Dear Gwen, Linda and neighbors at Gwynedd Knoll:
As you know, I have been working to address the issues that have been weighing on your minds with regard to all of the issues surrounding the 202 construction, including the landscaping along the sound walls and the entryway to the Gwynedd Knoll community.
Most of my constituents report being pleased with the new road, the easing of traffic congestion in the area, particularly at the intersection of Routes 202 and 63, the new biking/walking trail, and the ease with which drivers can bypass mall traffic and Route 309.
I recognize that you and your neighbors find the color of the noise wall and the landscaping unacceptable. I have tried to work through these issues (and some remaining storm water issues) on your behalf, persuading PENN DOT to replant the ivy inadvertently destroyed.
I have spoken with, and continue to have a dialogue with The Executive Director of District 6 of PA DOT and he has responded to our requests in a timely manner.
I was notified, and an email was sent by Brian Early at PA DOT on July 2, 2013 that as of Friday, June 28ththe grass was cut, the planting beds were weeded, and the ivy WAS replanted. It will take some time to grow, of course.
Naturally, there's a limit to what PENN DOT's contractors and budget are able to do. I don't think they can meet your aesthetic concerns (although we continue to work out storm water issues.) I acknowledged that the plantings at the entrance were in PENN DOT's right of Way and were a casualty of the construction.
Have you spoken with the Township and your neighbors about the adoption of the area for plantings and maintenance to your standards? I know we discussed this possibility at the meeting at the Township Building. Perhaps a group of interested neighbors could take responsibility for the plantings at Hancock Road that were in PENN DOT's right of way and which were removed for the construction. Perhaps the neighbors could contribute to a fund to hire a landscaper.
I do want to share that the costs for this project, just to keep the funding issues in perspective.
Soundwall Costs:
Wall across from Gwynedd Knoll on the southbound side of 202: $ 523,000
Wall on the Gwynedd Knoll side, south of Hancock (NB side) $ 388,500
Wall on the Gwynedd Knoll side, north of Hancock (NB side all the way to Welsh): $ 1,904,000
Total: $ 2,815,500
The costs for the offline improvements to ensure that the surrounding roads could handle the additional traffic during this construction, as well as realignment of intersections that were necessary exceeded $3 Million dollars. Some of the improvements included intersectional improvements for Evans road as a parallel route, and of course, the realignment of Meeting House Road.
These additions to this project, were advocated for and lobbied for funding by me to the Transportation Secretary to ensure that your needs were met. Overall, the improvements of route 202 from the State of Delaware to Route 611 in Doylestown (originally planned to go to the State of New Jersey) have already cost $1.12 Billion. As you know, the project is not yet complete, but your section of the project is rapidly coming to a close.
I am sorry if the vision you have for the entry way to Gwynedd Knoll does not match what PENN DOT can afford at this point. I again suggest that you work with your neighbors and the township to Adopt this area. If you do determine a time when you would be doing this work, please let me know, I would love to come and offer my assistance if my schedule allows.
Rep. Kate M. Harper, Esq.
610-270-1677 (FAX)
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Best wishes,Dear Kate,Thank you for your response which will be shared with the neighbors.I think we can agree that this project benefits the residents of ALL the surrounding counties, as well as thru-traffic.We certainly understand the costs and the hard work involved in this project.We are happy for our northern neighbors and Hope Lane who, in addition to the ease if their commute, also enjoy the aesthetics of this mammoth project as well.That being said, we understand Penn Dot now controls the property at our entrance and as residents we can't even replace our Gwynedd Knoll ground/entrance sign (not even sure where it is) as it would interfere with maintenance. We would have to spend $3,000 for a wall sign and obtain a multitude of approvals.We understand that the original landscape design may not be possible at this point (hopefully it will in the future), but our request for 6-8 shrubs and perennials on either side of the main entrance and ivy along the length of the wall does not seem unreasonable and would make a difference. Perhaps the township could help out through its tree bank.
Thank you again for your consideration in helping to restore greenery to this vital part of our township.
Gwen Douse
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