After eight years of actively limiting large-scale residential growth, signs now suggest that major development may be returning to Upper Pottsgrove Township — despite repeated public opposition to additional large housing projects.
That shift can be traced through statements made at public meetings since the new Board of Commissioners took office in January.
In January, when asked directly about overdevelopment, Commissioner Elwood Taylor responded, “I am not for overdevelopment. I am for planned development.” The distinction, while rhetorically neat, raises questions and displays a sense of equivocation. All development proposals that reach the Board are, by definition, planned. The debate has never been about whether projects are planned, but about their scale and impact.
In February, new Board President Al Leach referenced traffic concerns along Farmington Avenue and stated the Township must prepare for “all of this new development coming,” repeating the phrase twice during the same meeting. At the next meeting, Leach disclosed that the township is currently reviewing three separate development proposals, each awaiting agreement among developers before moving forward.
In February, Taylor also attempted to clarify his definition of “planned development,” suggesting it reflects what most residents support. However, that explanation appears at odds with his prior record in office.
During his previous tenure as commissioner, Taylor voted to approve the 1st phase of a 400-plus-housing development along Kummerer Road. The approval occurred despite significant public opposition and contrary recommendations from township professionals, including the township manager and solicitor, as well as opposition from two fellow commissioners. This approval led Artisan, the developer, to quickly submit two additional phases.
Voting for the project at that time with Taylor were past Commissioners Martin Scheiber and France Krazalkovich. All three we defeated in their reelection bids. Voting against the project were then Commissioners Trace Slinkerd and Renee Spaide.
The next Board of Commissioners disapproved Artisan’s additional phases. Subsequently, Artisan filed multiple suits against the Township. For the last four years, former Commissioners Don Read, Hank Llewellyn, and Trace Slinkerd have defended the township against these suits and refused to allow the overdevelopment. However, these lawsuits remain active and are in the hands of the new board now.
Taylor seems determined to resolve and potentially settle those legal suits — a move that could reopen the door to large-scale residential construction. The three other commissioners, Cathy Paretti, Tyrone Robinson, and Dave Waldt, have seemed to go along with whatever Taylor and Leach propose. In fact, Paretti and Waldt, members of the previous Board, not only nominated Taylor for the Township Planning Commission but also attempted to negotiate a settlement with Artisan without board approval. The board at that time voted down Taylor’s nomination and stopped their negotiations.
At the March 3 public meeting, when asked about the Kummerer Road development and its 400-plus homes and townhomes, Taylor stated that he had not yet seen any plans. Public records show, however, that Taylor participated in discussions regarding the project while serving on the planning commission and later voted as commissioner to approve the same development plans, yet he claims he never saw them.
The discrepancy has drawn criticism from residents, including one member of the public who directly called Taylor “untrustworthy” during public comment at a recent meeting. The accusation underscores the level of distrust that continues to surround development issues in the Township.
Elections have consequences. With a new majority in place, residents of Upper Pottsgrove may soon learn just how significant those consequences will be.