Pack the Aug. 8 York Twp. meeting to oppose rezoning of old Red Lion Country Club
It was a typical school day in April; a group of still sleepy 8th graders meandered through the dew-laden grass across the baseball field to a verdant ridge near their school. Their science teacher pauses to explain how dew is formed. A mockingbird's call interrupts the teacher's elucidation, "do you know what song that bird is mimicking," he asks. "Let's listen. We'll discuss this behavior when we return to classroom."
The group discusses the valley below, an appreciation for the tranquility grows. The headwaters of Barshinger Creek, a pine grove, meadows, a stand of mixed hardwoods, and wetlands, sadly, these environments are in jeopardy. All the habitats and the species living here will be destroyed if the York Township commissioners vote to permit high-density residential development.
The 58-acre parcel is a treasured green space at 150 Country Club Road, Red Lion. The property has been on the commercial real estate market for over 15 years. During this time, it has proven to be a valuable educational and sports asset to the Red Lion Area School District. Activities, including cross-country meets, 4th Grade Environmental Days, Trout in the Classroom Releases, and stream studies, have all been an asset to the Red Lion Area School District. If rezoned, the educational value of these natural resources will be lost forever if the decision is made to allow more than two hundred homes to be built here.
More: Red Lion Country Club land rezoning proposal could be voted on at August meeting
Fortunately, there is a movement and a pathway to a positive solution. At the last public hearing of the Commissioners on July 6th, many of those same students, including the Red Lion Cross Country Team, concerned citizens, and representatives from nonprofits, packed the hearing about rezoning. Many residents spoke under oath, not one who supported the high-density residential zoning change.
Walking along the headwaters of Barshinger Creek and experiencing the peace and diversity of life, it seems unreal that you're a stone's throw from the high school. The valley has varied habitats that offer an ideal location for biology, geology, and hydrology studies. The adjacent Red Lion schools educate approximately 2,300 students. This green space is within walking distance of downtown Red Lion. The list of plants and animals reported on the property includes several bat species, short-eared owls, bald eagles, wild turkey, whitetail deer, mink, the endangered American Bittern, many songbirds, and probably the endangered Bog Turtle. These resources deserve preservation.
Public meeting
On Aug. 8, 6 p.m., the York Township commissioners will vote at the York Township Building at 190 Oak Road, Dallastown to determine if the old country club will be rezoned.
Residents of the township, concerned citizens, and representatives of nonprofits are encouraged to attend. If you oppose the proposed development, wear orange to the meeting.
Numerous government agencies have recommended that the property not be rezoned. Many nonprofits and concerned citizens have expressed interest and funding to preserve this property as a place for passive recreation and science education. We are finding the financial means to acquire the property. We have willing partners and the expertise, knowledge, and passion to make this work. We need the opportunity and your help to ensure people's voice is heard. Please consider contacting the York Township Board of Commissioners, voicing your support to deny this zoning change and allow our group to preserve this property. Please consider attending the Aug. 8 Zoning Meeting in orange to show your support.
To stay current or learn more about our fight to stop the zoning change and reasons for preserving this property, please join our Facebook Group: "Stop High-Density Development of Old Red Lion Country Club Golf Course.”
Jack Stein Grove is an independent marine scientist who attended Red Lion Area Senior High School.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Oppose rezoning of old Red Lion Pa. Country Club
