CVS Apartment Plans Revised In Hatboro

HATBORO, PA —They're back.

After taking a month away following its August introduction of plansto develop the dormant former CVS property, developers are returning to the Hatboro Planning Commission with some plan revisions, specifically regarding parking.

Councilwoman Nicole McMenamin, in giving her land development update at the Hatboro Council committee meeting Monday night, said the developer will present some plan changes.

The commission could make a decision at its meeting Tuesday night on whether to approve the plan, which would be then sent to the Borough Council for consideration. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at the Loller Academy.

In August, developers 24-28 South York Road Associates, LP, presented the planning commission with plans to develop the South York Road property as a four-story building with 36 "high-end, professional" apartments and retail space on the first floor.

But residents attending the meeting balked at the façade, saying it was out of line with Hatboro's historic heritage. One resident said the façade of the proposed apartment building looked "cold and angry."

Besides the façade, residents were also unhappy with plans for parking, lighting, landscaping, and electric vehicles.

While the developer offered six electric vehicle charging parking spaces, residents stated that the stations would take away public parking spots and that electric vehicles are somewhat frowned upon in Hatboro.

"No one is driving electric vehicles," one resident said at the meeting where plans were introduced.

Another added that the charging stations would clog spots that would take away parking from residents shopping or eating in the downtown district.

Others also complained about them, saying that they were unnecessary because those who owned electric vehicles would charge them at home.

The CVS property is the first to be considered under the borough's mixed-use Town Center Ordinance.

In late January, the Hatboro Borough Council approved a mixed-use ordinance for a section of York Road after a public hearing of 50 people.

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.

The option allows for buildings along York Road —from Byberry Road to Montgomery Avenue —to be taller than the current 35 feet allowed.

All plans need final approval by the Hatboro Borough Council.