Grass, trees, and plants are a big factor that contribute to making a decision of where you want to live. When walking through the neighborhoods of Upper Southampton, you see that everyone has a tree or garden on their property. It is a part of life here. But our trees are being chopped down with no warning.
The Maplewood Swim Club and its surrounding forest of trees have been around for more than 60 years. Some would call this member-owned pool their second home. Kids would go there to swim while the parents relaxed and talked with one another in the fresh air and seclusion of the forest.
Without informing the neighborhood, these trees have been cut down.
The residents of the neighborhood deserve to have a voice in the actions of the community, or at least a heads-up. In addition to the benefits that the forest brought to the residents, it was also home to so much wildlife. Where will the animals be relocated to? Our backyards?
When this process first began, residents of the neighborhood were in shock because of the recent, unexplained change.
As one resident put it, “The reason that we actually bought this house was specifically because of the forest behind it. It was the selling point. I am a big nature guy, so having this forest, and seclusion made me happy. It is so unfortunate that it is no longer there. We have honestly even considered moving.”
This is not right. Residents who have lived in the neighborhood for over 45 years should not feel less at home, and should be told if such major changes occur.
When asked about how changes could be made, the Bucks County resident responded by saying, “Honestly I’m not sure. Corporate workers are going to do what they are told to do. Maybe if at least one person from every household was required to join the neighborhood board, then it could be more inclusive of everyone.”
Is that what it has to come down to? Requiring residents to attend meetings in order to be aware of changes being made? According to SGF Neighborhood News, “Letters are mailed to property owners within 185 feet of the proposed rezoning area notifying them of the public hearing (at least 10 days prior to the public hearing). The proposal is also published in The Daily Events at least 15 days prior to the public hearing.”
After having spoken to several residents of the neighborhood, I believe this did not occur.
In the Upper Southampton area, companies are allowed to find loopholes, harming the residents of the neighborhoods they operate in. Keeping all of this under wraps has had a negative impact on the community. It is now a guessing game for the residents of what will happen to their neighborhood. Will our quiet neighborhood turn into a busy road? Why should the people paying to live here not have a say or knowledge of the changes that are happening under their noses?
Changes need to be made. A few signs hung up by the board of Upper Southampton here and there could reassure their residents that they are valued. It is understandable that the owners of the property may do what they please with their land, however it would be a sense of common courtesy to involve those that make up the neighborhood. Our voices matter and this issue will not go unnoticed or unchanged.
Darya Cherepanova is a freshman at Saint Joseph’s University. She lives in Upper Southampton.
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