One Ardmore Place Construction Granted Noise Ordinance Waiver, To Begin In Oct.

The controversial development of the former Cricket Avenue parking lot by Dranoff Properties was granted a noise ordinance waiver by the Lower Merion Township Commissioners on Wednesday, according to Main Line Media.

The wavier will allow daily construction to begin at 7 a.m., as the ordinance prohibits activities such as construction from beginning before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. The waiver, however, is not a total waiver after Commissioner Josh Grimes recommended the waiver be limited.

"I think it’s bad precedent," Grimes said of a blanket wavier, saying if a total waiver was granted the commissioners would likely receive more waiver requests from developers. Commissioners Vice President Daniel Bernheim made a motion to deny the wavier but granted an exception for the earlier construction time saying it would make pouring concrete slabs more accommodating, which will take place for about 10 to 15 days according to Assistant Township Manager Bob Duncan.

One Ardmore Place developers said the early construction time could speed up construction time while also alleviating potential traffic headaches and safety concerns. Daily construction is planned to finish at 3:30 p.m. to avoid affecting rush hour traffic.

Main Line Media also reported that construction is slated to begin in mid to late October and is projected to last about 24 months.

The project has faced backlash for a some time, as concerned residents in Ardmore have fought the development saying the funds – 10.5 million in state grants – going into the project were misused as they were earmarked for transportation projects, specifically the Ardmore train station.. The development was finally approved after several court hearings including a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision, as well as a Common Wealth Court ruling.

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