Commonwealth Court hears Fox Chase Cancer expansion dispute

The fate of a northeast Philadelphia landmark is now in the hands of three state court judges. In testimony yesterday, Fox Chase Cancer Center made their case to expand onto a 19-acre section of Burholme Park. But opponents say the move would violate a century-old will and set a bad precedent.

The fate of a northeast Philadelphia landmark is now in the hands of three state court judges. In testimony yesterday, Fox Chase Cancer Center made their case to expand onto a 19-acre section of Burholme Park. But opponents say the move would violate a century-old will and set a bad precedent.

Listen:
[audio: 090608spburholme.mp3]

Attorneys for Foxchase told the court the expansion will bring the city and state needed revenue estimated at more than $4 billion dollars over 30 years. James Collins says the lease will affect only a small section of the park that few people use.

Collins: What is better? To lose the landing area for a golf ball driving range or to save thousands of lives and to have world class cancer treatment accessible to the citizens of the community.

Colins says Foxchase is ready to flee the state if they don’t get the land.

But the attorney for park users who oppose the expansion, argued that allowing the city to go forward with the deal, would mean cash-strapped towns across the state could start selling off their parkland.

No matter how the Commonwealth Court rules, the case is likely to get appealed to the Supreme Court.