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Douglass Planning Agency backs variance for Cobblestone Village Crossing at 1590 E. Philadelphia Ave
Summary
Douglass Township's Planning Agency voted unanimously April 27 to recommend the Board of Supervisors support zoning variances for the Cobblestone Village Crossing active-adult development, a proposal for 10 age-restricted apartment buildings and 49 townhomes including waiver requests to Sections 265.27 and 265.30.
The Douglass Township Planning Agency voted April 27 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors support zoning variances requested by Cobblestone Village Crossing LLC for a proposed active-adult community at 1590 E. Philadelphia Avenue.
Representatives Eric Frey, Nick Feola and Brian Seidel presented a concept plan for a cul-de-sac-style community that would include 10 age-restricted apartment buildings, 49 townhome units, parking areas and a trail network. The applicant asked the Agency to grant waivers to Section 265.27 (equivalency for three proposed amenity buildings) and Section 265.30 (design guidance to ensure garages or driveways do not dominate the street-facing elevations). Planning Agency member Mike Heydt and consultant Allison Lee (Pennoni Engineering) discussed building appearance; Mr. Duncan suggested using staggered decks to avoid flat facades, and applicants said they plan to preserve natural vegetation rather than install fencing.
The applicant told the Agency the concept plan has been shared with PennDOT. Montgomery County Planning Commission representative Naomi Crimm asked the applicant to explain the hardship for the variance request; applicant representative Eric Frey said the lot layout produces two front yards for some units, which drives the requested relief. Applicants also said they will add vegetation to satisfy PRP requirements.
Planning Agency member Kim Stouch moved to recommend support for the zoning hearing variance request; member Mike Heydt seconded. The motion passed unanimously with votes recorded as Richardson-Aye, Rick-Aye, Heydt-Aye, Doran-Aye, Reitz-Aye and Stouch-Aye.
What happens next: the Agency's recommendation will go to the Board of Supervisors and the project will proceed through the formal zoning hearing and land development review process. Agency members raised architectural and streetscape concerns that the applicant said would be addressed in subsequent plan and rendering submittals.
The Agency recorded no conditional approvals of plans at this meeting; it issued only a recommendation to the Board regarding the requested variances.
