Royal Farms, shopping center progress eyed

Convenience store chain wants to open new location at Route 202 and Smithbridge Road

CONCORD » Council is preparing for a conditional use hearing for a new Royal Farms and received an update regarding the Shops at Ridge Road at its latest meeting.

Royal Farms is seeking to open a convenience store with fueling station on a 1.4-acre parcel at 1131 Smithbridge Road at the intersection with Route 202. The chain has more than 160 stores in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

The hearing, postponed from last month at the request of the applicant, is slated for 7 p.m. April 18 in the township building, 43 Thornton Road.

In response to a question during the public forum, township Solicitor Hugh Donaghue provided an update regarding the Shops at Ridge Road. Council voted unanimously last month to reinforce previous decisions and deny a request to amend the resolution regarding the proposed center.

The applicant, Delawarebased Pettinaro Co., received final land development approval in October 2008 to construct a 190,000-square foot center on the approximately 25-acre parcel. The main driveway would be on Ridge Road and the street would be widened to accommodate the entrance/exit.

As the property borders Chadds Ford, the resolution included the stipulation that prior to release of the final plans, a letter would be needed from that township stating all road improvements as approved are satisfactory. It further stated Chadds Ford is to receive scheduling notification for road improvements.

Pettinaro recently learned of several Ridge Road residents in Chadds Ford who are concerned about the improvements and impact on local neighborhoods. As a result, supervisors President Frank Murphy said the township will not approve the project until the issues are addressed.

After the March vote, attorney John Jaros said his client is in the process of determining the appropriate legal action.

“The applicant is in communication with Chadds Ford Township,” said Donaghue. “No action has been filed in Common Pleas Court as of this date.”

A new Royal Farms like the one in this file photo is proposed for Concord Township.