Builder would tear down house, combine two lots to build new home on Rt. 52
By Kelli Siehl, Staff Writer, The Times
A new proposed plan could finally eliminate a long-standing headache for Pocopson township officials: an abandoned home on Lenape Road. A developer proposes tearing down the existing structure and building a new house, by combining two lots.
POCOPSON — An abandoned property along Route 52 may be getting a facelift. Supervisors expressed excitement over the possible sale of an abandoned structure and overgrown property across from Lenape Village Shops during a recent Board of Supervisors’ meeting.
Scott Megill of Megill Homes said his company’s been negotiating with the realtor and property owner to purchase 1425 Lenape Road.
Megill outlined a plan to assemble two parcels of adjoining land, tear down the existing structure, clean up the area and build a new home at the rear of the property. He told supervisors the biggest hurdle is that the combined property totals 1.6 acres – which is just shy of the two acres required to meet minimum zoning classification.
Supervisors’ Chair, Steve Conary, said, “I think we should support the program with the condition that you meet all the other requirements of our subdivision land use ordinances.” Supervisors Georgia Brutscher and Ricki Stumpo agreed; a letter will be drafted to the township planning commission in support for the project.
Neighbors in attendance also verbalized their support of the plan. The property has been a concern for township officials for a while; neighbors have complained about vermin and other issues from the property being left in utter disrepair in recent years.
Megill stated concerns about obtaining a permit for placement of the driveway off of Route 52 and whether they could meet PennDOT’s site distance requirement for pulling out into traffic. Since the meeting, officials walked the property and discussed placement of the driveway with PennDOT representative, Ken Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh said that after alternations are made to the proposed driveway location, there should be no problem with issuing a permit.
