To the Upper St. Clair Planning Commission, Township Commissioners, and Relevant Township Officials:

We, the undersigned residents and property owners of Deerfield Manor in Upper St. Clair, respectfully express our serious concerns regarding the proposed residential development planned for the wooded area located within, behind, and adjacent to our neighborhood.

We are not opposed to responsible development. However, we strongly believe that approval of this project should be delayed until sufficient independent evidence is presented demonstrating that the environmental, stormwater, drainage, and infrastructure impacts have been fully evaluated and can be effectively mitigated without negatively affecting existing residents and surrounding properties.

Our concerns include, but are not limited to:
• Increased stormwater runoff resulting from the removal of mature trees and natural ground absorption;
• Existing flooding, drainage overflow, standing water, and erosion problems that may worsen with additional impervious surfaces such as roads, roofs, and driveways;
• Potential strain on existing stormwater infrastructure and downstream drainage systems;
• Loss of mature woodland canopy and natural environmental buffers;
• Soil erosion and sedimentation during and after construction;
• Impacts to neighboring properties, streams, wildlife habitat, and overall environmental quality;
• Long-term maintenance and reliability of proposed stormwater detention systems;
• The cumulative impact of increasingly severe rainfall events and changing weather patterns.

The wooded area currently serves as a natural stormwater management and environmental buffer system for the surrounding neighborhood. Once these mature trees and natural drainage features are removed, the impacts may be permanent and irreversible.

Accordingly, we respectfully request that the Township:
1. Require a comprehensive and transparent stormwater and environmental impact analysis;
2. Ensure independent review of all runoff, drainage, and flooding assessments;
3. Fully evaluate downstream impacts to existing homes and infrastructure;
4. Consider alternatives that preserve more of the existing woodland and natural buffers;
5. Delay approval of the project until residents’ concerns have been adequately addressed with clear supporting evidence and enforceable mitigation measures.

We urge the Township to prioritize the safety, environmental stability, and long-term well-being of existing residents and the community as a whole.

Thank you for your consideration.