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West Chester Township confirms Mill Creek purchase, board discusses housing and green-space plans
Summary
Trustees approved a $50,000 reimbursement tied to the Mill Creek acquisition and discussed using the roughly 75-acre parcel for green space and housing options such as smaller or single-story homes, with trustees asking for resident input and noting a moratorium on development while planning continues.
West Chester Township trustees confirmed the township's recent acquisition of the Mill Creek property and approved a $50,000 reimbursement to Ascent Real Estate Developers LLC for earnest money related to the purchase.
Miss Brown told trustees the township "are the proud owners of 75 acres of beautiful land" formerly used as the West Chester Race Track and described the site as geographically complex — Mill Creek runs through the property and the parcel has been used as a dump in recent years. The administration said the township pursued the purchase to control long-term infrastructure decisions and to preserve opportunities such as green space and housing types residents have requested.
At the meeting, resident Libby Miller urged trustees to prioritize single-story ‘‘patio homes’’ or similarly sized units for older residents and downsizers, saying she wants to remain in the area and sees a shortage of smaller, single-level homes. "If they say that they're not making any money, incentivize them to come," Miller said, urging the township to use incentives to attract builders.
Trustees and staff discussed options including lower-cost or smaller housing aimed at first-time buyers and empty nesters and emphasized community input. Trustee Marie Ortiz said residents told her during campaigning they want affordable starter or ranch-style homes rather than high-density apartments, and trustees noted a moratorium is in place to pause approvals while the township decides future land-use direction.
The board approved the requisition to reimburse Ascent Real Estate Developers LLC by roll call; trustees characterized the purchase as a long-term planning opportunity that could emphasize green space and controlled development rather than leaving the site entirely to private developers.
