As the pastor of the oldest church in Chestnut Hill — one of the oldest remaining structures; one whose foundation occupies the highest elevation in the city; one which resides at the very gateway to our community; one whose cemetery contains Civil War veterans and is the oldest cemetery in Chestnut Hill — I am particularly concerned about the structure being proposed for the adjoining property now occupied by the Sunoco gas station. [See “Apartment, Mexican restaurant proposed for Top of Hill,” Chestnut Hill Local, Feb. 25]

We're not in the real estate business, so we were not aware that the owner was considering the sale of the land. Had we been informed we would have considered its purchase for use as a park-like setting which would, in fact, compliment the residential character of neighboring Summit Street. How the proposed structure adversely impacts the grave sites several feet from the property line, and the imposing wall that would significantly obstruct the sunlight into our sanctuary (not to mention the fragile foundation of a nearly two-hundred year old structure just feet from proposed excavation), are serious matters best suited for a more formal process of expression.

Suffice it to say, our community deserves much better. The developer's claim of "by right," does not in any way make it right.

Rev. Dr. David Seip
Pastor, Chestnut Hill Baptist Church