Senior townhouse project, changes to Wegman’s plan weighed
By Kris Firey-Poling, Correspondent, The Times
Developer Ed Morris presents his plan for an assisted living facility at Wednesday’s Board of Supervisor’s meeting in Chadds Ford.
CHADDS FORD — Creating ordinances and granting requests is tough work, as demonstrated by the Board of Supervisors at Wednesday’s long township Board of Supervisors meeting.
While the length and pace of the meeting might not have been delightful to all in attendance, supervisors explained it was necessary to the process.
“These decisions will have a lasting impact on the way we do business, so we want to get it right the first time!” Supervisor Chair, Frank Murphy said.
Peter Miller, President of Carlino Construction, requested three field changes to the upcoming Brandywine Mills Shopping Center at 1751 Wilmington Pike. The supervisors approved the addition of a landlord room, increased retail space for Wendy’s, and improved buffer space. The center will include Wegmans (scheduled to open in November) and other retail stores, including Chipotle and Starbucks.
Before ending the discussion, Supervisor Samantha Reiner asked Miller for a donation to the Walkable Chadds Ford project. Miller pledged $3,000.
According to Reiner, newly appointed liaison, “Walkable Chadds Ford will enhance the gateway of Chadds Ford, slow down traffic, and beautify the highway.” She believes that the project can also provide a public-private partnership, “as we consider how development will contribute to the project goals.”
In other business, K.Hovnanian Homes continues to work with the Board of Supervisors to create a plan to allow townhouses to be built on township land. The applicant has been working on the text for two years and stated frustration with the process. The Supervisors appointed Land Planner Tom Comitta to assist in helping the applicant make needed changes to their plan, and created a timeline to bring the project to fruition.
Also, Developer Ed Morris presented a sketch of his proposed assisted living facility on Wilmington Pike, on the previously C Harry Before You Buy property. The 2.4 acre lot will include the 7300 square foot facility and 57 parking spaces. According to Morris, the average age of residents will be 85 years. Morris requested to move forward with advertising, yet the supervisors need more time to finalize the ordinance.
“We must hold off advertising this ordinance until we can make the appropriate changes to the language. For example, we may want to add rehabilitation facilities,” explained Murphy.
In other items, a Webb Road resident, who is in the process of subdividing his property, questioned the archeological study requirement when he decides to develop his land. He acknowledged the importance of preserving artifacts, yet stated that a study would be cost prohibitive.
After much discussion, the resident agreed to write to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) prior to any digging, then share their recommendations with the supervisors to discuss next steps.
Vice-Chairman Supervisor George Thorpe acknowledged the resident’s concerns and reinforced the significance of this historic land.
In her manager’s report, Amanda Serock invited residents to the April 25th Recycle Day event, scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at the township building. Activities will include shredding, clothing donations, and various recycling activities.
Serock also stated that the recently posted and controversial U-Turn on Heyburn Road and US-1 has been taken down. U-Turns are once again legal.
