Lower Providence hearing turns fiery as residents oppose short term housing proposal (2024)

EAGLEVILLE – It was standing room only inside the meeting room for Thursday’s Lower Providence Township Board of Supervisors meeting as dozens came out to speak on the issue of homelessness.

A public hearing for a text amendment to revise the township zoning ordinance for a supportive housing proposal in an institutional overlay district was on the agenda. It stemmed from Philadelphia-based Resources for Human Development’s proposal to construct a supportive short-term housing facility in Eagleville called Genny’s Place that was first introduced at a meeting in January.

Tension was in the air as the public hearing was opened.

After a brief comment period between elected officials and administrative leaders, area residents formed a line to express their opinions on the project and zoning change that if approved would allow it to move forward.

Supervisor Peter MacFarland said that he’s been contacted by residents on both sides of the issue, showing “support” and “concern” for the proposed venture.

“My reflection of this, which has been over several months now … these homeless people need some help and if we can give them an opportunity to get off the street and become self-sufficient…”

A resident then interjected as MacFarland was speaking, daring him to “invite them to your house” as laughter could be heard from the audience.

Supervisors Chairwoman Dr. Janine Darby implored attendees to “be kind and respectful” throughout the process.

“We’re going to conduct this meeting in an orderly manner,” said Solicitor Michael Clarke.

For and against

Participants had varying responses. Some were for the proposal, but most were against it as Thursday’s lengthy session appeared to pick up where the Jan. 18 meeting left off.

“Genny’s place will be a good neighbor and a good fit for our community,” said a Lower Providence Township resident.

“I understand concerns and I guess I would just appeal to us to choose mercy. I have seen people who if they didn’t have a family safety net would be homeless,” said a township resident.

“Why does Lower Providence want to allow this to happen? What is the township actually getting out of this?” asked Eagleville resident Lisa Bugda.

Several commenters said they have serious reservations about safety and proximity of the project to nearby residences and playgrounds. Others questioned the possibility of permitting “illegal immigrants” into Genny’s Place and the impact it could have on the township.

Nicholas Mancini asked “Will this at one point in time turn into a migrant center?” Kathie Eskie wanted to know “where does this end? Do we want to become a sanctuary city?”

Comments continue

A mixture of murmurs and applause could be heard from the crowd as person after person took their turn. Those in opposition called on elected officials to hear the concerns of their constituents.

“You guys are supposed to be representing ‘we the people,’ our township,” said Lower Providence Township resident Patti Tabor, adding that “you work for us.”

Eskie agreed, calling on leaders to “show Lower Providence has the strength to say no. Do as you’re elected to do.”

A presentation outlining plans for the space that will be named Genny’s Place is slated to accommodate up to 60 single adults ages 18 years and older. The Eagleville Hospital property at 100 Eagleville Road is the suggested location. The addiction recovery facility has 347 beds and is managed as an independent nonprofit, but Resources for Human Development representatives stressed it is separate from their housing and supportive services model.

Genny’s Place would provide shelter in “efficiency-style apartments” and resources to help get residents able to live on their own in regular housing. Residents would first undergo a screening process to ascertain eligibility.

The move would be the first brick and mortar facility built since the closure of the nonprofit’s Coordinated Homeless Outreach Services, otherwise known as CHOC.

CHOC was positioned on a portion of state land conveyed to the Municipality of Norristown, and RHD was one of several social service agencies in need of a new place when leases lapsed on June 30, 2022.

“CHOC is an oasis in the dark hole of homelessness,” said Tryst Anderson, an outreach pastor at Cornerstone Fellowship in Audubon.

“Norristown (has) been bearing the burden for a long time, everyone else is not doing enough,” said Lower Providence Township resident Sophia Phan.

“I don’t want you bringing Norristown to Lower Providence,” said Trooper resident Don Ketcham.

Not ‘a shelter’

In January, RHD regional director Owen Camuso underscored the facility is not proposed as a homeless shelter, something Darby repeated on Thursday.

However, it appeared some residents weren’t convinced, as someone could be heard saying “call it what you want.”

Attendees were seen donning black t-shirts at the April 4 meeting that read “#spoiled.” It was in reference to a previous encounter between residents and attorney Marc Jonas, who represents Resources for Human Development.

“Seriously? We’re being called spoiled,” said Lower Providence Township resident Anne Nickel.

Lower Providence Township resident Tom Pagnotti stressed he’s “opposed to this.” He maintained he’s “not spoiled or selfish” and underscored that neighbors “do our fair share.”

“I am for helping whoever needs help, but this is not where it needs to be,” Ketcham said.

When asked for his reaction to the “#spoiled shirts, Jonas told MediaNews Group that “having a house in the suburbs is a rare privilege and we’re all lucky. We all work in a lot of different ways. So all they’re doing is trying to seize on something — it fires them up and it’s a shame.”

“It’s a shame to see [how] people conduct themselves. It’s a shame that a nonprofit like RHD that wants to do so much good has this kind of venom spewed at them, it’s disappointing,” he continued. “I guess we’re seeing that more and more trickling down nowadays. So that’s a gimmick that works for them. I don’t know what to say .. just they should be embarrassed.”

Anger rising

Progress devolved during the public hearing when Clarke asked Eskie to return to her seat after her time concluded. Attendees stressed that “we’d like to hear what she has to say” and urged them to “let her speak.”

She continued talking and tensions continued rising between Clarke, Eskie and other residents. People were yelling from the crowd, and eventually a recess was called as elected officials and administrative members shuffled into a boardroom for several minutes.

After returning, public comment continued, and Eskie had another turn after other residents finished.

No action was taken on Thursday; Clarke said a vote is expected later this month.

“I was glad that they came out. So we will consider all comments and we will be discussing and hopefully vot(ing) on this April 18, but we can change that if we need to,” Darby told MediaNews Group following the meeting.