Politics & Government

Zoners Reject Apartment Floodplain Plan

The Hatboro Zoning Hearing Board rejected an application that called for the construction of two-story apartments in a frequently flooded area.

The Hatboro Zoning Hearing Board unanimously denied granting a special exception to allow 16 two-story apartments to be built in a flood-prone section of South York Road. 

Following six devastating floods since 1999, Horizon Property Management had hoped to build the residences where automotive businesses are currently situated at 332 S. York Road. The landlord had been seeking variances that would permit new construction in the floodplain and would allow for the clearing of all but Manja Pizza. 

But, during Wednesday's night's brief zoning meeting, the three-member board voted to reject the plan because the applicant had not "showed hardship" or the need for a special exception.

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The handful of residents in attendance applauded the decision and at least one person said that the board had made the right decision. 

Board member LeeAnn Jorett said, "this board tries hard to do the right thing."

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Chairman John Demcisak told Patch that Horizon Property Management would receive a written copy of the decision and would have 30 days to appeal the decision. If an appeal is filed, the Court of Common Pleas could either return it to the zoners, seek additional information, or make a ruling. 

When reached for comment following Wednesday's meeting, Jim Case of Horizon Property Management said he had "no idea what the next move is."

"I'm a little surprised they denied it," Case said. "We were pretty confident that they were going to approve it just because it makes sense."

Without the special exception Horizon had been seeking, the existing automotive service businesses, which he described as "the most unpopular business in the country," would be all that the landowners would be permitted to do, he said. 

Case said Horizon "didn't have an alternative" in the event that the zoners rejected their application and said he did not know if an appeal would be filed. 

"We'll have to regroup and see what to do," Case said. 

Horizon is also seeking a government buyout for the property, which, if received, would require demolition of all of the businesses at 332 S. York Road. The land would be required to remain open and free from construction and it would be turned over to Hatboro for maintenance, including lawn-mowing, officials said previously. 

On Wednesday, Case said he did not know where the buyout proposal stood other than the application had been filed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here