New signs reading "862 Rising" mark the beginning of a transformation of 862 acres of unused land into a vibrant community hub where people can live, work, dine, and shop.
The site has sat vacant for nearly 20 years. On Friday, an agreement between the Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority (HLRA) and the U.S. Navy opened the door to redevelop 118 acres of the property.
While many welcome the change, some residents are raising questions about environmental safety, particularly water contamination linked to PFAS chemicals once used at the base.
"We need redevelopment, it's an eyesore," said Horsham resident Tom McHugh. "But I think the water is a major issue in this township."
Hope Gross, co-founder of the Buxmont Coalition for Safer Water, echoed those concerns.
"It's going to take a long time for me to trust that that ground is actually clean enough for people to live there," Gross said.
During Friday's ceremonial signing, local leaders reassured the public that the first phase of redevelopment will include safe drinking water. They say protections are in place to ensure the rest of the site will, too.
"Any development that takes place will have to follow stringent process in order to make sure that all of that water that is the contamination is captured in the process and cleaned so that while somebody's digging a hole to build a foundation that water doesn't run off and go down the hill it's captured and cleaned along the way," said Bill Whiteside, president of Horsham council, chairman of HLRA.
Supporters say the project will create thousands of jobs and revitalize the local economy.
"I think it's great for the community -- more workers, more jobs for everybody," said Sarina Marone of Ambler.
The redevelopment is expected to begin within the next 12 months. The property accounts for nearly 10 percent of Horsham Township.