Neighbors,
I strongly concur with Gwen's assessment of the landscape situation on Rt. 202. If we don't raise our voices now nothing will be done. Local and State officials are getting complimentary feedback on 202 in the areas above Rt. 63 and so from their perspective, all is good, however, we know better.
The impact of these hideous red, bare walls, dead landscaping, and unmowed weeds is something we all should be concerned about. Think about what kind of impression this makes on perspective home buyers to our neighborhood. Think about the thousands of dollars we all spend on mulching, lawn mowing, landscaping our properties, and keeping the neighborhood looking so beautiful...it doesn't mean a "hoot" if the first impression is of dead shrubs, two-foot tall weeds, and a multi-colored red brick wall! If someone in the hood is a realtor, please chime in your thoughts!
We need to remind our elected officials (state and local) that while the upper reaches of the new 202 parkway may be welcoming, our section is not acceptable. They have claimed that there isn't enough dirt in some areas along the wall for planting of shrubs, but I beg to differ. There are long stretches where plants could be placed, the Boston ivy is only planted (1 per wall segment) on those segments starting at Rt. 63 and going south for a short distance, and we have dead shrubs at our entrance or none at all, when they promised to us that they'd landscape our entrances.
Take a few moments and let them all know how you feel! The Township is our conduit to Penndot as is Kate Harper. They need to know that you are not satisfied with what is basically the main entrance to our neighborhood. If they tell us all that Penndot is waiting to see what has died verses what is just a late bloomer, fine, however, tell us that they will come to replace and in some cases, plant for the first time.
Don't be passive! After all, it's only your biggest investment at stake!
Linda Callegari
Claudia Way
---------------------------------------------------------------------------From Gwen:Dear neighbors,Over the weekend, I received a newsletter from Senator Greenleaf which did invite suggestions and concerns. I did email him about our concerns with lack of progress in getting landscaping in front of that barren sound wall adjacent to Gwynedd Knoll. His office immediately responded, which I greatly appreciate. They did send my concerns to Penn DOT The response is below. If you would also like to contact him, his email address isWe really need full involvement by our neighborhood if we want to increase our chance for restored greenery to our area.Thanks so much!Gwen Douse
Begin forwarded message:From: "Beadling, Patricia" <pbeadling@pasen.gov>
Date: May 20, 2013 12:08:43 PM EDT
To: "gdouse@comcast.net" <gdouse@comcast.net>
Subject: Senator GreenleafMs. Douse…I have taken the liberty of forwarding your e-mail to Les Toaso, Penn DOT District Administrator, asking him to follow-up on the landscaping along your portion of the Rt. 202 Bypass. I have asked him to respond to me directly and I will let you know what he says. Thank you for letting the Senator's office know about this issue.
Pat Beadling Chief of Staff
Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf
711 N. York Road Willow Grove, PA 19090 215-657-7700
From: Gwen Douse [mailto:gdouse@comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2013 9:58 PM
To: Greenleaf, Senator Stewart
Subject: Re: Landscaping on 202-north and south of HancockDear Senator Greenleaf,
I am a resident of Gwynedd Knoll development in Lower Gwynedd township. Six months ago we met with PENN DOT, the Board of Supervisors, Kate Harper, and Larry Comunale, our township manager to discuss the lack of landscaping along the sound wall of the new 202 by pass adjacent to Gwynedd Knoll, north and south of Hancock. It is so sad to see a sterile brick wall, where once stood beautiful trees and greenery. We have a responsibility to protect the aesthetics of our neighborhood and our township, which once prided itself on its greenness and natural beauty.
We know that time had run out late last fall, and it was too late to have any plantings. We understand that PENN DOT is looking for ways to enhance this new road system and we want to make sure that we are included in these enhancements. There is greenery for most of the stretch of the road, but this is not the case in our stretch of the road. We hope that our elected officials, PENN DOT and the township can work together quickly this spring so that Lower Gwynedd, along this stretch of 202, can be restored to the greenery that we have all appreciated and valued for so many years. In addition ivy planted along the length of the sound wall would help to add greenery and can be planted in areas that have very narrow openings. Before the heat of summer, we are hoping to see some improvements.
We appreciate your prompt attention to this concern and will share your update with our neighbors.
Thank you again very much for your care and help in getting this landscaping issue addressed soon! We good for some good news soon!
We look forward to your reply.
Gwen DouseBest wishes,
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