The Major Gen. Smedley Butler U.S. Marine Corps Training Center in Ridley Township is located in a dense residential section of Folsom, Ridley Township, and residents are voicing concerns about its truck traffic. The facility was once a Marine infantry location, and in recent years it was the location for a military bridge building division. Last year, the site became host to a vehicle maintenance operation that brought dozens of trucks that run into the night. Residents along the adjoining 1700 block of Fifth Street have been trying to get township and Marine officials to take the issue seriously, including by reaching out to Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D, PA-5). Ridley Township Manager Joseph Ryan confirmed township officials have met with the Marines over the issue. A spokesperson for the Marines said that activities at the Folsom base will be limited to four days a month, and that the reserve unit has moved trucks from the perimeter, adding that the reservists want to be good neighbors. Marine Lt. Col. Craig Thomas said what the community experienced when the men and women from the 1st and 2nd Platoon, Truck Company, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, moved in to the Folsom base at 601 Kedron Ave. in Ridley is not typical, and there will be less activity with normal operations.
Source: Daily Times; 9/24/2023 and 9/27/2023