Zoning changes proposed by Clifton Heights officials could prevent or slow down construction of the new Upper Darby School District middle school on what the township residents call the ”Field of Dreams,” writes Kathy Boccella for Philadelphia Inquirer.

The changes would also require new environmental and traffic-impact studies before the project is implemented on the municipality’s last open space. The borough council will vote on these changes on May 28.

In response, Upper Darby School Board planned an emergency meeting May 6 to cancel the borough’s lease on the property owned by the district. It will also accelerate the process by starting to apply for permits to construct the new middle school.

Borough solicitor Francis J. Catania responded in a letter to the district, calling the hurried attempt to terminate the lease vindictive and threatening legal action.

“We’ve been trying and trying to fight fair and they have not — we can’t do it anymore,” said Superintendent Daniel McGarry.

School district board members were ready to cancel the lease last month. However, they held off after nearly 500 residents of Clifton Heights staged a protest at the field.

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