Residents of Roxborough Park voiced strong opposition to a proposed housing development during a recent government meeting, raising concerns about environmental impacts and community aesthetics. The meeting featured testimonies from local residents, including former board members of the Roxborough Park Foundation, who highlighted the potential ecological damage to Schmidt Nature Park and the surrounding area.

One resident, who identified himself as a steward of Schmidt Nature Park, reported finding numerous golf balls in the park, suggesting that a new golf course associated with the development would exacerbate pollution in the watershed. He emphasized that the claim of limited opposition to the project was misleading, noting that the planning commission meeting was filled with residents against the development.

Another speaker, a landscape professional, underscored the ecological significance of the area, describing it as a transition zone rich in biodiversity. She warned that the development could threaten keystone species essential for maintaining the local ecosystem.

Herb Livingston, a former board president of the Roxborough Park Foundation, raised procedural concerns regarding emergency access for the proposed lots. He pointed out that existing easements were not intended for residential use and suggested that the developer's request for access was disingenuous.

The testimonies collectively urged the commissioners to deny the development proposal, reflecting a community deeply invested in preserving the natural landscape and ecological integrity of Roxborough Park. The meeting concluded with a call for careful consideration of the residents' concerns before any decisions are made regarding the future of the proposed housing project.