Crebilly Farm Update 10/23/18

As many of you may have already heard, Toll Brothers has appealed Judge Tunnell’s decision to uphold the denial of Conditional Use by the Westtown Township Board of Supervisors.  My guess is most of us share the same sentiments:  not surprised.  But I am not discouraged, either.  Not yet.  We have come further than anyone ever expected and for that I am grateful.  Thank you, again, to Westtown Township solicitor, Patrick McKenna, for his winning arguments and sharp tact!  May Westtown Township keep going.  Here is the gist of what we can expect moving forward:

The Court has directed Toll to file a concise statement of the legal errors Toll contends the Judge made.  This statement was filed by Toll last week.  The Judge now has the opportunity to supplement his decision, if he so chooses to address any of the items raised by Toll, in its concise statement.  The Judge may decide he has nothing further to add and will therefore rely on the decision he has already authored.  In either case, the record and the Judge’s decision will be sent to the Commonwealth Court within 60 days.  Once this is done, the attorneys confirm their representation and active participation in the appeal and the court will set a briefing schedule.  Once the briefs are filed by all parties, they will receive notice to attend oral argument before the Commonwealth Court which has a panel of three judges.  This will most likely take place in Philadelphia but could also take place in Harrisburg.  There is no way to give an accurate time line for this because truly- no one knows.  I am told it is fair to assume there will not be any oral arguments until possibly the first or second quarter of 2019.  When I learn more, I will share it with you.

One of the greatest words I have ever learned to say in life is the word:  No.  (Politely as possible, of course, but- No). That may sound negative, but for me, it became a positive word in my world and helped to change my life for the better.  And actually, now that I think about it, one of the greatest words I have ever been told is:  No.  Saying ‘No’ can help establish boundaries which can lead to a higher standard.  Hearing ‘No’ can teach some great lessons.  It has the power to ‘up the ante’ to try harder… to get better… to be better.  And ‘No’ can force change.  Westtown Township unanimously said ‘No’ and it wowed an entire community.  It sent a clear message and set a new precedent.  It has perked up the ears in other townships giving power to new voices.  The community, nearby residents, you and I- said No.  The Honorable Judge Tunnell said No.  Every ‘No’ in this journey toward a better outcome for Crebilly Farm is a step to maintaining the high standards in our community.

In closing, I would like to sincerely thank the many of you who sent me such kind messages in this last month, especially.  I have read every single one and am very appreciative of your words.  I apologize for not responding to each of you, as I try to do… time has gotten away from me this Fall.  It is nice to know that my correspondence has been mostly helpful.  I see it as a very small part in a much bigger picture, but glad to do what I can, just as so many of you have done the same.  We shall keep going- onward and upward!

I wish all of you a safe and cozy holiday season.

Most importantly and in my best British accent:  I wish the bloody Eagles get it together in London!  

Sincerely,

Mindy Rhodes