EXETER TWP., Pa. – The Exeter Township Planning Commission voted 5-0 Monday night to recommend that the township zoning hearing board approve a variance request for a proposed 232-unit apartment complex at the former Promenade property.
The variance would allow for 442 parking spaces instead of the 696 spaces, or three per residential unit, required by township codes.
Metropolitan Development Group wants to build an apartment complex that would feature 232 apartment units across nine buildings at 3925 Perkiomen Ave. One-bedroom units would range in size from 875 square feet to 1,036 square feet, while two-bedroom units would be 1,175 square feet to 1,367 square feet. Among the nine buildings, there would be 108 one-bedroom apartments and 124 that offer two bedrooms.
The former Promenade property in Exeter could be the site of the township’s next big residential development.
Earlier this year, MDG said rent is projected to range from the high $1,700s to the low $2,000s, although those numbers could change by the time the complex is constructed.
If built as proposed, MDG previously said the apartments would contribute to the community a net fiscal impact of around $366,000 annually. That’s after deducting expenses related to police, fire, township services, and a projected 14 school-aged children that the complex would house.
The development would include 392 surface parking spaces and 50 private garage spaces for lease, if the company’s variance request were approved. A representative from MDG also pointed out that design manuals from two trade organizations recommend 1.44 to 1.55 parking spaces per unit, whereas their plans call for 1.9 spaces per unit.
Plans for the complex also propose a community center, a pool, a sports court and a dog park. MDG said it intends to create an “upscale and luxury feeling” with more numerous and upgraded amenity features including firepits and pergolas.
MDG said Monday night that the sale of the property to the company is under agreement.
Waiver request
By a 5-0 vote, planners approved sending a waiver request to township supervisors for property at 720 Hall Ave. The property is under sale to Northern Light Lawn Care and was previously used as a truck repair facility. It is zoned Light Industrial and part of the property is in a flood plain.
Township zoning officer Jason Hunter told the commissioners that the township has been working with the owners of Northern Light for some time. Hunter explained that the hold up is with a section of the township’s SALDO (Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance) which states that “the use of a public single access avenue as the sole means of vehicular access to a street for non-residential use shall not be permitted.”
Hunter said he has been on the property many times, and it is very secluded location in the woods with a dead-end access road.
“There is no sight view from anyone in the neighborhood,” he noted. “There is only one means of access, and it is through a residential neighborhood.”
The waiver from the SALDO is necessary so that the business can use Hall Avenue as its point of access.
Northern Light’s attorney, Sal Folino, said that Northern Light is a small landscaping company with five employees. They report to work in the morning and leave the property in two pickup trucks returning at sunset.
“They do not sell mulch or stone at the property,” Folino pointed out.
Hunter said his staff believes that the business would have a very light impact on the neighborhood.
Several nearby residents spoke in favor of granting the waiver.