Two Proposals

Robertson Brothers bought 3 lots next to Hawthorne Ridge subdivision between Appleridge Drive and the future park. They are planning to build a dense townhouse development on these lots.

The alternative proposal involves a “swap”:

• Robertson would swap their three parcels for the future park land with the township. This swap is possible in principle if the Department of Natural Resources agrees (they provided a grant to buy the future park land).

Some of the advantages of the “swap” are the following:

1. Under the “swap” there would only be one street exit from the new development to Waters Road rather than two.

2. The park would provide a natural transition from the dense new development to Hawthorne Ridge.

3. The park would be easily accessible from all neighborhoods. Otherwise, Hawthorne Ridge residents would need to walk down Waters Road and cross two street exits to reach the park.

4. The park would no longer be next to busy Oak Valley Road.

5. The park would be built on what is likely uncontaminated land: Robertson's Brother has done soil sampling on the 3 plots and so far has found no contaminants. The current location has some contamination (such as arsenic) but apparently still within permissable range for recreational purposes.