Narberth council members urge caution on new apartment developments amid rental concerns

In the heart of Narberth, a spirited discussion unfolded during the Borough Council Workshop Meeting on April 3, 2025, as council members and residents voiced their concerns about the future of housing in the community. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of apprehension and hope, as the council grappled with the implications of ongoing construction and the potential for new apartment developments.

One council member passionately articulated the sentiments of many residents, emphasizing that the community is already saturated with rental properties. "We are almost half apartments as we are," they noted, raising alarms about the lack of landlord regulations and the challenges renters face in seeking recourse for issues with their landlords. This concern was underscored by a tragic incident linked to poorly regulated rentals, which has left a lasting impact on the community's consciousness.

The discussion took a turn as the council member advocated for a more cautious approach to new housing projects, suggesting a "wait and see" strategy regarding the ongoing construction downtown. They argued that adding more apartments could further erode the community's cohesion and diminish the investment homeowners make in their properties. "If you start to have a community that is over 50% rentals, you start to lose the cohesion of that community," they warned.

Instead of more apartments, the council member proposed exploring the possibility of incentivizing the development of condominiums. They expressed confidence that such a shift could foster a stronger sense of community and attract residents who are looking for ownership opportunities rather than rental options. "Condominiums would be extremely popular," they asserted, highlighting the potential benefits of diversifying the housing landscape in Narberth.

As the meeting concluded, the council was left with a pressing question: How can they balance the need for housing with the desire to maintain a vibrant and cohesive community? The discussions from this workshop meeting will undoubtedly shape the future of Narberth, as residents and leaders alike seek solutions that honor both the past and the potential of their beloved borough.