Residents, Council Members Voice Concerns, Push for Community-Led Process
Cherry Hill, New Jersey – The Cherry Hill Township Council voted unanimously at its meeting on Tuesday night to reject a proposal to sell the former Sacred Heart School property to a private developer.
The proposal, submitted by Toll Brothers, called for the construction of 208 townhomes on the 12-acre site. However, residents and council members expressed concerns about the density of the development, its impact on traffic, and potential loss of open space.
Resident Input Drives Decision
During the public comment period of the meeting, dozens of residents spoke against the proposal. Many expressed concerns about the strain the development would put on local roads, as well as the loss of green space in a densely populated area.
Council Member David Fleisher echoed these concerns, saying, This is a major development that would have a significant impact on our community. We need to take the time to ensure that we’re making the right decision for Cherry Hill.
Council Seeks Alternative Solutions
In light of the overwhelming opposition to the sale proposal, the Council voted to explore alternative options for the property. These options could include creating a park or community center, or partnering with a non-profit organization to develop affordable housing.
Mayor Susan Shin Angulo said, We are committed to finding a solution that meets the needs of our residents and preserves the character of our community.
Next Steps
The Council will hold a series of public workshops in the coming months to gather input from residents on what they would like to see done with the property.
The workshops will be announced in advance, and residents are encouraged to attend and share their ideas.
Kind regards,
J. Ross
