A public hearing was recently held in Lower Providence Township for a text amendment to revise the township zoning ordinance for a supportive housing proposal in an institutional overlay district. The text amendment stems from a proposal from Philadelphia-based Resources for Human Development to construct a supportive short-term housing facility in Eagleville called Genny’s Place. Supervisors Chairwoman Dr. Janine Darby implored attendees to “be kind and respectful” as area residents lined up to speak. While some residents implored their neighbors to show mercy, others questioned the possibility of permitting “illegal immigrants” into Genny’s Place. Others objected to the location of the facility, with one person commenting, “I don’t want you bringing Norristown to Lower Providence,” after another stated “Norristown [has] been bearing the burden for a long time, everyone else is not doing enough.” A short recess was called when order was lost, with residents speaking longer than permitted and people yelling from the crowd. No action was taken at the meeting. Solicitor Michael Clarke said a vote is expected later in April.
Source: The Reporter; 4/8/2024