Thirty-five residents stepped forward at the recent South Whitehall planning commission meeting to express their feeling on the possible impact on their lives of the proposed Ridge Farm development.

The 741 housing units, showed in a slideshow by Kay Builders, the new community would occupy 190 acres of what is now open fields, woodland, and a few older homes.

While traffic issues were mentioned frequently, residents’ comments covered nearly every aspect relating to quality of life in the township.

Jon Dubbs of West Highland Street gave his opinion on the proposed development.

“This is a highly charged emotional topic that’s going to effect a lot of people,” Dubbs said. “You can’t undo things that are done.

“Who benefits? Kay Builders. Who’s going to take the big hits? The people.

“Scale it back to a fraction of its size or kill it in its entirety.”

Residents also spoke about existing traffic issues and said the volume of additional vehicles from Ridge Farm would worsen the situation.

Kevin White of Walbert Avenue noted he may lose frontage when the road is widened and asked about street maintenance in the future.

“Someone is going to have to pay for this,” White said. “Is it going to be us?”

Others mentioned the stress Ridge Farm would place on fire protection, police, water pipes and sewer lines, with fear their taxes would increase to maintain essential services.

Dorothy Wallace, who has lived in her Cambridge Circle home since 1971, said senior citizens are already struggling to keep pace with the increase in taxes.

She addressed a different matter which she said diminishes quality of life - light pollution.

“You can’t see the stars anymore in South Whitehall,” Wallace said.

Residents also spoke about the loss of nature and wildlife which would occur with the increased growth.

Connie Rabold, who lives along Huckleberry Road, addressed this issue.

“Don’t take away our land,” she said. “I look at deer in my backyard. I love it.”

Cindi Rickert, of N. 29th Street, noted land and trees act as filtration for water.

“We trusted all of you to protect this area we love,” Rickert said.

Shawn Hubler, of N. 30th Street, spoke out in opposition to Ridge Farm.

“It is an absolute insult to our intelligence,” Hubler said. “South Whitehall failed on farm and woodland preservation.

“We need farms for our food. A farm field is the perfect way to absorb runoff water.

“I’m advocating for animals and nature. You’re going to kill a lot of wildlife.”

Tom Utsch, of Congress Street, said the township should preserve the landscape and rural vistas.

“We need green space,” Utsch said. “We don’t need more people, more cars and more congestion.”

Some residents also derided the description of Ridge Farm as a traditional neighborhood development.

“I live in a traditional neighborhood,” John Chaya of Huckleberry Road said. “If this goes in, I’ll have eight houses right across the street.”

Lee Solt, who lives along Manchester Place, also added some thoughts.

“This is nowhere near a traditional family neighborhood,” Solt said. “It sounds like we’ll have traffic lights every 500 feet on Walbert Avenue and Cedar Crest Boulevard.

“It will drive traffic to other roads where we have traditional family residences. It will impact future generations.”

Comments were also made regarding the impact on Parkland schools and property taxes with the influx of additional children, the possibility of more flooding with the loss of impervious surface, the likelihood of increased crime, and the adverse effect of heavier traffic through the township’s covered bridges.

Rose Stein, a 40-year South Whitehall resident, offered a suggestion.

“We’re the taxpayers,” Stein said. “I think we can make a difference if we all band together to make our voices heard.”

Tom Thomas, a resident of Jonagold Road, recommended staying in touch with commissioners, as they are the ones who will make the decision on the Ridge Farm application.

Stan Rinkunas, of Glacier Court, offered another idea.

“Can this be put on the ballot for us to vote on?”

At the end of the meeting, Commissioner Glenn Block addressed the group.

“I want to hear your concerns,” Block said. “I share some of them.”