Best possible Decision Made for Paper Mill Road

Even though the Newtown Supervisors had indicated previously that they were not likely to change their minds and grant a developer’s petition to vacate a portion of Paper Mill Road, their decisions made at last night’s meeting were, in my view, even better than expected. What a surprise that in addition to their vote to deny the Brehman’s petition to vacate that the Supervisors went a step further and voted unanimously to direct the Township Manager to take steps to assess what is needed to repair and improve the road. The Supervisors even seemed to indicate a willingness to commit township legal resources to fight the developer’s likely next step.  That is, an appeal of the decision to the County Court of Common Pleas. 

It would seem that the research and arguments of the residents of Paper Mill Road and the arguments of the Newtown Square Historical Society were heard. It would seem that the township meeting packed with the residents of Paper Mill Road and Paper Mill Lane, an attorney representing some of the Paper Mill Road residents, residents and representatives of the Newtown Square Historical Society and other residents were able to convince the Supervisors that this township historical treasure was important to both the enjoyment of residents as well as the history of the township.

The efforts of the Paper Mill Road/Lane Community, the Historical Society and the public pressure on the elected officials provided for the very best outcome possible.  In particular, I think that it is worth noting a couple of the specific comments and arguments presented last night. It was pointed out that the road has been in continuous use since the 1800s.  It was pointed out that although it is a road currently used mostly for pedestrian enjoyment to reach the trails in Radnor Township, this road was once a thruway to Radnor and, if necessary, could be used for emergency access. The Newtown Square Historical Society as reported by their President, John Battista, had done extensive research and was able to provide maps from 1800 to present that showed Paper Mill Road as it is today.

 It was pointed out that despite Mr. Brehman’s seemingly bullying tactics attempting to deter residents, residents continue to use the road.  It was pointed out that the township had always maintained the road and that some of its current need for repair was likely the result of heavy equipment and materials that Mr. Brehman had used when remodeling the Barn on the property to become his residence.  It was also proposed by Vicki Winters, one of the neighbors, that perhaps the township in answer to Mr. Brehman’s concern about traffic on the road in front of his house, could install a speed hump and crosswalk on the road. 

Does this action on Paper Mill Road suggest that the Township Supervisors will have the same courage to abandon the CR zoning amendment?  Will Township officials finally require the Springhouse developer, as noted by John Custer last night,to build the walking trail that was agreed to when the development was approved and marketed as an amenity to the buyers of the homes in Springhouse? Time will tell.

Unlike the Supervisors short-sighted decision to sell the Wyola School House, in the case of Paper Mill Road, the Board of Supervisors made the decision to protect and improve a valuable township asset.  They made a decision that was in the best interest of all residents, not just one developer.  Hopefully, this decision begins a new era in Township decisionmaking and not just an indicator that election season is about to begin. Hopefully, township residents will not have to be worried that this decision will change once elections have taken place.