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Board adds Ingersol House to historic resources, approves deed restriction and easements
Summary
Lower Gwynedd supervisors added 1145 Stonehouse Road (Ingersol House) to the township historic resources list, approved a deed restriction to protect structures and facades, and authorized permanent and temporary access easements tied to an upcoming auction and bridge work.
Lower Gwynedd supervisors on July 23 voted to add the Ingersol house at 1145 Stonehouse Road to the township’s historic resources list and map and approved a deed restriction that ties historic-ordinance protections to the property's deed.
Staff described the effect of the listing and deed restriction: if an owner seeks to demolish the historic building or significantly alter the façade, the township would require a historic-impact study and the board would vote on any demolition permit. Routine maintenance (roof, windows, doors) consistent with the house’s character would not trigger the study requirement.
The board also approved a permanent access easement to provide driveway and sewer access from Stonehouse Road and Old Bethlehem Pike to support future owners, and a temporary access easement to allow site access during the Old Bethlehem Pike bridge reconstruction ahead of a planned auction.
Board members asked whether additions consistent with the historic character would require board approval; staff said additions are permitted if they remain in character but major façade alterations or demolition would trigger review. The motions to add the property to the historic list, approve the deed restriction, and grant the access easements were each moved and carried.
Next steps: easement documents will be finalized with staff and recorded as needed to ensure access during upcoming bridge work and the auction.
