Upper Providence Township supervisors voted 4-1 in a special meeting to allow an alternative proposal for the development of 176 acres of land around the Parkhouse nursing facility to take another step forward. Supervisors Chairwoman Helen Calci said the vote “doesn’t lock the board into anything,” but merely allows the alternative proposal — which includes donating 50% of the land to the township as open space and halving the number of proposed housing units to roughly 600 — to be examined in greater detail by the planning commission before a final decision is made. Existing zoning would allow property owner Royersford Holdings LLC to build a 1,200-unit residential senior care facility on the property. The developer’s presentation said the development would generate about $623,400 in property taxes annually for the township and $4.48 million for the Spring-Ford Area School District. Residents skeptical of the project cited traffic, stormwater and loss of open space. Former township supervisor Al Vagnozi said he had originally opposed the development but is now in favor of a negotiated development. “If we follow the ‘just say no’ mantra we will end up like King of Prussia,” he said.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 4/19/2024