Two Area Congressmen Press For Quicker Development of Former Willow Grove Air Base

By Brad Segall

HORSHAM, Pa. (CBS) -- A pair of local US congressmen -- one Democratic, the other Republican -- have fired off a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, looking for answers about the future of the former Willow Grove Naval Air Station, in Montgomery County.

The nearly 900-acre base that sits alongside Route 611 in Horsham has been largely vacant for nearly four years.  The local developement agency waiting to get its hands on the land thought that would happen by the end of last year, but critics say the US Navy appears to be dragging its feet.

Now, US Reps. Pat Meehan (R-Pa.) and Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) want to know why.  The longer it takes, Boyle says, the more it adversely impacts the area.

"It also costs Montgomery County and Horsham a great deal of tax revenue, because whatever ends up coming in there, that will be taxable land that can relieve the burden of all residents nearby," he says.

Apparently, the holdup is an environmental report that has now been pushed back until this coming summer.

The property is expected to become home to residential developments, offices, retail outlets, and recreational space.  The lawmakers are hoping to tour the base sometime next month.

In:
• Horsham Pa.
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• Environment
• Montgomery County