Radnor's Planning Commission Repeats Itself on Villanova Proposal

The Radnor Planning Commission on Tuesday "declined to recommend a plan by Villanova University to change the township’s zoning ordinances to facilitate the university’s proposal for a new dorm, performing arts center, retail space and a parking garage on the south side of Lancaster Avenue," reports Main Line Media News.

"The planning commission had previously denied recommendation of the Villanova Comprehensive Integrated College Development ordinance in May. This time they also gave the township Board of Commissioners a list of changes that they would like to see in the proposed Planned Institutional ordinance before they could support it. The ordinance would also affect Cabrini College and Eastern University," the newspaper reports.

Read more from the Dec. 3 meeting here.

Patti Barker, Chair of the Garrett Hill Coalition and Rosemont resident, submitted her comments to the Planning Commission to Radnor Patch for publication:

My message is simple.

Please incorporate the ordinance amendment language submitted to you by the Friends to Preserve Radnor lawyer and planner on November 27th.  This document supports reasoned and reasonable development. Please incorporate the setbacks and standards set forth in that document. There is very good reason to include standards at this juncture. Why? Because the time frame of the Conditional Use process ( 3 and ½ months) is inadequate to deal with a project of this scope.

Additionally I support the incorporation of the suggested language submitted today by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network with regard to Riparian Buffer, Stormwater Management and the Development Impact Statement.

Please continue your careful, thoughtful deliberations with regard to this zoning amendment. You have shown real concern for the potential and irreversible negative impacts of what would be the largest zoning exception ever to be considered in the history of Radnor.

The residents support Villanova’s desire and right to develop. All we ask is that due diligence is exercised and that unintended consequences are explored, mitigated and rectified.

Please protect and defend the interests of the residents. I respectfully request that you incorporate the suggested amendment language submitted by the Friends to Preserve Radnor and the Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

Good zoning and good standards make good neighbors and creates beauty.

Thank you for your service to the residents of Radnor Township.