Sign Our Petition

While I could have chosen to live anywhere, I recently purchased my first home in SE Chester County. The singularly beautiful surroundings combine with a distinctive individualism which sets this region apart. It is not surprising that creative people flourish here. I love the concept of the round-about! Like a labyrinth, this circular path invites reflection and awareness. I whole-heartedly agree with the other signers of this petition.
Dr. Jean Ager, Pocopson Township

S.A.V.E.'s position and recommendations are well researched and carefully thought out. I applaud and support their stance and urge you to listen carefully to them as well.
Babette Jenny, East Fallowfield & Newlin Townships

I'm a resident who lives on Rt.41 and it would be dangerous especially b/c I'm currently a high school student and catch the bus outside of my home and widening the road would endanger me and every other person/child who has to catch their school bus on this road. This road is already noisy enough, widening the road would only lead to more accidents, and more traffic jams and even more noise disturbing whatever peace we have. I'm 17 and next yr. I will be getting my license and I just dread having to drive on that road if it is widened. Rt.41 is like a 24/7 NASCAR circuit. I like NASCAR but I'd rather see it at a racetrack not on the road outside of my house. Whoever wants to widen the road is just insane and not considering how dangerous that would be.
Shirley Pisani, Chatham, PA

A 41 bypass would ruin the local communities of Chatham and Avondale and not affect the greater needs north.
John Wilkins, London Grove

We support your ideas! It makes us sad to see the uncontrolled development of this beautiful area. We know that we can't stop the development but I know we can influence it!!
Scott Allen, Landenberg, London Britain Township, PA.

I agree with the road noise issue - it's already bad, even at 4:30 AM. On weekdays, the intersection of 41 and 10 is deafening. We moved here for the peace, quiet, and beautiful surroundings. Please SAVE them!
Jen Holquist, Highland Township

I want to live where soul meets body
And let the sun wrap its arms around me,
And bathe my skin in water cool and cleansing
And feel... feel what its like to be new.
Jones, Downingtown Borough

We travel to visit our son near Newark, DE. We don't travel the high speed interstates, if we can avoid them. We need to preserve the slower, scenic, two lane roads in PA.
D. Shields, Quakertown, PA

Poor SE Pennsylvania vanishing under highways, parking lots, shopping centers and developments! None of Penn's woods are left and it is just atrocious to witness uncontrolled sprawl and landscape devastation. Yes I support the 2-lane alternative for Route 41. Good job and great ideas.
Dominique Boddorff, Penn Township

Thanks for all your work!
Joanie Morris, West Marlborough

We've lived on Rt. 41 for 14 years; we were not aware of the horrendous convoy of trucks that rumble back and forth causing family photos on the walls to tilt frequently due to the vibration. In any case, we've adapted, but we will NOT adapt to widening the Route 41 corridor; it's difficult now to get out of our driveway, but we've learned the best time to attempt getting onto Rt. 41 to reach other major roads. However, if this "secondary road" is widened at any point, the traffic increases, causing increased congestion, more smog, more pollutants, etc. We are frequent travelers on this route as far as Rt. 30 to Lancaster and Amish Country and enjoy the scenic views on the way. What will happen to the woodlands, fields and wildlife habitat if Rt. 41 is widened? Does anybody care?
M. L. Flocco, Newport-Gap Pike, Hockessin, DE

I am becoming more informed on this situation as a new citizen in London Grove Township and I am deeply saddened to think that PennDOT would consider a four-lane highway through this beautiful countryside, thus greatly affecting the environment and quality of life for everyone. This lack of consideration, which PennDOT seems to be demonstrating, seems to be a growing epidemic amongst America - very sad for the future of our children and their children.
Stacey Farrell, London Grove Township

When rural America is gone, it will be gone permanently. I strongly support your effort to preserve the RTE 41 corridor and a slower paced way of life.
L. Skvir, Delran Township, NJ

I recently moved here from Wayne, PA. I was vaguely aware of the possible plans for Route 41, but was still surprised at the enormous amount of truck traffic ALREADY present on Rte 41 and the surrounding roads. Traffic is more dangerous (faster, heavier) here than on the Main Line!! This is not consistent with the rural setting of this community. I wholeheartedly support the S.A.V.E. two-lane alternative. It is a "win-win" for all sides and closes this backdoor route between Turnpikes for commercial truck traffic.
Pamela Meek, West Fallowfield

I was born and raised in Chester County, PA. Got my undergrad degree at WCU. Grew up on a farm in New London Township, and my husband, sons, and I are soon moving back to my parents' farm (in the PA AG Preservation Trust) in New London Township. Modern roundabouts and traffic calming elements are successfully used in Howard County, MD, where I currently reside. Save Our Agricultural Land and the Associated Villages!
Susan Lewis Arday, New London Township

People would never purposely destroy a valuable piece of artwork in their house. But we do not hesitate to destroy the most beautiful piece of artwork that we have been given...our land. Southeastern PA is beautiful, the land provides food, the air and water are clean providing good health, the lack of commercial stores provides a serene environment that helps to reduce stress. Let's actually think about what we are doing for once...don't let the greed of a few destroy the artwork provided to us all. Once it's gone, it's gone forever.
Marc Comer, London Grove Township

I have a lot of experience with roundabouts, and my wife does as well as she is from Europe. Roundabouts, while awkward for some at first, are well appreciated after being used on a regular basis. The presentation available on www.save41.org clearly backs this notion up with the statistics enclosed. Keep us green, keep us safe, keep us clean.
Mark Simkiss, London Britain Township

I support a cost effective, traffic slowing, space saving, enviromentally effective way to redesign our roads in rural, suburban and urban areas and this one makes sense to me.
Jim Veverka, Upper Darby

I agree with SAVE's efforts in planning in a sustainable, safe and environmentally sound method.
Mark Okonowicz, New London Township

Encouraging suburban sprawl encourages urban flight of residents and employers from Philadelphia.
Linda Blythe, Philadelphia

I have long admired the scenery during Sunday drives on 41, and am currently looking at homes in the area to relocate. It would be unconscienable to allow PennDot to put this beautiful landscape at risk to the cancer known as sprawl. Where does it all end? We do have alternatives! Get Smart!
Marie C. Lord, West Chester

First and foremost remove trucks except local delivery from 41.
Randall McMillan, Londonderry Township

Why waste scarce funds so through-haul truckers can avoid a peanuts toll? Or, charge them for widening of the road. They won't pay.
Hans van Naerssen, Tredyffrin

S.A.V.E. needs to expand its mission to also save Rt. 896! It is the traffic solution for our community and needs to be promoted for other major roads like 896 that are also seeing tremendous growth.
David H. Toman, Franklin Township

I fully support your efforts!! I am in total agreement with your petition statement.
Laureen M. Grace

It is time for PennDOT to stop refusing to learn from past mistakes, and to start recognizing the strides that have been made in transportation planning and traffic management that allow "improvement" to be just that, improvement, and not more destruction of the quality of life and the environment.
Robin Mann, Radnor

Although I'm no longer living in the area, I still work in Wilmington, and I lived in Chester Co. for 5 years. Widening Rt. 41, although seemingly a "simple solution" to the traffic issues in the area, will only lead to further sprawl and growth in an area that can barely support the existing growth. Please leave Rt. 41 as it is!!!
Debbie Westwood, Allentown

I have plans to move to Franklin Township this summer and support this petition.
Charles Reed, Wynnewood

I travel this highway often, something has to be done, that is true, but not by sacrificing open space. Consider the "smart growth" alternative for PA 41.
Nancy Kitka, New Providence, PA

I support your efforts. Keep the pressure on. I know from my involvement with other issues that PennDOT is far behind most other states in progressive thinking on transportation issues.
Marcy Conti, Wrightstown

Let's try an alternative to traditional transportation planning - wider is not necessarily better.
John Gaadt, Kennett Township

Why is Penn Dot helping the Port of Wilmington, which is in Delaware? PENNDOT should be support PA's own Delaware River port, the Port of Philadelphia. Take the money slated for Rte 41 and put it towards improving highways in Philadelphia.
Richard T. Evans, Upper Makefield

Let's join together to keep our community safe and rural!
Lisa Skemer Baldwin, Highland Township

I totally agree w/the petition statement.
Colleen Klein, London Grove Township

Just saw your summer newsletter online - nice work, good - and accurate- arguments.
Harrison B. Rue, Executive Director, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission & Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization, and keynote speaker in May 2003 at Governor Rendell’s Conference on Transportation and Economic Development

Stop the bulldozers for a minute, I need to smell some roses.
Harriet Taylor, Pennsbury Township

I agree with what you are trying to do and they must be stopped.
Andrew Danielsen, East Brandywine Township.

I wish we needed neither, but I am for the easing of the problem rather than the EXTON horrendous "solution". Let us learn something.
Julius Bellone, London Grove Township

Route 41 is one of two major issues that we/our local Supervisor candidates deal with in our township. The candidates that we support, totally support SAVE's two-lane alternative plan. Myself, Tim Nelson (board of Supervisor's), Nancy Cox, Hank Detering and Ed Rendell all won in London Grove thanks to our support for SAVE. I've campaigned hundreds of hours supporting the two-lane alternative and S.A.V.E.’s proposals for a safer road with less induced sprawl while supporting candidates who feel the same way.
Thomas D. Houghton, Esq., London Grove Township

It is tragic to watch the charm and tranquility of this region destroyed by the greedy and the contractors! And when this area is overrun and overbuilt, those that created today's demand will move onto to another area...case in point...North Wilmington. I remember when this area was in "the country" and far from an acceptable place to live. Well let's hang on to what little is left!!
Linda T. Watjen, Hockessin, Delaware

As new residents to the area we are trying to escape the noise/air pollution and congestion that a highway would change this rural area. We experienced this first hand with the Blue Route (I-476) making Delaware and Montgomery counties overly congested with new shopping centers and homes jammed in every open space left and traffic everywhere at anytime of day or night.
Mary Connors, London Grove Township

I own my parent's home in Gap. Everyone must work hard to preserver the beautiful and serene farmland of SE Pa....there is no place like it, trust me!!
Alicelynne Watson, Salisbury Township

http://www.saferuralroads.com
William F. Hennessey Jr., M.D.

STOP THE SPRAWL
Walter J. Yetter, Kennett Square

I drive everyday on Rt 41 to Wilmington, but I prefer this approach by far to a 4 lane highway. Thank you for all your work.
Joyce A. Ford, London Grove Township

McMansions are ruining the very thing that attracts them, rolling farmland. If they want easy access, they should stay in the cities.
Kamala Abuan, Philadelphia

My steadfast support for your organization's efforts. This initiative is the right direction for our environment and our fiscal responsibilities to preserve the rural character of Southern Chester County.
Michele Vaughn, Candidate for Chester County Commissioner, 2003

Something really needs to be done about the overwhelming problem of sprawl in Southern Chester County. How about SMART GROWTH, Pennsylvania?
Mark Smith, Kennett Square

GOOD WORK !
Davis G. Durham, Jr., London Britain

We are in the process of forming a citizens group that is trying to keep a "box store" (Wal-Mart) from building a super center in a very inappropriate location at Buck, PA (Rts. 272 & 372). This is one of the most dangerous intersections in PA. We see your situation & can see the writing on the wall for our community. I applaud your efforts to try to stop the destruction of communities, the environment and a quality of life that is rapidly disappearing under acres/miles of pavement, unchecked sprawl and irresponsible development. All in the name of "progress". May God bless you in the difficult task that lies ahead.
Judy O’Brien, Drumore Township

As a Parkesburg resident, we do live close to Rt. 41, and we agree whole heartily with SAVE's plan. We are very pleased that Governor Rendell also supported the SAVE plan. We ask Governor Rendell to continue his strong support and urge Governor Rendell to give additional direction to PENNDOT to use the 2 lane alternative approach that will protect our communities from the sprawl that would ruin this beautiful area.
Stephannie Y. Beemer, Parkesburg

Tractor trailers are important for the local and regional economy but should not be used as a basis for changing local community dynamics and structure. Keep your cause rolling!
Terry Morley

Perseverance will win out in the end.
George I. E. Harris, Chadds Ford

The SAVE solution will become a pattern to creatively deal with this problem in other places.
Joyce Shaffer, Pennsbury

I was at the Congress for the New Urbanism this weekend in DC, and James Kunstler (well known author) spoke at the closing session. His main thrust was that most experts believe that the point at which oil demand will outstrip supply will occur sometime around 2007 (although he says some experts say it has already happened). At that time, all the economies and all those business enterprises that are based on cheap oil will begin to be troubled by uncertain and fluctuating oil prices. This will make shipping by truck more problematic. It seems silly to build roads to handle a mode of shipping that might be shrinking in just a few years.
Ralph Olivier, AIA, Franklin Township, 6/24/03

It is time for people not cars to dictate how life is to be lived. Your plan allows commerce and nature to exist respectfully side by side. Thank you for standing up to the constant clamor for more roads, more noise, more pollution and less quality of life!
Karen Marshall, Kennett Township

As a concerned citizen, I believe this endeavor allows feasible expenditure for a sound environmental action.
Elizabeth H. Hessenauer, RN, CAS, Avondale

A great friend of mine was virtually "crushed" a week ago by a truck traveling at high speed - please stop the killing.
Dick Sanford, Pennsbury

If we want our towns and villages to remain vibrant walkable communities, then we must fight efforts to turn every road into a superhighway.
Ralph Olivier, AIA, Franklin Township

Keep up the great work!
Catherine Davis Ledyard, West Marlborough

I travel that road all the time and it is terrible with all the big trucks.
Beverly Ison, Eden Township

Major highways were created for a reason! Let them be used by truck traffic instead of local roads.
Lara Schutsky, Parkesburg

Save lives, don't widen the road.
Virginia Strauser, Sadsbury

Let us not repeat our earlier mistakes.
Martha D. Strauss, New London

A four lane highway would totally destroy what is nice about Southern Western Chester County.
Charles Walter Stewart, Pocopson

Badly hoping the changes in 41 are positive ones for our community and environment. NO BIG TRUCKS!!
Susannah Small, East Bradford

Institute a through truck ban like New Jersey.
Linda Morrison, East Brandywine

I was not aware of the issues around Route 41 as I have cut way back on time spent in a car. I like this plan.
Harriet Taylor, Pennsbury Township

Does anyone else enjoy going outside at night to hear crickets and look at the stars? Or how about listening to birds in the morning? A 4-lane bypass would put an end to that. The animals won't appreciate it either.
James Ambrose, London Grove Township

I've grown so tired of tractor trailers tailgating me on 41, I've found alternative routes that take longer to reach my destination, but I arrive in one piece! Thanks for the effort here!!!
Brian Ladd, Pennsbury Township

Absolutely unnecessary to create a 4 lane Rd. on 41 The 2 lane alternative makes much more sense. We must consider whose benefit this change would be for and evaluate every alternative.
Anthony Campanile, Atglen

We need to stop the hazardous conditions of Route 41. Keep up the good work SAVE!!! My family and I support you 100%.
Lori Hoosier, West Fallowfield

I am a member of the Board of Supervisor for Pennsbury Township and I applaud the route 41 two lane alternative. I totally agree with (County Commissioner) Andy Dinniman, that road construction should follow land management ideals, not the other way around. We all must come to recognize that we cannot build our way out of traffic congestion by building more roads with more lanes. If we continue in that direction the remaining rural areas of Chester County will become areas of traffic congestion like the Route 202 corridor. Planning highway expansion in such rural areas is an invitation for sprawl. "If you build it they will come" is all to true when it comes to road expansion and waves of sprawl.
MaryAnna B. Ralph

I don't see expansion of Rt. 41 solving any problems, just putting them off for future leaders to solve bigger problems.
Amy M Bossong

Thank you for your work on this
Shelley Whitcomb

We think the solution is to get the long haul trucks off of RT 41. Widening the roads and putting in bypasses is only going to produce more traffic on this road and cause more accidents and deaths with all the new construction going on.
Doris & Leo Wilson

I have known several people who were killed on Route 41 due to trucks travelling at high rates of speed.
Terry Tigue

I have been in several close calls with tractor trailers on route 41. The road is not designed to handle this traffic safely.
Mark R Lucas

It seems to me that you don't have to look to far from our local area to see the results of PennDot's "fwd thinking" ... it hasn't been that long since the Rt 30/202/King of Prussia area used to look like Avon-Grove. This is almost the last suburban corridor near Philly that isn't choked with Sprawl. Rt 41 needs an answer that addresses both Sprawl and Safety in a balanced manner. It seems to me that a ban on interstate trucking would be a simple, cost-effective first step.
Stephen Bossong

Keep up the good work S.A.V.E.!!
David Schutsky

WE are a farming community and wish to stay that way.We need peace and quiet, we donot need to encourage developement. There is enough distruction done to the land and this interfers with water and waste, amoung other things.
Janet Elliot

This plan is far more appealing than Penndots
Harold Derrick

We are moving to New Garden Township in June and opposse this change.
Mary Kay Gaver

I pray our signatures have the power.
Wendy Winslow

I work in Colerain Twp, with Relatives in Unionville, Cochranville & West Grove so I travel 41 often and support your plan.
Karen Fahnestock

Good luck - you are doing a great job!
James E. McErlane

We have become slaves to our automobiles. PennDOT is the single most significant catalyst of SPRAWL and its effects are unplanned, uncontrolled, counterintuitive, and, together with the actions of other DOT's nationwide -- which are utterly lacking in vision -- will have devastating impacts on our environment, or culture and our national security.
James Sargent, Esq., West Chester

I am signing the petition for the 7,500 members of the Clean Air Council.
Dennis R. Winters, Clean Air Council and DVRPC Regional Citizens Committee Chair

Stop the sprawl, improve quality of life!
Linda Quinn, Collegeville

I support a through truck ban on Route. 41. I encourage PennDOT not to spend more taxpayer dollars to enlarge this road to four lanes for through trucks. They can just as easily take 202 to the Pa Turnpike west. The state highway system is in need of their toll dollars, why should we build a free highway for truck traffic when one already exists? Rt. 41 should be improved but not as a four lane throughway but as a safe rural two-lane road.
MaryAnna B. Ralph, Pennsbury Township Supervisor

You have done so much so well--thank you.
Barbara Carty, East Nottingham Township

Thank you for all your hard work!
Caen D. Stroud, London Grove (4/17/03)

I strongly support SAVE's three-part plan. Larger and faster is NOT safer. Preserve the nature of our communities and provide for truck traffic properly on appropriate roadways. Plan for safety by sending the truck traffic to well-established, larger truck routes and keep future development in the plentiful corridors already targeted.
Gail L. Newbold, Penn Township (4/17/03)

Coming from a congested area, I know how important it is to minimize traffic. Also, I ride in the area and know how beautiful it is and want to help preserve it.
Barbara C. Blynn, Tredyffrin (4/17/03)

My husband and I fully support S.A.V.E.'s two lane alternative to 41.
Cassandra N Hendriks, West Marlborough (1-27-03)

Those big trucks go way too fast on 41 and have caused too many accidents. something must be done!
Darlene Glanz

Please support S.A.V.E. proposals. The trucks on Rt 41 are horrible, dangerous, non-stop, fast running, road clogging, smelly, noisy. They need to be on the toll road. Lower the rate of tolls and get them where they belong. IF the rates were lower the volume could increase thus you wouldn't lose any revenue. These trucks run through Gap, PA and run all us homeowners and horse and buggy drivers off the roads. It is alsolutely horrible to live near Rt 41. Building or paving over 41 is way too expensive and will only increase the truck traffic. Do the right thing and prohibit truck traffic on 41 and force them to use the toll road.
Betty Dellinger

I live in Gap, PA, and loathe the heavy truck traffic on 41. It ruins the quality of life for those of us that live there. I am a volunteer with the Gap Fire Co., and have seen many accidents as a result of overuse of 41. Ban truck traffic, and then put a stoplight at 41 & 741, it needs it! I cringe everytime I drive by it, hoping I'll be able to avoid an accident. The entire area really makes Lancaster County look bad.
Adam Dellinger

Ban l8 wheel trucks from all 2 lane highways in the state.
Eleanor Barnes

PennDOT must not be allowed to enact their plan. Anyone who has driven Route One knows that a four lane highway can be even more dangerous than the current situation on 41. PennDOT's solution will make 41 even more dangerous than it already is.
Dianne Salerni

I am strongly in favor of SAVE's three part solution. At some point our citizenry must become active and stand up against illogical policy. It is a waste of our tax dollars and the epitome of pork barrel spending to enlarge this road when other routes are available.
Barbara Stewart

I support a through truck ban on rt. 41. I see no reason to spend millions of taxpayer dollars to enlarge this road to four lanes for through trucks when they can just as easily take 202 to the Pa Turnpike west. The state highway system is in need of their toll dollars, why should we build a free highway for them when one already exists? Rt. 41 should be improved as a rural two-lane road.
Dave Brown

Port of Wilmington produce should dray up I-495 to Amtrak's Zoo facility and then use ExpressTrak to head west.
Randolph Barton

people over profits
drewmcd@hotmail.com

We live at the top of the hill going south from 372 where the road goes from 2 lanes to one right in front of our house. We have had many many close calls. The unfortunate thing is that that area of the road seems to be getting overlooked in the fix. I drive out of my way so that I won't have to make a left turn into my driveway.
MR & MRS DAVID L MAXTON

I live in western Delaware County, and often drive on Route 41 to visit friends in the Lancaster area. That is one dangerous stretch of highway, and something needs to be done! S.A.V.E.'s Three-Part Solution is desperately needed!
Bradford T. Winters

Help save our lives and our quality of life.
MARIE CAVACINI

We are concerned about this issue. we support the efforts to save route 41 and are equally concerned about eliminating truck traffic on Routes 896,&796 and route 82. we live on 896 and are constantly in fear of these vehicles.
Alfred & Karen Hahn

Keep Spreading the Word!!! Thank you for all your efforts.
J. Peter Ahl

I think the three part solution makes a lot of sense.
Al Mszanecky

To Whom it May Concern, I am writing today to request that you strongly consider opposing the Route 41 bypass due to it's potential negative environmental and social impacts on Southern Chester County. This rural area is already being inundated by development, which is resulting in the destruction of the rural landscape and way of life. Cookie cutter housing developments and shopping centers are replacing farmland and forests. A bypass would further exacerbate this problem. The federally designated Wild and Scenic White Clay Creek runs along and under the proposed location for the bypass. The creek and it's buffer provide habitat for many species of wildlife, including the endangered bog turtle. The presence of a bypass would stress this fragile ecosystem with immense noise and air pollution. I am taking a stand against these harmful impacts. I urge you to do the same. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Heather Rose, Voting citizen of London Grove Township, PA

I own a 30 acre horse breeding farm less than 2 minutes from the intersection of 41 and 10. I can already hear the truck noise at night. I don't want to even think about the amount of traffic noise and pollution that would be created by expanding 41. I will do whatever it takes to help stop PennDot's plan.
Susan Brooke Bullitt, President Little Oxmoor LP

SAVE's solution is in the best interest of the people who live there. Period.
Chris Ferrier