A developer is proposing to build "stacked townhouses" that would consist of 16 high-end condominiums, and the addition of 46 parking spaces, at 220 South Chestnut Street.
The Borough of Ambler’s Planning Commission reviewed a sketch plan by the developer at its March 25 meeting.
The presentation was made by Andrew Stoll, of Fox Rothschild, on behalf of the developer to seek feedback from the township. No application has officially been filed.
“No shovels are going to be put in the ground tomorrow, next month, or the month after,” Stoll said. “We’re just looking for feedback and to see if you can be as excited about this project as we are.”
Each unit would consist of two floors with three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Each unit would include a one-car garage and a driveway. According to the developer, its target market would be first-time home buyers, young couples, or empty nesters. The development will be serviced by an HOA.
“This is not your single family, this is not your twin, and this is not your typical townhouse,” Stoll said. “It’s a stacked townhouse. It’s a high-end type of condo.”
A warehouse currently occupies the property at 220 South Chestnut Street, and the developer is proposing to demolish the facility as part of the project.
“I like the residential plan for this space,” said Planning Commission member Mary Spross.
Spross expressed concern for the preservation of trees that line South Chestnut Street. She stated that an environmental advisory council should study the mature trees to make sure they are preserved, if possible.
Residents expressed concerns over the potential loss of a commercial property. The current warehouse is used as a baseball facility, and thinks the property would be better served as a commercial use. Another said affordability would be an issue for the project.
“I’m asking you to take a look at the value of this property remaining commercial,” one resident said. “I don’t think it’s so important to beatify everything. My request is don’t change the zoning, please.”
According to public documents, residential use is prohibited in the area where the developer wants to build, and zoning relief would have to be granted by Borough Council for the project to move forward.
“The proposed use would require various use and dimensional variances from the Zoning Board Ordinance or changes to the underlying zoning of the lot to proceed with a land development application,” Borough Engineer James Dougherty said.
The project is part of the developer’s plan to develop an underutilized property, encourage the use of public transportation (the development is less than 0.5 miles from Ambler’s SEPTA station), revitalize the area of South Chestnut Street, specifically the landscape, and enhance the character and aesthetics of Amber Borough.
