CVS Demolition Signals 'New Era' For Hatboro, Mayor Says

HATBORO, PA —Drivers heading along York Road in the borough's business this week are seeing something they haven't seen in about 15 years.

One of the borough's biggest eyesores is gone.

The long-dormant CVS property at 24-28 S. York Rd. has been torn down.

"There was an unfortunate string of events that kept it there," Mayor Tim Schultz told Patch Tuesday. "It was an ugly eyesore for such a long time. This is the beginning of a new era."

Demolition began in mid-April on the property as the developer clears space for possible construction of retail and apartments under the borough's new Town Center ordinance.

The developer —24-28 South York Road Associates, LP —had revised plans and hoped to return before the planning commission for its May 9 meeting, but Borough Manager Diane Hegele said the developer isn't going to make that deadline.

Hegele said she was informed Monday that some traffic studies are still being completed and that the developer is not ready yet to return before the board with revised plans.

While the front of the building has been cleared out, Hegele said the developer still has about two weeks of work left to clear debris, finish up, and secure the site.

"There's still more work to be done," she said. "The contractor was very neat and very vigilant."

Any plans to develop the property must go before the planning commission and then to the borough council for approval, Hegele said.

"But as long as they conform to the ordinance, we can't not approve it and vote it down," she said.

In late January, the Hatboro Borough Council approved a mixed-use ordinance for a section of York Road from Byberry Road to Montgomery Avenue.

The ordinance allows developers to make proposals that could see building heights go to 60 feet provided they meet certain guidelines, meaning that the downtown district could have taller buildings and apartments.

Schultz said that while some residents and business owners have had to deal with a "minor noise nuisance" over the past few weeks, he believes many are happy to see some progress on this dilapidated property.

"It's being demolished for something better," the mayor said.

State Rep. Nancy Guenst has had to look at the vacant property for years. She told Patch she was happy that the demolition is complete.

"I've had to see this property for more years than I can remember," said Guenst, whose district office is across the street. "This will be great for Hatboro."