UPPER POTTSGROVE — Information circulating on a social media site—not a Township channel––posted by Board of Commissioners President Al Leach indicates that the Board is preparing to move forward on a controversial vote concerning long-settled development projects. All indicators point to the Board’s allowing Artisan Construction to develop its projects during a vote Monday evening.
The timing is raising eyebrows. Releasing such consequential information over a long holiday weekend guarantees limited public awareness and minimal scrutiny. For many residents, that alone has cause for concern.
The timing of this action, coupled with a challenge Leach gave to the residents who question the wisdom of the new Board’s effort to approve the development, warrants concern. He told residents at a recent Board meeting that if they get over 50% of the residents in the Township to sign a petition, then the Board will consider their argument that the developments should not proceed. Getting 50% of the residents to sign a petition is a ridiculous goal. Residents call this attitude toward them a total disregard of their concerns.
Below are several points concerning the current development decision that several residents have put together and are published here.
A Battle the Township Already Won
The land at the center of this issue is a 60-acre tract near Kummerer Road.
Zoned R-80, the property allows for roughly one home per two acres, capping development at fewer than 30 homes. A developer has repeatedly attempted to override that restriction with plans for hundreds of homes.
Each time, the answer was the same:
- Denied by the Zoning Hearing Board
- Denied again on appeal
- Rejected by multiple Boards of Commissioners
- Defended—and upheld—in court
The Township didn’t just resist the proposal—it won, decisively and repeatedly. The courts backed the Township. The zoning held firm. The issue, by all reasonable standards, was settled.
Now, a 400% Increase?
Despite that clear history, the current Board is now considering a plan that would allow 119 homes on the same parcel.
That is a 400% increase in density over what zoning permits—and what the Township has spent years defending in court.
Attempts to justify the increase included lengthy explanations that, at their core, fail to change the basic math or the underlying reality: this is a departure from established law, policy, and precedent.
Ignoring the Voters
Residents have seen this play before.
Nearly seven years ago, the then Board members Elwood Taylor, Martin Schreiber, and France Krazalkovich forced through a high-density development vote on Artisan’s first project, ignoring legal advice, professional recommendations, and overwhelming public opposition. This opened the door to two more projects.
The result?
These three commissioners were voted out—decisively.
Since then, successive Boards have maintained a consistent position: that the development project is required to comply with zoning “by-right” planning guide—plans that require one home for every two acres.
Now, that position appears to be on the verge of being abandoned by the new board–an effort being led by Commissioner Elwood Taylor, assisted by Commissioner Cathy Paretti.
Transparency Promised—But Not Delivered
What may be most troubling is not just the proposal, but how it is being introduced.
- No formal public release of the plan
- No advance opportunity for residents to review details
- No meaningful public discussion before agenda release
All of this comes despite prior assurances from Leach that decisions of this magnitude would involve transparency and public input. Residents have pointed out as well that Paretti stated the reason that she opposed the Township’s municipal project was that there was not a public hearing. But it would seem there is not one needed when she is part of the effort to bring in more construction.
A Pattern of Concerning Actions
This proposal does not exist in a vacuum. It follows a series of actions that have raised broader governance concerns:
- An attempted move by the Board to remove the Zoning Hearing Board’s (ZHB) solicitor after the ZHB ruled against the developer—an action they are not authorized to take.
- Allegations that Township-related communications have been conducted through private, non-public email accounts, including with individuals involved in litigation against the Township.
- A history of this issue dominating public meetings—despite rarely appearing on formal agendas.
Taken together, the pattern raises a fundamental question: Is this process being handled in the open—or being carefully managed out of public view?
Key Reality: This Cannot Happen Without the Board
There is no ambiguity on one point:
This project cannot move forward without significant relief, waivers, and approvals granted directly by the Board of Commissioners.
If this proposal advances, it will not be because zoning changed on its own.
It will be because elected officials chose to change course.
Unanswered Questions Ahead of Monday Night
Residents are now left with critical questions:
- Will the Zoning Hearing Board be allowed to do its job—or bypassed?
- Will the Planning Commission review this project—or be sidelined?
- Will the public be given time to review and respond—or presented with a done deal?
- Is Monday’s meeting a discussion—or the first step in pushing this through?
- Where is the water supply coming from? Water tables are very low in that area, and anyone with a well already will have 119 neighbors needing water.
- The traffic is very congested now; how is the road going to be improved? Who pays for that?
Bottom Line
For years, Upper Pottsgrove residents were told the rules mattered.
They were told zoning would be upheld.
They were told there would be no backroom deals and no surprises.
Now, a proposal is emerging that appears to test every one of those promises—quietly, and at a time when the fewest people are paying attention.
Monday night may determine whether those past commitments still stand—or whether they are about to be rewritten.