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Planning commission backs 210–214 West Washington Street project with conditions on lighting, curb radius and consultant comments
Summary
The commission recommended approval of the 210–214 West Washington Street mixed‑use proposal subject to resolving consultant comments, a decision on streetlighting (either installation or an approved waiver), and a reduced, mountable curb radius at Patton and Bird’s Eye to prioritize pedestrian safety.
The West Chester Borough Planning Commission on Oct. 11 recommended that borough council approve site plans for 210–214 West Washington Street, attaching conditions focused on lighting, curb geometry and outstanding consultant comments.
Commissioners asked the applicant and borough to resolve three specific items before final council approval: either install code‑compliant streetlights on Washington and Patton or obtain an approved waiver; reduce the 25‑foot curb radius at the Patton/Bird’s Eye corner to a 10‑foot mountable curb to improve pedestrian conditions (while remaining passable for fire apparatus); and satisfy remaining consultant review comments on stormwater, lighting and related technical issues.
The commission debated fire‑access needs, pedestrian safety, and streetscape character. Several members said fire apparatus could operate with a mountable curb and that the project already meets hose‑reach requirements from Washington and Patton; others urged caution and asked staff to seek a fire‑official review letter. Commissioners noted pedestrian priorities in the borough’s comprehensive plan and recommended that council consider whether to remove existing cobra‑style streetlights where new, warmer streetlights are installed.
The developer presented alternate facade and courtyard renderings; commissioners and architectural advisers recommended simplifying facades to match neighborhood rhythm, consider permanent materials at ground level (brick or stone), and show the building within the block context. Commissioners suggested wrapping brick around side elevations visible from adjacent yards and urged richer detail at entries and stoops rather than adding excessive facade projections.
Two separate motions passed: one to recommend plan approval with the three technical conditions (streetlighting/waiver, curb radius reduction to 10 feet with mountable curb, and resolution of consultant comments) and a second recommending that borough council consider removing cobra‑style lights on Washington and Patton if new streetlights are installed and safe light levels can be maintained. The motions were seconded and carried by recorded voice votes.
