Scott Zelov, Ward 10 - Bryn Mawr/Haverford

A. Believe it or not, it is so easy to declare blight in Pennsylvania that part of the rolling hills of Erdenheim Farm in Whitemarsh were recently designated as blighted. The purpose was to use Tax Increment Financing to develop a small part of that property.

Ardmore easily qualifies for what is legally known as a Redevelopment Area under the PA Urban Redevelopment Law of 1945. And, it makes sense to determine that Ardmore is a Redevelopment Area since only then can a Redevelopment Area Plan be proposed and implemented. Two plans for Ardmore were proposed: Plan A; and Plan B, which included the use of eminent domain. Unfortunately, Plan B was selected, which I oppose. However, Plan A could have been, and still can be, selected as the Ardmore Redevelopment Plan. Even if Plan A, or a modified Plan A, is implemented, Ardmore would still need the Redevelopment Area designation. Another way of saying this is that Ardmore would still have to be found blighted in order for a Redevelopment Area Plan to be proposed and implemented. So, I agree with the finding--it is the only way to move forward on a Redevelopment Plan for Ardmore.

2. In what circumstances and situations should eminent domain be exercised by Lower Merion Township?

A. I don't like the use of eminent domain, and I don't want to see it used except in very rare and unusual circumstances. The proposed Ardmore Redevelopment Area Plan is not a rare and unusual circumstance.

3. What is your position on the proposed Ardmore Redevelopment Plan and what will you do regarding its implementation if elected?

A. I don't like the use of eminent domain that is proposed in the Ardmore Plan, so in my role as a Lower Merion Commissioner, I would not support the current plan. However, I think that Ardmore should be redeveloped, and that a different plan should be proposed and implemented. I like some of Plan A, and I like parts of an alternative plan, known as modified Plan A, which improves Ardmore without the taking of properties. some parts of the current Ardmore Plan make sense---the improvements to traffic flow, a new train station, adding a link with Suburban Square, improving the existing railroad underpass, and adding parking. These are included in both Plan A and modified Plan A.

I serve on the Montgomery County Planning Commission, and in that role, I voted for the current plan in March. The County reviews decisions made at the local level, and at the County I had an up or down vote on the Plan---the Planning Commission could not vote for alternative plans, nor does it overrule a township if rules and procedures have been followed. Our votes seve only to confirm that the township is able to engage in a specific project. My role as a Township Commissioner would be different than my role on the County Planning Commission. I don't support the use of eminent domain in Ardmore.

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