Residents To Debate Future of Willow Grove Naval Air Station
HORSHAM, Pa (CBS) - Residents of Horsham Township will begin debating the future of the Willow Grove Naval Air Station Monday night at the first of several meetings planned for this year to consider what the base will ultimately look like.
The planned military pullout at the base beginning this year leaves nearly 900 acres of land in the middle of Horsham. A Virginia consulting firm will partner with some local firms to draw up the blueprint for how that land will be used in the future.
State Representative Todd Stephens says it's important that the residents who will be impacted the most have a seat at the table. "This is strictly a local issue," Stephens said. "When I say strictly a local issue, it's up to the local community to determine the best fit for that land."
Stephens said his office will work with state agencies down the road who will be responsible for infrastructure improvements like roads and transportation and water and sewer issues.There are five meetings scheduled throughout the year to get public input. The plan is expected to be submitted to the feds by mid-December. Monday night's meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Horsham Community Center.
Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio
