Bar Demolition, Redevelopment Plan Raises 'Serious Concerns' In Radnor

RADNOR, PA — The proposed demolition of a Radnor bar to create a three-floor mixed-use building raises "significant concerns," according to the Wayne Business Association.

The proposal calls for demolishing a one-floor commercial duplex on North Wayne Avenue, which contains a vacant retail space and 118 North — a bar and restaurant. A three-floor complex would replace it, with 118 North returning next to new retail. Above would be an office and four apartments.

Radnor's Board of Commissioners is set to hold a caucus on the application at their meeting Monday, giving residents and local business representatives a chance to share their views.

The plan has been considered consequential for Downtown Wayne, which is also getting a new master plan to guide development.

Property owner Joseph Smogard and his representatives have presented the proposal for 118-120 N Wayne Ave. at planning and zoning meetings over the past several months.

Past coverage:

• April 28: Demolition Of Bar For Mixed-Use Development Proposed In Wayne
• May 8: Bar Demolition, Major Redevelopment Plan Clears Key Hurdle With Radnor Officials

The Wayne Business Association (WBA), which represents local businesses and nonprofits, expressed concerns about the project. The organization encouraged people to attend the commissioners meeting, set for 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Radnor Township Building.

"While we support the growth of our town, the current construction proposal presents significant concerns regarding potential disruptions not only in the short term to shopping, dining, and parking along North Wayne Avenue, but in the long-term, the landscape of the street," the WBA said on social media.

"Your voice matters in keeping our local business district accessible and thriving," the statement continues. "We encourage all business owners, operators, and concerned community members to attend this meeting to share feedback and hear the details of the proposal."

The current building houses 118 North and a vacant retail space that was last a dry cleaning business. Under the proposed development, the first floor would contain a restaurant space and a retail space. Developers hope to retain 118 North, while welcoming a retailer to be determined.

Above it would be an office for Smogard's businesses. Smogard is a realtor and real estate investor. As a condition for the development, the office would be limited to six employees at once.

The third floor would have four apartments, with a green roof designed for stormwater retention in the dense, urban space.

The complex would have four parking spaces for apartment residents, with the rest of the complex served by street parking.

Last month, Radnor's Planning Commission gave the development preliminary approval — rather than the preliminary/final approval that was previously proposed.

Monday will mark the first time that the application comes before the Board of Commissioners, who are tasked with deciding whether to take the Planning Commission's recommendations.

The caucus is meant to help the applicant determine their next steps before seeking final approval.

More detail is available on Monday's meeting agenda packet, starting on page 166.