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Narberth commission debates keeping historic status for Montgomery Avenue storefronts to retain review rights
Summary
A Narberth work group walked the Montgomery Avenue/Iona area and debated whether to retain "contributing" historic-district status for shallow commercial parcels. Commissioners leaned toward keeping the designation to preserve the commission's right to review redevelopment, while one member said removal could speed investment.
Members of the Narberth Historic Commission discussed whether commercial-front properties along Montgomery Avenue and adjacent Iona rear lots should remain designated as "contributing" resources in the borough's historic district, following a site visit intended to inform a response to Borough Council. The commission did not take a formal vote but directed staff and commissioners to prepare language for council and to return to the full commission in November.
Commission members walked the block from a private residence area behind Caliber Collision, along Iona and Montgomery Avenue, and assessed individual buildings that show alterations but may still have underlying historic fabric (for example, a brick collision shop on a stone foundation that has a later front addition). The group discussed both the physical condition of small, shallow parcels and the likely market forces: several speakers said small lot sizes and fragmented ownership have so far discouraged assemblage and redevelopment.
Why it matters: retaining a contributing designation would preserve the Historic Commission's formal opportunity to review…
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