Battle Brewing Over Proposed Townhome Development In Historic Montco District
PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. (CBS) - A group of residents in Whitemarsh Township are in a fight to save about ten acres of open land along Germantown Pike, with history that dates back to the 1700's and the underground railroad.
The plot of land is in the heart of Plymouth Meeting's historic district by the intersection of Butler and Germantown Pikes, an area nationally recognized since 1971, which includes the Hovenden House and Abolition Hall -- a noted stop on the underground railroad.
Developer K. Hovananian Homes has entered into an agreement for the land, with a plan to sub-divide it, separate the historic structures, and build 48 three-story, garage front townhomes.
"This is a national treasure and we have a responsibility to ensure that history does not disappear," says concerned resident Sydelle Zove
She says while she understands development, she feels three-story homes with garages won't fit in:
"But progress without an understanding and appreciation of and respect for history is not progress in my book."
A zoning hearing affecting the property scheduled for last week was delayed at the developer's request, leaving Zove and her group pondering what the next move might be.