August Update on Cricket Slope Farm Subdivision

August, 2004

Dear Neighbor,

The Oley Township Planning Commission met Monday, Aug 2…Developers the Forino Company, and owner Dax Funderburk were in attendance, and confirmed their plans to demolish the 19th century Farmhouse and Barn…

A number of items of concern about the development were addressed by letters from the townships engineers and attorney, (copies available from the township office). Most importantly, the plan attempts to make new law by using the zoning setbacks, frontage requirements and lot size of a zone 50 feet away from the road frontage (lots 6, 7, 8, 9, 10). The Planning Commission pointed out that this was a matter of the developers’ convenience, and this interpretation would have drastic negative effects on the zoning law depending how a particular developer might draw his lines. This is not the law’s intent, there has been no other example found to support the developers position, and the township would stand by existing law.

The Planning Commission objects to the planned destruction, and is doing all it can to convince the builder to save the structures, as continued degradation of the inventory of historic structures effects Oley townships status as a historic district…Many neighbors were in attendance and spoke directly to the planning commission, the owner and the developer regarding their concerns about the historic loss of two historic buildings on Main Street, concerns about tax increases, drainage problems, increased traffic etc, etc, etc.

One thing we neighbors must be clear about, however, is that the Township ultimately can’t legally prevent the developer from tearing down the buildings. At this point, we must use every measure of persuasion we can muster to convince the developer to change his plan. The buildings are attractive and in a very nice setting and neighborhood.

What can we do? The next Planning Commission meeting is September 7th at 7:30pm. The commission must respond to the developers by early October. PLEASE ATTEND to support your local planning commission! Voice your concern, and learn more about the challenges faced by our township. SIGN A PETITION.

In the meanwhile, all concerned citizens of Oley Township and environs should consider writing letters to the developer, Mr. Anthony Forino, president of the Forino Development Company, of Sinking Spring, and the owner, encouraging them to reconsider this ill-considered approach to developing this property. Please tell Mr. Forino that you think that it is much better business to re-submit a new plan that is respectful of our historical heritage and enhances our unique town.

What’s Next: The Oley Township Supervisors and the Oley Planning Commission do a good job of preserving the heritage of our town with careful zoning law and aggressive agricultural preservation work. Currently, a Historic District under the PA Historic District Act (Act 167) is being proposed, which could provide additional tools to preserve the character Oley Township. Attend the next Township Supervisor’s Meeting, September 8th at 8:00pm to learn more about this important issue.