Another continuance for Stonebridge

As anticipated, the Chadds Ford Zoning Hearing Board will not render a decision regarding the possible use of Stonebridge Manor as a residential rehabilitation facility on Dec. 22. The Dec. 22 session has been continued to Dec. 29. This is the second continuance in as many weeks.

The board was expected to announce a decision on Dec. 16. However, Zoning Hearing Board Chairman Bob Reardon said at the time that attorneys for both sides were late in filing their final briefs — findings of facts and conclusions of law — which didn’t give board members enough time to review testimony and the briefs.

Reardon then announced a continuance to Dec. 22, but with the understanding that the board would ask the applicants, Drew and Nicole Barnabei, for an extension. That extension was granted and the decision will be given next week.

The Barnabeis are asking to use the 25-room mansion as a residential lifestyle modification treatment facility for patients rehabilitating from substance abuse. The township objects to a business use because the mansion, at 681 Webb Road, is in the R-1 residential district.

Jim Birne, the Barnabeis’ attorney, said denying the request would violate federal laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act and the Fair Housing Act.

According to testimony, up 15 patients, who would have already gone through detox, would live at the house for up to three months while continuing to go through drug-free treatment.

Kathy Labrum, representing the township, said that if the application were to be approved, the Barnaby’s would vacate the house as their personal residence. Only patients and those treating them would be on site.

Two years ago the Barnabeis wanted to use the property as a for-profit wedding venue, but the Zoning Hearing Board denied that application. The Barnabeis appealed to the Court of Common Pleas, but the court upheld the ZHB decision.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

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