) even though I get fighting-mad at the merest suggestion that my well water might be harmed/depleted and force public water into the region, and even though I fear that the investors in the project will eventually push for a gaming license and add a casino.

HOWEVER, I have heard only 1 person (other than the developer, of course!) say that they actually like the idea of the resort. Everyone else that I have spoken with or heard at the Township meetings has either said that they really don't want to turn Wallace Township into a resort-town, or hurriedly explains how they don't believe it will ever happen and they are just so busy with their family, job, and obligations to get involved or think too much about it and, oh my, look at the time, something's in the oven....

SO, I hate Ordinance 1323 and,in the name of democracy, I invite you, your friends and neighbors to join me at the Public Hearing and tell the Board of Supervisors that you hate it as well. Sign a petition, come say what you think and support speakers at the Hearing that feel the way you do. Residents of neighboring townships are also encouraged to attend! The traffic and water issues created by this project will not be confined to Wallace alone!

Let's support reasonable growth that doesn't impact the area in such an extreme way. Preserve our watershed!

RURAL CHARACTER

Today's thoughts focus on "Rural Character".
Many residents at the meetings held to discuss the proposed "Country Club Community" expressed concern about how such a project would change the rural character of Wallace Township. Right now, we enjoy a beautiful setting and the privilege of a High Quality stream - the East Brandywine Creek. How will a spa/golf resort "fit in"? Bringing in commercial enterprises like hotels and private activities designed for visiting non-residents, and the resulting traffic, doesn't seem like an idea well suited to a rural community.
I received an interesting letter about this subject and Wallace Township's Comprehensive Plan : " The Amendment is inconsistent with Wallace' 1986 comprehensive plan. The first of eight goals of that plan is to "Provide for development in an orderly manner that will retain the rural character of the community and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the Township." A planned country club community (PCCC) allows considerable residential and commercial development. The effect on the Township of either of these is hard enough to predict. Together, they constitute disorderly development. The commercial facilities of a PACC are incompatible with a quiet, rural lifestyle. They include a country club and recreation center with 112 guest suites; restaurants and a shop; a spa and wellness center with 80 more guest suites and a huge parking lot."
- What do you think?- adrienne

How's the Fishin'?

Well, I went out on Marsh Creek Lake for just a couple of hours Saturday. Tossed in my line in the finger on the East side of the dam and had no trouble finding a couple of largemouth bass! I have my in-laws here for a week from Florida and they were impressed!(sound of applause...thank you) The water is really warming up, there's quite a bit of algae now, and this is the third time out in the last couple of weeks where I saw 2 or 3 dead panfish floating on the surface. Oxygen must be getting depleted. Fishing with worms 2 weekends ago I couldn't keep up with the amount of strikes :). Lots of action and fun with the kids if you use live bait. Looking forward to some kayak time later this afternoon! -adrienne

THUMBS UP OR DOWN? ORDINANCE 1323

There are a lot of different topics to discuss, where should we start? Well, since one of the most pressing subjects is the Ordinance 1323 (which allows a "Planned Country Club Community" on the Brandywine River), let's begin with that one!

On Aug. 21, 2008 at 7:30 PM in the Township Bldg located at 1250 Creek Road, Glenmoore you will have the opportunity to speak out and influence the future of our Watershed and wildlife!

Ordinance 1323 was developed to allow the creation of a 600 acre private resort (including a spa, hotels, and golf course) on lands adjacent to Marsh Creek State Park. The proposal includes the Cornog Quarry as well well as properties which contain portions of the Struble Trail and East Branch of the Brandywine River. The developer, Albert Greenfield III, calls the concept Valhalla Brandywine.

How will this kind of use affect the water and wildlife? Well, I don't think that it is much of a stretch to imagine how the wildlife is going to react - it will be pushed out. Where will it go? I'd love to hear your thoughts on that. Maybe some of the hunters can give us some input there.

There are serious concerns about how the water will be affected. Water use for a spa and golf course will be extremely heavy. The East Branch of the Brandywine contains the headwaters, which means that any negative impact on quality will be seen/felt all the way to Delaware. There's going to be runoff, there's going to be sewage. What will this do to our local fishing?

A consequence of this Ordinance will be the clear allowance for hotels. Right now the Ordinance permits 180 hotel rooms. There are also 275 proposed homes.

This resort is going to generate a heck of a lot of traffic. It's going to change the rural character of Wallace Township.

What do you think? -adrienne

YOU MADE IT!!!

So happy to have you here! Welcome!

Now, remember that we are all sharing our opinions here. I don't expect you to have a lawyer sitting by your side while you consider what thoughts you'd like to share. That goes for me, as well. The idea is that we can communicate with one another and work together for a better environment and community.

We'd like to keep our focus on the waters and the environment of Chester County. We have a special emphasis on the Upper East Branch of the Brandywine River. This is because it is such a critical area in maintaining the health of connecting bodies of water and the source of a great deal of resources (both environmental and recreational).

I'll try to open up topics that will give us the opportunity for a better understanding of how we can affect positive changes. Are you are a fisherman/woman, bird watcher, outdoor sports enthusiast? Let us know about what's going on locally and send us your photos! Are you a botanist, geologist or water expert? Share your knowledge and help us learn more about our area.

OK, let's go! -adrienne