Meetings set for future of former Willow Grove air base

HORSHAM The Navy has posted a 452-page Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the redevelopment of the former Willow Grove military base, and scheduled two meetings to collect comment.

The meetings will be held Jan. 13 at 5 p.m. and Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Horsham Township Community Center, 1025 Horsham Rd. Written comments will also be accepted through Feb. 10, 2014.

The study provides detailed estimates of how the township's redevelopment plan would affect traffic, water, noise, and other quality-of-life issues for nearby residents.

It also estimates the impact of leaving the base in its current state, or pursuing a second plan with more residential development, or a third plan that preserves the base's runways for private or commercial aviation.

In the previous planning process, from 2010 to 2012, residents were staunchly opposed to the preservation of the airstrip. The plan that resulted from that process - a mixed-use area of homes, stores, offices, an aviation museum, school and open space - is the preferred option of the both the Navy and the township.

Copies of the study can be viewed at the Horsham Township Library or online at http://www.willowgroveeis.com/EISDocuments.aspx. - Jessica Parks