Neighbors warn of flooding, wildlife loss and blasting risk at proposed Cedar Grove subdivision

Several Marple Township residents told the Planning Commission on Aug. 27 they are concerned the proposed five-lot subdivision on Cedar Grove Road could worsen local flooding, remove trees and harm wildlife. Residents also asked for clearer information about property boundaries, buffering plans and whether any blasting would be necessary on rock-filled slopes.

Mary Gallagher (speaker 9) said she was worried about water and tree removal, citing periodic flooding on Cedar Grove: "I'm very concerned about the sloping of the area... when, Cedar Grove floods periodically," she said. Karen White (speaker 14), a longtime resident, told the commission the parcel was historically a quarry and warned that rock may require blasting to create building sites.

Applicant representatives and the engineer responded that stormwater will be managed on-site to control rate, volume and quality, that they will perform infiltration and soils testing to design the basins and that enhanced buffering (landscaping or fencing) is proposed to reduce visual impacts. The developer also said it had met neighbors before filing the application and would continue outreach. Commissioners recorded the concerns and attached conditions to their recommendation, asking the applicant to work with the township engineer to resolve technical stormwater and driveway issues before the commissioners' hearing.