The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has enacted eminent domain proceedings against the family-run Jim and Ralph’s Produce in Lower Providence Township, in order to construct a new, relocated intersection of Germantown and Ridge pikes.
According to 6abc.com, the business at 3941 Ridge Pike, near Collegeville Italian Bakery, is set to shut down June 17 due to the government’s hammer.
“This is what we do for a living. It’s our family,” co-owner Stephen Roberto told 6abc.
“It’s killing me to figure out what to do,” co-owner Dave Roberto told 6abc. “It will be a struggle the rest of my life.”
The Robertos, per the report, are being compensated for the eminent domain acquisition and look to reopen elsewhere. They told 6abc they serve about 50 local restaurants.
According to Lower Providence Township, PennDOT is eliminating the current Ridge and Germantown pike intersection and realigning the roads in order to alleviate congestion and travel delays on both sides of the Perkiomen Creek bridge.
The new intersection, per PennDOT, will also have an extension of Ridge Pike to Pechins Mill Road, in order to connect to future Perkiomen Creek crossings.
On Friday, May 24, Lower Providence Township Supervisors released a statement on the eminent domain:
“We recognize Jim and Ralph’s as an institution and gem of our township. The Board has been equally upset about the impact caused to their business. We are extremely disappointed they were not able to reach a more amicable resolution after years of extensive negotiations.
As a Board, we have for years proactively explored many alternative locations and options for Jim and Ralph’s. We will continue open lines of communication with the owners, Dave and Stephen to find a future solution to retain this valued and beloved business in Lower Providence.”
The project began back in Fall 2018, according to PennDOT. The project will eliminate “the existing poorly skewed signalized intersection of Germantown Pike and Ridge Pike.”
The new intersection will be signalized and located about 1,300 feet east on Ridge Pike.
An existing stop sign at River Road and Germantown Pike T-intersection will also be removed and River Road extended east to a roundabout, according to PennDOT.
Ridge Pike and Pechins Mill Road will be widened and new stormwater management added to the area.
