July 1, 2016

A revered Chester County vista – replete with rolling hills, waterways and expansive pastureland – has been endangered for more than a decade.

Bounded by Routes 926 and 202, South New Street, and West Pleasant Grove Road in Westtown Township, Crebilly Farm is no stranger to the threat of development. The third-generation property is owned by the Robinson family, descendants of the founder of a grocery store that evolved into the Acme chain.

Proposals ranging from a 2003 assisted living community to a 2012 apartment complex have failed to pass muster; however, township officials suggested that a massive housing development, discussed for the first time on Thursday, June 30, is much more likely to happen.

During a special public meeting, an audience of about 60 listened as representatives of Toll Brothers presented what Andrew J. Semon, a division president for the developer, described as “a very, very preliminary, conceptual discussion.”

Westtown Township Supervisor Mike T. Di Domenico said the township learned on Tuesday, June 28, that Toll had an agreement of sale to purchase the property. Supervisors’ Chairwoman Carol R. De Wolf explained that the township invited Toll to share its plans for the nearly 330-acre tract, prior to submitting any applications, so that the township could get initial insight into the developer’s intentions.

Township solicitor Patrick McKenna pointed out that unlike the Bozzuto Development apartment proposal, which required a zoning change and was withdrawn in 2015, the Toll Brothers project involves a use that is already permitted by the township.

Semon said the company had prepared a number of possible configurations for the site, and he brought two drawings with him, emphasizing that both are works in progress. “We’re certainly open-minded,” Semon said. “This is going to evolve quite a bit.”

The first layout showed 300 two-story homes, a combination of 145 single-family and 165 carriage-style dwellings, all with basements. The second rendering featured a 347-unit mix of 143 single-family and 204 carriage-style homes. Both plans featured access from Route 926 and West Pleasant Grove Road; however, the second version included a connector road within the development that would parallel Route 202.

Semon said that the two existing homes along New Street would remain and that the barn, horse stable, and springhouse on the property would be saved, as would the stone residence at the corner of Routes 202 and 926. The barn would likely become a clubhouse or community center for the homeowners’ association, he said. He said that under township ordinances, 385 homes could be built on the site.

The purchase is contingent upon getting conditional-use approval from the township, Semon said, estimating that an application would be submitted by the end of the summer.

Semon said prices have not been set, but he acknowledged that Toll’s homes are generally not at the low end of the spectrum. He said Toll’s carriage homes range from 2,300 to 2,600 square feet while its single homes start at 3,200 and go to 4,300 and up.

About two dozen attendees, who were permitted to ask questions following Semon’s presentation, raised concerns about a variety of issues, including the views from adjacent properties, the strain on the school district, the impact on already-congested roads, a shortage of area physicians, and the property’s proximity to the historic Brandywine Battlefield.

Semon said the developer would use berms and landscaping as buffers. He said Toll Brothers had analyzed previous traffic studies for the intersection of Routes 926 and 202. “Three hundred homes seems like a lot, but to an already congested area, it’s a minimal amount,” he said.

Gary Bevilacqua, a school board member who happened to be in the audience, said the district had factored the potential for development of the site into its long-range plans. He said the additional residents would have “limited to no impact.”

Township Manager Robert Pingar stressed that once Toll Brothers makes an application, it would initiate a collaborative process that would enable residents to make their voices heard.

Supervisor Thomas F. Haws noted that Toll Brothers had no obligation to meet with the township before submitting any applications, and he thanked its representatives, who included attorney Gregg I. Adelman, for agreeing to provide preliminary information.

“I can tell you that this board is going to be working, along with our Planning Commission, every step of the way for our residents and for Westtown,” said De Wolf, prompting applause from the audience.

 

 

 

With the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, state and local officials want to remind resident to stay safe and follow state law when enjoying fireworks displays as a part of their celebrations.

“Every year, what should be a time to honor America with family and friends turns tragic somewhere,” State Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay said in a state press release. “Following common-sense safety guidelines can prevent these tragedies and help you create lasting happy memories.”

Because Independence Day is a heavily traveled holiday, state police said they would be using roving DUI patrols and special speed enforcement details from Saturday, July 2, through Monday, July 4.

Pennsylvania law allows consumers to use only small “novelty” fireworks, such as sparklers and trick noisemakers. Retail establishments with valid permits can sell these fireworks, the release said.

“With the upcoming holiday weekend, families and friends will come together for cookouts, picnics or even weekend trips,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said in the release. “As a part of these festivities, there may be fireworks on display. If you are planning to use fireworks as a part of your events, either this weekend or for future activities, please be sure to purchase those fireworks from licensed dealers within the commonwealth.”

All display fireworks that are shot into the air and burst into a large, colorful display, like those seen at organized celebrations and sporting events, are prohibited for use by consumers.

Solobay shared the following safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

• Fireworks should only be used outdoors, away from structures, automobiles, etc.
• Always have water handy.
• Use fireworks only as intended. Read and follow all directions provided by the manufacturer.
• Never attempt to relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water prior to disposal.
• Use common sense: Anyone igniting fireworks should wear safety glasses, and spectators should stay a safe distance away.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Never use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives – illegal fireworks should be reported to local law enforcement.
• Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type. Sparklers should only be used under close adult supervision.
• Always remain standing and at least six feet from others while using sparklers.
• Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.
• Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person.
• Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
• Sparkler wires and sticks remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparkler directly into a bucket of water.

Officials added that there are a number of safe, fun ways to celebrate the holidays with loved ones without fireworks, such as using glow sticks; red, white and blue bubbles; or silly string.