Philadelphia residents win round with Fox Chase
Those opposing the cancer center's expansion were granted legal standing.
Philadelphia residents unhappy with the proposed expansion of Fox Chase Cancer Center into a neighboring park won a legal skirmish yesterday.
An Orphans Court judge awarded them legal standing in the case. The center and the city had wanted to limit them to "friend of the court" status. That is the difference between being able to state your case in court and having the power to appeal, lawyers said.
"I'm a full player as opposed to someone who sits on the sidelines," said Samuel Stretton, the lawyer who represents about 10 people who oppose Fox Chase's plans.
They contend that the will of Robert Waln Ryerss, whose bequest made the 69-acre park possible, would be violated by letting the hospital build on parkland. The hospital argues that the 19 acres it wants are now used as a driving range.
After years of squabbling, City Council voted for the project in March. Orphans Court must approve the deal. Its hearing on Council's decision is scheduled for next week.
Meanwhile, Fox Chase has said it needs to expand soon and has begun exploring an alternative site in Delaware.
Amy Ginensky, a lawyer for Fox Chase, said the ruling "does not upset us."
Fox Chase and the city are "proud of the transaction" and happy to answer questions, she said. They do hope the case can move along quickly.
"The goal that everybody has is to try to get this resolved," she said.