As concerned neighbors in Caernarvon Township and immediately surrounding neighborhoods, we sign this Petition to voice our opposition to the proposed building of a warehouse distribution center being built on what is now Morgantown Airport, located at 590 Willow Glen Road. This property is currently zoned Industrial Office Park (IOP) and Caernarvon Township has recently amended Article V of the Caernarvon Township Zoning Ordinance of 2007 to regulate certain permitted uses in the Industrial Business Park (IOP) district to retail purposes.
We respectfully oppose the proposed use of this property for warehouse use, not because we are anti-growth but because we are enthusiastic supporters of smart, planned urban development that protects our interests as property owners while also creates a healthy and safe neighborhood for our families. The undersigned constituents urge Caernarvon Township to oppose this proposed property use. The neighborhoods are willing to work with Caernarvon Township and future developers to create a use of this property that is acceptable to all of the parties involved and meets the zoning requirements.
We ask that the Township consider our reasons of opposition that include:
1.Improper Zoning - The proposal does not meet the criteria for Industrial Business Park (IOP), as amended. The developer will need to seek a variance.
2.Insufficient Road Infrastructure – Nearby intersections simply cannot handle the dramatic increase in traffic that will occur if the rezoning is permitted.
3.Impact to Small Business – Neighboring small businesses would be negatively impacted by the increased traffic and congestion.
4.Road Safety; Road Condition - the residential neighborhoods and commercial areas surrounding the property will witness a dramatic increase in large tractor trailer traffic in an already congested area, with narrow lanes, which will lead to more accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
5.Noise Level; Air Quality - The constant, 24-7 ingress and egress of tractor trailers would substantially raise noise levels of surrounding neighborhoods. Further, the diesel emissions would detrimentally effect air quality of surrounding neighborhoods.
6.The proposal violates Section 602 of the Zoning Ordinance which states: "No building may be erected, altered, or used; and, no lot or premises may be used for any activity which is continuously noxious, injurious, or offensive by reasons of dust, smoke, odor, fumes, noise, vibration, gas, illumination, or similar substances or conditions."
7.Decreased Property Values - Surrounding neighborhoods would see a dramatic decrease in property values, estimated to be at least a 25% decline. The area has already been hit in recent years with stunted residential and commercial development, which has thwarted increased property values. Homeowners will not be able to sustain additional property value decreases.
8.There are other available parcels within the vicinity that would meet the needs of this proposed use and are already properly zoned for such use. Further these alternative parcels would not have the above negative impacts to the community.
