To Swarthmore Borough Council and the Swarthmore Planning Commission:

Recent years have brought significant changes to Swarthmore, and more change seems to be coming fast. Several downtown buildings have been sold this year, and in early October, plans for a large, upscale, mixed-use complex were submitted to the Borough for review. At the same time, housing prices have risen dramatically, pushing up the cost of living here.

**As residents of Swarthmore, we are concerned about the future of development and the issue of affordability. We believe now is the time to take stock of our town’s values and ensure that our planning, zoning, and land-use ordinances align with those values.**

We are concerned about the potential displacement of people living in moderately priced housing in the borough and about losing small businesses that may be priced out of our downtown. We are concerned about environmental impacts of major building projects and about losing part of Swarthmore’s architectural history and charm.

We trust that the Borough will thoroughly examine any proposed projects to make sure they comply with all relevant regulations.

But beyond that, we ask Borough Council to take steps to maintain a diversity of housing and retail space in Swarthmore, and to seek ways to keep the borough affordable and welcoming to a wide range of people.

According to the “Statement of Community Development Objectives” in the Swarthmore Zoning Code (1240.02), one goal is “To have the population consist of a stimulating mix of peoples from all economic, social and educational backgrounds, and of all ages, races and creeds.”

**We ask that Swarthmore Borough Council set up a task force to study development and affordability in Swarthmore; to receive public input; and to make recommendations for policies and practices that encourage inclusivity in order to ensure a vibrant mix of people from all backgrounds.**

Signed: