Joseph's Catering May Become Self-Storage Facility In Horsham

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —The old Joseph's Catering property on Horsham Road may be transformed into a self-storage facility.

At a recent meeting, the Horsham Township Council reviewed a plan to build a self-storage facility at 901 Horsham Road on the site of Joseph’s Catering, next to Hatboro-Horsham High School.

"I do believe this is the best that has come along," said Township Manager Bill Walker in regard to proposals that have come before the township for apartments and even a hotel in the past decade.

Representatives will be back before the council at its March 27 meeting.

The property, which sits on 5.68 acres, would undergo a transformation, Walker said.

Representatives for the project presented plans calling for a facade that will be similar in aesthetics to the high school and buildings in the Commonwealth Corporate Center.

Artist renderings show a three-story, 120,000-square-foot building that will look to motorists driving by like an office building.

The facility will be for personal storage with businesses prohibited from storing equipment and such. Street lamps will also be added along Horsham Road from Babylon Road to the far end of the high school property, developers said in their presentation to the council.

"It's going to change things," Walker said. "I feel comfortable that you have a good plan here."

Representatives said the project calls for parking, lighting, and landscaping.

It will feature 16 parking spaces in front, one access off Horsham Road, decorative street lamps, and new sidewalks. The site will be highly automated and well-secured with an office in the front for keycard pickup. Leases will also be on a monthly basis.

"This won't look like self-storage from the road," one representative said. "This is not an old-style storage facility. It will blend in with the township."

No timetable was given about when construction would begin or when the project would be completed if approved.

In other township business:

• Council approved a public hearing set for 7 p.m., March 27, on an ordinance to extend the term for the Horsham Industrial and Commercial Development Authority.
• Council also gave preliminary/final approval to a plan by JT Capital LLC for two houses on a three-lot subdivision at 1216 Stongs Lane.
• Council approved a plan by JD Signature Homes for seven homes at 130 Meetinghouse Road, which once housed the Sansoni farm store.
• Council also appointed Deanna K. Martin to a four-year term on the Environmental Advisory Board.