Villanova Sports Dome Shot Down By Radnor Zoning Board

RADNOR, PA – A proposed temporary sports dome at Villanova University was shot down by Radnor Township's zoning board at a recent meeting due to the dome well exceeding the structure height ordinance, as well as potential impact on nearby property values.

At the Sept. 28 Radnor Township Zoning Hearing Board meeting, zoning officials voted down the proposed seasonal practice dome 3-2.

The university is seeking to establish an inflatable practice dome over an outdoor practice field for its athletes to practice in winter months. To do so, the university requested a building height ordinance variance to build a 65-foot-high dome that would be removed after April 1 each year.

That variance was not granted.

The township ordinance limits structure to 38 feet in height.

A university representative said the dome was a need, not a want, as it is running out of space to accommodate sports activities.

Several residents spoke at the meeting against the dome, saying the 65-foot height is even taller than some university dorm buildings, and expressed concerns about impacts to values of nearby property values.

You can watch the entire discussion on the proposed dome here.

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