Cumru Township’s economic development “vision” cannot be viewed in isolation. When placed in full context, it raises serious concerns about transparency, priorities and accountability.
Residents were asked to absorb a tax increase first and shown a development plan later. The sequence matters. Economic development is supposed to broaden the tax base before residents are asked to pay more, not after years of stagnation. Neighboring municipalities grew their commercial base while Cumru delayed and taxpayers paid the price.
For years, voters and commissioners repeatedly voted no on warehouses. Whether popular or not, warehouses were among the few options capable of generating substantial commercial tax revenue without adding residents, students or service demand. After rejecting that path, township leadership now proposes higher-density mixed-use housing, tax abatements and taxpayer-funded infrastructure — the costliest growth model for a township with no earned-income tax.
This comes on top of long-term obligations, including a $13 million, now-unionized firehouse, increasing payroll and benefit costs.
Compounding concerns is governance. Just days before the plan’s rollout, the township abruptly terminated its manager and public works superintendent with no public explanation. Commissioner Greg Miller proposed and voted to hire Delta Development Group for a $63,000 consulting contract, despite Delta’s involvement in municipalities later cited for financial and grant compliance failures.
Residents don’t oppose growth. They oppose being asked to subsidize speculation without clear answers.
Cumru doesn’t lack opportunity, it lacks transparency. Until leadership explains the costs, risks, firings, and consultant choices in full daylight, skepticism isn’t negativity. It’s responsible citizenship.
Lazaro Castellon
Shillington