Upper Darby Township Council heard from residents Wednesday night over a proposed change to zoning that would allow a mixed use development on open space in Drexel Hill.
Residents turned out at the council meeting to speak in opposition to plans for development on 14 acres of open space on State Road across from Drexeline Shopping Center. The zoning change was advanced at a recent township planning meeting.
Joshua Chast, planning and zoning manager for the township, said applicant Rockwell Drexel LLC wants to amend the zoning code to create the new community mixed use (CMU) district.
Chast said the proposal is not for the project itself, but for a zoning change. The Delaware County Planning Commission would review it, and then it goes before the township council. A map amendment was also part of the discussion.
Greg Lingo, owner of Delaware County-based land development firm Rockwell Development Group, came before the Upper Darby Planning Commission to speak.
He said the current R-2 zoning allows 56 single family homes. The land is private property now and it’s not going to remain untouched forever.
“It’s about what form future development should be,” Lingo said.
He said their proposal represents less impact on the schools and higher tax revenue than the existing 56-property plan.
Lingo said their property would be professionally maintained, with a walking trail.
Rockwell Attorney Matt McHugh said the community mixed use (CMU) district would be a new district in the township. The district would contain a mix of residential and commercial uses, including single family units, attached and detached homes, multi-family dwellings and apartments as well as first-floor commercial uses.
Standards for property size, parking and green space would be included in the new CMU.
The entrance to the development Rockwell presented to the property in 2025 would be directly across from the Drexeline ShopRite and would have shopping and its own parking. A pocket park and a nature trail along the riparian section would be included.
The developer made some changes after meeting with neighbors, including higher fencing, a better sidewalk connection, the elimination of stacked townhomes and changes to the public trail.
The mixed use plan would have 93 dwellings, of them 12 single-family homes along with 50 multi-family apartments.
The development would call for 4½ parking spaces for every 1,000 feet of retail. The ordinance would be a little less, developers said.
Chast said the property is the right area for a mixed-use zoning. He said it integrates with sidewalks and the trail network, reduces automobile dependency and aligns with long-term environmental goals. They also like the multiple housing possibilities as well as accessibility to mass transit.
He noted it was similar to approved zoning when Drexeline Shopping Center was approved and fits in with the area.
“At the end of the day, we believe this is a plan that helps steer the vision of Upper Darby and helps us being in a transit-oriented community. We recommend approval … and approval for the map,” Chast said, representing the township staff.
The planning commission was divided, and the majority was in favor of the plan but an appendix of concerns were sent to council.
At Wednesday night’s council meeting, Drexel Hill resident Terri McGrath asked council members to give the people a reason to celebrate and to preserve the Mozino tract.
“We are not asking you for something unreasonable. We are asking you to work toward a solution to protect one of the last remaining natural areas in our township, before it is gone forever,” she said.
Council member Kyle McIntyre said officials are doing everything in their power on the proposed property and are listening. He added there are a lot of implications in reference to that property as well as a proposed car wash nearby.
“Not every square inch of Upper Darby has to be built on … please find a way to preserve this space,” said one resident.
She suggested looking for grants, fundraising or the use of existing funds.
Other issues
On a related topic, council began discussions to formalize the Environmental Advisory Committee for the purpose of advising on environmental issues within the township. However, after a recess with township solicitors no action was taken.
In another discussion at Wednesday night’s meeting, councilman Myron McNeely asked about finding a spot on the eastern end of the township for paramedics to respond from. Stat ambulance station is on Burmont Road in Drexel Hill. McNeely said it is imperative to find a spot closer to where the majority of calls are located.
At a request about police costs during public comment, McIntyre said the recent Pride event held in the township included $10,672 for police coverage that was paid for by sponsors.
“Not a dime comes from Upper Darby Township. It was a private event. It was completely funded through generous donors and community members that support our LGBTQ community and want to see this event thrive,” McIntyre said.
McIntyre said he was a bit ambitious about the proposed township flag competition. In the coming meeting it will be returning, he said.