We, the residents of Middletown Township, strongly oppose the Outrigger Industrial Acquisition, LLC proposal to build a distribution center at 1408 West Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063. This development would have a detrimental and irreversible impact on our community.

Specific objections to putting a Distribution Center on this site:

1. Site is Inappropriate for this Development: The proposed distribution center is 334,000 square feet or 7.6 acres. The developed area, including loading docks, parking, and new roads, will result in about 15 acres of impermeable land. The site sits in the middle of a residential area with 500 homes, a daycare center, and Glenwood Elementary School. The proposal requests six waivers to address the steep slopes that drop precipitously to a flood plain and stream feeding Chester Creek. Furthermore, the Mariner East pipeline runs through this area where dozens of sinkholes developed, including a large one on the proposed site. Without geophysical and storm water management studies, the site should not be considered for industrial applications.
2. Air Pollution: The estimated additional truck traffic created by the distribution center will worsen air pollution conditions which are already out of compliance with EPA guidelines. Tractor-trailer diesel fuel emissions have significantly worse health impacts than cars. According to a recent NASA study on air pollution impacts from warehousing, there will be a cone of pollution extending downwind for 3-4 miles. Harmful particulates will settle into low-lying areas. Without a full environmental study, the site should not be considered for industrial applications.
3. Traffic and Emergency Services: Interstates are not easily accessible from the site. I-476 is six miles away along Route 1. It is seven miles to I-95, by way of Routes 1, 452, 352, and/or Valley Brook Road. Local roads, already overloaded and ill-equipped to handle tractor-trailer traffic, will become shortcuts to the main traffic arteries. Increased traffic due to the proposed distribution center will increase the incidence and severity of accidents. Furthermore, the site is within a mile of Riddle Hospital and two elder care facilities. The Rocky Run Fire Department and State Police station would be affected by traffic congestion, resulting in delayed response times for emergency vehicles. Without an updated traffic study, the site should not be considered for industrial applications.
4. Noise pollution: Distribution Centers operate around the clock, generating constant noise from trucks, machinery, and loading operations. The 500 adjacent residential homes with over 1,000 residents would be subjected to these constant noise emissions. Without a noise emission study using correct data, the site should not be considered for industrial applications.

In summary, we concur with the Delaware County Planning Commission’s December 20, 2024 recommendation to the Township: “Disapproval due to code noncompliance and broad inconsistency with the overarching purpose of the zoning district as well as with the Middletown and Delaware County comprehensive plans.”