UPPER POTTSGROVE — Township commissioners told the developers of a proposed shopping center off Upland Drive that they absolutely do not want a connection to be made with State Street.
In 2023, the Gambone Group developers approached the township about building a shopping center on a 23-acre site adjacent to the Citadel Bank and across Upland Square Drive. About 17 acres of the site is in West Pottsgrove Township with the remainder in Upper Pottsgrove.
The road was closed off in 2008 when Upland Square was built to prevent motorists from using it as a shortcut to get to and from Route 100 and avoid the traffic light at the large and busy intersection there.
As built, now, North State Street extends all the way through to Upland Square Drive and only a swing gate across the road above the Citadel parking lot prevents through traffic.
A 2017 traffic study found the road already hosts about 850 vehicles a day.
“We don’t really care either way, just tell us what you want,” said developer Steve McRearty.
He asked if the township wanted a cul-de-sac constructed, or if a chain that could be undone for snow plows and emergency vehicles was preferable.
Although the commissioners all said they just want North State Street closed “at the tree line” there may be a few complications.
Township Manager Michelle Reddick said the township may lose about $700 a year in annual income from the state’s liquid fuels fund if the maintenance of the section between the treeline and the driveway off the Citadel Bank is abandoned. Reddick also noted that “PennDOT wants that road opened to relieve traffic at the Route 100 intersection.”
Further, Township Solicitor Eric Frey said there is an undeveloped parcel between that road and Route 100 and closing the road at the treeline will create “a landlocked parcel;” an issue which would have to be resolved if the property were to be developed at a later date.
But the commissioners stuck with the residents who have come out many times to object to the idea of the road being opened, and Monday was no exception.
“If that road goes through, the traffic will be a menace to all of us who live on North State Street,” said Charles Ellis.
“I am retired and I want it quiet,” said another resident.
Commissioner Don Read suggested residents keep an eye on the project as it moves through the planning commission phase of the development process. “This subject will probably come up again,” he warned.
