Chester County Real Estate News: July 12th, 2010
West Pikeland to submit sewage plan for review
The West Pikeland Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to have its Act 537 plan for public sewage in the Pickering Estates development reviewed by various agencies and the public. The West Pikeland planning commission, the Chester County planning commission and the county health department must all review the plan and provide feedback. The Act 537 plan is now in working draft form and has outlined the construction of a new facility at the Windolph Knoll site, near the intersection of Route 401 and Upper Pine Creek Road. According to the plan, the soils on that site have been tested and are approved for a drip irrigation system. Beyond the Windolph Knoll site, the 537 plan outlines two other options that were analyzed by the township. Those sites could still be a possibility, but several factors would have to change to make them more attractive. The plan is for 64 homes located in Pickering Estates, which is east of Route 113. There are other affected homes, but they are located on lots that are larger than two acres and have ample space to relocate their on-lot septic systems, according to the plan. The plan states that the Windoplh Knoll project will cost each affected customer about $28,000. The 537 plan also stipulates that the township will pass a sewage management program that includes proper inspections for the upkeep of septic systems.
Source: Daily Local; 7/1/2010
From bare-bones to lavish, township buildings run the gamut in Chester County
In the world of municipal buildings, West Marlborough’s township building would take the prize for the most bare-bones municipal complex in the county. The township doesn’t own any land, doesn’t have a Web site, and holds its board of supervisors meetings in its maintenance building next to the dump truck. Over in Pocopson Township, the philosophy is to keep things small, said former Supervisor H. William Sellers. The township has about 3,300 residents but it is estimated that half of those are in institutions such as Pocopson Home and the Chester County Prison and juvenile facility. The township doesn’t have a township manager, just a township administrator and treasurer. Public meetings and administrative functions are conducted in an old public works garage off of Route 52. At the other end of the spectrum, West Whiteland recently opened a new $16.8 million township building. The 33,000-square-foot building sits on 8.9 acres that was given to the township by the developer of Main Street at Exton.
Source: Daily Local; 7/4/2010
East Caln Township approves plan for homes in park
East Caln Township supervisors Monday unanimously approved a proposed development for 70 multi-family homes on about seven acres in Kardon Park. Progressive Housing Ventures proposed to develop a portion of the park that is not currently part of litigation before the Orphan’s Court. The court is still deciding whether Downingtown can sell Kardon Park for private development. The matter was reviewed during nine hearings over the course of approximately eight months. One reason for the long process was the proposed development’s detractors, including Ann Feldman, president of the Friends of Kardon Park. Feldman was given party status in the hearings but her group was not. Afterward, she said the decision “was expected.”
Source: Daily Local; 7/3/2010
Oxford Borough to consider zoning change to regulate open space in HOAs
Oxford Borough Council will conduct a public hearing to consider the enactment of an ordinance amending the existing Borough Zoning ordinance regarding the permanent protection of open space. The proposed borough regulations provide for the maintenance and accessibility of open space within a condominium or homeowners association. The meeting will take place on July 19 at 7 p.m. in the Oxford Borough building (410 East Market Street).
Source: Daily Local; 7/1/2010
