Aston Residents Angry About 37 Townhomes on 3.5 Acre Former Police Station Lot
By Joseph B Dychala
An informal meeting with Aston residents regarding the sale of 5021 Pennell Road was held May 23rd in the gymnasium at Aston Township Community Center.
The parcel had been site of the Aston Township Police Department and Administration building,
About 40 residents attended which was twice the number that turned out in September to hear about the construction of the new administration building and police department.
Township manager Bill DeFeo said not all residents received a letter of the hearing but a notice had been posted on the township website and social media.
Board President Michael J Higgens, who succeeded James M Stigale last year, opened the meeting. Missing were 2nd Ward commissioner Joseph P McGinn jr. and recently appointed Kevin Tinsley.
Tinsley resigned from the Penn Delco School Board in November to fill the remainder of Stigale’s term in the 6th Ward.
Only board President Michael J. Higgens and 4th Ward Commissioner Frederick T. Prendergast faced the crowd with the rest of the commissioners seated in the back of the auditorium.
Things were cordial until the attendees were told that 37 single-garage townhomes and a limited use office building would be built on the three-and-a-half-acre parcel. The development would be a cul-de-sac with just one entrance.
Township Engineer Joseph J Viscuso recapped the story of how the township had to vacate the building almost overnight after mold was found in it. A resident challenged him pointing out that mold damage like that doesn’t just happen. He said no remediation was ever sought and the building was merely abandoned.
Viscuso said that no re-zoning is required. While the parcel is zoned institutional it is in a mixed-use overlay district.
A resident said they had been told in September that the parcel was zoned commercial. The resident noted that it is in the middle of the part of the 7th Ward colloquially know as the business district.
The board initially denied the claim but followed with the statement that no promises were made. It was noted the project still needs the approval of several county and state entities including PennDOT as Pennell Road is State Route 452. Also the state Department of Environmental Protection has to address storm water management.
Township Solicitor Michael J Maddren peppered his dialogue with self deprecating humor. He said there were 30 bids for developing the property. The initial winner was Nova Ventures of Maryland. It’s bid was rejected, though, as the proposal did not meet certain criteria. A new grocery store was considered and some in the audience noted they could use one. They lamented that the township once had an Acme, a Shop & Bag and a Giant, and now only the Giant remains.
Last to speak were representatives from the firm with the winning bid, Iacobucci Companies. They won on a second bid that was above the appraisal value for the property. The developers were met with consternation. The majority of questions from the audience were about traffic patterns, traffic signals and flooding from rainwater run off. Many vocally disapproved of the plan to add new residences. When asked if these homes will be Section 8 HUD Housing the developer responded, “that is not our intention” with a retort from the audience member, “but it’s not off the table!” Another person in the audience exclaimed, “NGOs have unlimited cash!”
It was pointed out by several Richard Road residents the flooding that already occurs there and at Thomas Circle/Aston Court has yet to be remediated. Others were concerned that rainwater would flow not only to Richard Road but to the apartments next door. Topics such as rain gardens, the 100 year flood and sump pumps were discussed. Many did not appear satisfied with the answers given.
The majority in attendance were concerned about increased traffic in an already congested area, pointing out there are already three traffic lights between Pennell Roar at Weir Road up to Five Points and traffic is already difficult to navigate. At least one inquiry was made regarding the disposition of the communications tower currently at the site.
The meeting lasted approximately one hour and ended with little fanfare after an animated question and answer session with the developers. More informal meetings will be scheduled, said Higgins.
