The Hovenden House, named for the artist Thomas Hovenden who lived on the property. The home is at the corner of Germantown and Butler pikes. (Photo courtesy of Sydelle Zove) by Brendan Sample After …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
The Hovenden House, named for the artist Thomas Hovenden who lived on the property. The home is at the corner of Germantown and Butler pikes. (Photo courtesy of Sydelle Zove)by Brendan Sample
After the Whitemarsh Township Board of Supervisors voted to approve construction of a townhouse complex on the grounds of Abolition Hall, the Friends of Abolition Hall have filed an official appeal against the board’s decision. The appeal will now go before the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas.
From March to October, the board had held several public meetings on the matter of whether or not to grant Hovnanian a conditional use permit for the property, which is one of several approvals the developers need to build the complex. After hearing arguments from both sides, the board unanimously voted to approve the permit on Thursday, Oct. 25.
The FAH has been opposed to this project on the basis that the townhouse complex could cause both short-term and long-term damage to Abolition Hall, Hovenden House and Maulsby Barn – all of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. Neighbors have raised concerns over the damage that could be done to the maintenance of the buildings, stormwater management, wetlands, traffic and overall look of the property, among other elements.
In a statement issued by K. Hovnanian Homes, the developer of the townhouses, the company emphasized its adherence to the development requirements thus far and expressed its enthusiasm toward continuing the process of getting closer to actual construction.
“Our proposed plan met all of the requirements for the conditional use as indicated by the Supervisors’ unanimous approval,” the statement said. “This included accepting the additional conditions set forth by the Supervisors, which consisted of providing an even greater distance between the townhomes and the historic structures and maximizing open space. We look forward to the next steps by submitting our application for the Land Development phase and eventually moving this plan to fruition for the benefit of the Whitemarsh community.”
Brendan Sample can be reached at brendan@chestnuthilllocal.com
