Public Comment Ends in GIANT Hearings

After almost 40 concerned citizens offered their points of view on the proposed GIANT supermarket in Richboro, public comment officially ended at the Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday night.

's auditorium was practically full of families, residents and locals who brought signs and their voices – and they made use of both.

The overwhelming answer from those who decided to speak was a resounding "no," with many asking the supervisors to decline the . The process has been ongoing since the board first saw the Addisville Commons proposal in 2010.

"I would ask you to do something for the residents of the township, instead of to them," said Rick Sorensen, of Richboro. "I have not and will not set foot into a GIANT store ever again. I hope that all those opposed in this will join me in my boycott."

Many people stated their primary concerns were the increased traffic in Richboro and the proposed changes to 2nd Street Pike, swapping out the four-lane for a three-lane road with a turning lane in the middle.

"The GIANT's going to have a negative impact on every one of us. What happens if I need to get home in case of emergency? How am I going to get home? I can't get home now," said Raymond Ferki, of Richboro.

Diana Wright, of Richboro, said that if the traffic problem was able to be fixed, it would've been done already.

"Over the years traffic has just become horrific, and I think everybody knows that," Wright said. "We can’t keep piling more things into Richboro and moving through at 30 mph."

Several residents said they believe the area needs something in its place, but a supermarket isn't what goes there.

"I'd love to see this property developed, but what they're planning right now is not it," said Tim Snee, of Warminster.

Mark Heckman, of Churchville, prefaced his statement by saying he knew his idea for the space might be unpopular.

"I think the best thing you can do is … condem the property; make it a park," Heckman said.

Echoing that love for a small-town feel, residents spoke out about keeping Northampton's sense of community in tact.

"We don't need Philadelphia inside Northampton. I don't want Newtown inside of Richboro," said Richboro's Dennis Amareld. "We want to keep this a village. Our village; not Dreher's [sic] village."

The attorneys for each party have 30 days to prepare their closing briefs and then the record will be closed. After Nov. 10, the Board of Supervisors has 45 days to render their decision, which will be announced at an unknown date.