West Chestnut Hill Residents Assn.

Village of Chestnut Hill

Proposed Development @ Independence Way and WCH Road

As you may be aware a development proposal has been submitted to the Newark City Council for the 11-acre wooded site at the intersection of Independence Way and West Chestnut Hill Road. The initial proposal, submitted almost 2 years ago in August 2005, called for annexation and rezoning of the property to allow building a very dense, age restricted, 48 unit townhouse/condo community. Representatives from both the West Chestnut Hill and Arbour Park civic associations reviewed the proposal and presented concerns at the August 2005 City Council meeting addressing the project’s proposed depsity and its impact on traffic, storm water management, and environmental conservation. City Council agreed with residents and tabled the proposal instructing the developer to review the plan and address the concerns that were brought forward by the area residents.

We have not heard from the developer since but found out last week from the City the developer has asked
City Council to bring the proposal off the table and vote on it next week. A public hearing and vote by City
Council has been scheduled for Tuesday 5/29/07 at 7:30. While initial review of the revised plan reflects
some changes from the 2005 plan, most of the areas of concern remain largely unaddressed.

We urge you to join us on Tuesday May 22 at 7:30 at the Southridge clubhouse to review and discuss the current proposal. We have a short timeframe to review and understand this project that wil.l have a lasting impact on our neighborhood. Additionally, we NEED your presence at the Tuesday May 29 City Council meeting at 7:30 at the Newark City Municipal Building on Elkton Road to show support for our concerns.