New plans for Don Guanella site expected next month
MARPLE » The big reveal of conceptual plans for the former Don Guanella Village property could come as early as next month, said township Solicitor Adam Matlawski at the February commissioners meeting.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and West Conshohocken-based Carlino Commercial Development entered into an agreement of sale in December for the 213-acre tract bordered by Sproul and Reed roads. Matlawski, township Manager Tony Hamaday and township Engineer Joe Mastronardo met recently with company representatives and their attorney, where they presented a rough sketch of the proposal.
“The meeting would involve the commissioners, planning commission and residents,” he said. “Everyone would be seeing the plans for the first time.”
The plan, which would reported seek to preserve nearly 175 acres as open space, is in sharp contrast to the concept presented several years ago by Goodman Properties. The developer proposed nearly one million square feet of business/consumer-oriented retail space, nearly 250 residential units and recreational amenities. The accompanying traffic, environmental and other resulting issues raised the ire of local homeowners, who formed Save Marple Green Space with the aim of protecting the tract.
While the meeting included only a brief view of the sketch plan, Matlawski noted the proposal would be approximately the size of the existing facility and does not include component.
“Carlino is well aware of the opposition to the first plan,” he said. “They realize the concerns about traffic and open space and are aware of how to deal with them.”
Once filed, the plans will be posted on the township website, www.marpletwp. com. A mutually-convenient date would then be determined for the public presentation.
“We would hope to hold the meeting at Marple Newtown High School,” said board president Joe Rufo. “We and the public would be hearing it together.” a residential