Expansion Plan for Bala Cynwyd BMW Dealer Clears Another Hurdle

The Lower Merion Board of Commissioners Building and Planning Committee on Wednesday night unanimously recommended that the full board approve the preliminary land development plan for the expansion of the existing in Bala Cynwyd.

The plan calls for the construction of a series of additions to the existing service building, construction of an accessory car wash building, installation of 23 vehicle lifts at 215 Bala Ave., a 541-square-foot addition to the existing building at 225 Bala Ave., exterior renovations for both buildings and the restriping of parking areas.

Chris Leswing, the township’s assistant director of building and planning, said the Board of Commissioners had looked extensively at the expansion proposal when it previously approved the tentative sketch plan.

When the tentative sketch plan was presented, the public expressed concern about the 23 vehicle lifts and in response to that, the applicant, ATA Development, has added additional landscaping and a low wall to mitigate the car lifts, Leswing said.

In response to the township’s request to that the project be pedestrian friendly, the applicant is adding a 4-foot wide sidewalk along the dealership, Leswing said.

Commissioner George Manos asked what the changes were in the preliminary land development plan, compared to the tentative sketch plan.

Leswing said the changes were additional landscaping and the sidewalk.