Hatboro to Fight Floodplain Development

A property owner seeking to build residences in Hatboro's floodplain will need to first duke it out in court.

Horizon Property Management, which owns all of the businesses at the flood-prone 332 S. York Road in Hatboro, has appealed the April decision of the zoning hearing board denying the special exception needed to permit 16 two-story residences where auto businesses are currently situated. 

While the appeal is on the table, so is the prospect of filling the space previously occupied by Quality Car Care, as well as 0 to 60 TranzTech, which is slated to relocate on July 31, according to Jim Case of Horizon Property Management.

"We're trying to re-rent the building out," Case told Patch, adding that the appeal in Montgomery County court could drag on for close to a year. 

And, if Horizon is successful in overturning the zoning hearing board ruling? What would become of the businesses there, as well as prospective businesses? Case said he hadn't gotten that far. 

"We haven’t even decided if we’re going forward with the appeal," Case said. "You have to file the appeal or you lose your right."

Housing development plans submitted to Hatboro and reviewed by the council and the zoning hearing board call for the removal of all businesses except for the pizza shop.

If Horizon follows through on the appeal, borough solicitor Christen Pionzio will be there to back Hatboro. On Monday night the council voted to approve a motion authorizing her representation in the matter.

Case said previously that if the apartments were permitted, the existing structures would be knocked down to 13 feet and apartments would be built on top of that.