Toll Brothers may develop fewer homes
Developer now looking for fewer homes on Westtown tract
The people their voices WESTTOWN >> plan to keep heard.
Horsham-based developer Toll Brothers submitted a conditional use application for its proposed housing project that area residents oppose. The conditional use hearing began last Wednesday for a “flexible development” plan. Developers originally sought to potentially build at least 317 homes, or up to 397 homes on the 322-acre farm at the intersection of routes 202 and 926. However, now the application is to build just 317 homes. The two existing units would remain.
At five commission meetings, area residents expressed concerns about Toll Brothers’ plans because of the traffic impacts, concerns if taxes will increase, if their property values will decrease, and sewer problems they feel the development would create.
Residents have pointed out that the farmland is part of where the Battle of Brandywine took place during the Revolutionary War. Residents, among representatives of organizations and surrounding municipalities have pleaded for the integrity to preserve that land.
During the recent Westtown Planning Commission meeting, the members recommended conditions to present to the Westtown supervisors. If the developers do not meet the 48 conditions that the commissioners approved of, then the commissioners recommend that the supervisors deny the whole application.
Among the conditions, they requested that the developer include keeping open space and preserving the historic structures on the property, such as the chapel and the old barn. Additionally the conditions include relocating the Westtown Inn/Darlington Tavern to be used near or in conjunction with a recreational park on the property. The exact location would be determined with input from the planning commissioners and parks and recreation members.
The Westtown Planning Commission members are seeking to be a party permitted to participate in the conditional use proceedings. However, the developer’s lawyer objected. The supervisors will consider the planning commission and several other organizations and individuals who also want to have party status to the proceedings which the developer opposed to.
Toll Brothers used a halfmile radius around Crebilly Farm as its measurable guide to okay or object to those seeking party status. The 110 residents who live within 500 feet of the property received a notice in the mail about the proposal and the conditional use hearing. About 20 nearby Westtown residents sought and were granted party status as individuals. Several residents who live on Jacqueline Drive requested party status, but were objected to by Toll. Supervisors will announce during their next meeting who else is permitted as a party to cross-examine witnesses who testify on behalf of the developer. Any person who is denied party status may have their voice heard during the public comment portion of the hearings. Supervisors noted that may be months away.
The following entities were granted by the supervisors, without objection by the developer, to be a part of the proceedings: Thornbury Township; Thornbury Farm; Birmingham Township; Brandywine at Thornbury Home Owners Association; Radley Run No. 3 Home Owners Association; and Westtown Village, LLC. The following are pending approval by supervisors following the objection by the developer: Westtown Township Planning Commission; Quarry Swim Club; Pennsbury Township; West Chester Area School District; Neighbors for Crebilly, LLC; Westminster Church; and West Glen Home Association.
The supervisors’ meeting Owners will be continued on March 29 from 6-10 p.m. at Rustin High School.