Developer to Present Plans for 398-Unit Apartment Complex in Plymouth

Developer Brandywine Realty Trust will present updated designs for a 398-unit apartment complex to the Plymouth Township Planning Agency next Wednesday, following a .

Brandywine with plans to develop the 20-acre lot, located at 124 Plymouth Road, last summer. However, the township denied the application, causing Brandywine to file two civil suits in November.

As in April, Judge Kent Albright ruled that Plymouth Township was unable to articulate any sections of its zoning ordinance that Brandywine failed to comply with. Plymouth Council then quickly passed an ordinance to approve the zoning application by a 4-1 vote, to prevent any additional suits seeking monetary damages.

Brandywine has now presented updated designs to the township, showing seven different apartment buildings, ranging from 45 to 67 units in size. A clubhouse, pool, and various parking lot areas round out the site's development, in addition to approximately five acres of open space.

Plans show a 2.57-acre parcel reserved for open space at the site's north end, a 0.58-acre "central rain gardens" area, and approximately 2.5 additional acres of open space or storm water management areas.

Several hundred trees and shrubs, ranging from five to ten feet in height, will surround the site and provide screening.

According to from Brandywine, the mid-rise apartments would be a mix of studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom units marketed to young professionals and empty nesters. Approximately half would be one bedroom.

Plans also still show numerous "power docking stations" designed for hybrid vehicles, an aspect developers originally touted as one of the first of its kind in Montgomery County.

In addition, Brandywine agreed to the following four traffic improvements at April’s meeting:

• Creation of a right-hand turn on the southbound approach of Butler Pike at the intersection of Plymouth Road and Flourtown Road.
• Creation of a left turn "advance phase" on the southbound approach of Butler Pike to Plymouth Road and Flourtown Road.
• Optimize existing traffic signal timings at the intersection of Butler Pike, Plymouth Road and Flourtown Road.
• Place traffic signal at the intersection of Plymouth Road and the I-76 northbound off ramp.

Despite the judge's ruling in favor of Brandywine, plans are not finalized and must go through the standard process of appearing before the Planning Agency, Zoning Hearing Board and Plymouth Council.

The Planning Agency will consider the application at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 1 at the township building. According to a notice from the township, the meeting will be "the best opportunity [for residents] to see the plans and ask questions," as Brandywine representatives will be present.

Residents may also view the plans for themselves by visiting the township building, or can call 610-233-0554 with any questions.