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Developer seeks zoning relief to repurpose Key Bank building, add retail space and streetscape in Maple Glenn
Summary
Owner of the former Key Bank property proposed repurposing the building, adding roughly 4,136 sq ft and about 20–25 parking spaces, and installing sidewalks, landscaping and pedestrian lamps to support a village‑scale redevelopment; staff recommended neutrality with conditions including deed restrictions on certain uses.
Attorney Kristen Pianio presented a redevelopment proposal for the Key Bank property at Welsh and Norristown Road in Maple Glenn, saying the site totals about 2.82 acres and the building is roughly 11,090 square feet. She said Key Bank will reduce its footprint to about 3,790 square feet and the owner seeks to repurpose and add approximately 4,136 square feet to the building to attract retail or restaurant tenants.
Engineer Justin Janetti and owner Anthony Diver described a plan to add sidewalks, landscaping, pedestrian lamps and a possible patio to create a village‑scale ‘gateway’ consistent with Horsham’s recently adopted comprehensive plan. The team said sidewalk connections would tie into road improvements being constructed by a nearby townhouse development and that six pedestrian lamps (with a goal of seven if feasible during land development) are proposed along the frontage.
The application requests relief for parking requirements because existing stalls are narrow; the applicant indicated a net increase of roughly 20–25 parking spaces with reconfiguration and some new parking. The proposal retains the existing bank building and drive‑thru lanes while adding parking and façade improvements. The applicant said the additional zoning is necessary to attract tenants and that full design and traffic study work would occur during the land‑development phase.
Council and staff discussed deed restrictions and a list of uses the township views as inconsistent with its Maple Glenn vision (examples mentioned in the hearing included check‑cashing, tobacco/vape shops, methadone clinics, laundromats and car sales). The project team agreed to work on deed restrictions and an easement for future parking connections to improve site connectivity.
Staff recommended a neutral position with conditions that sidewalks and pedestrian lamps be installed, façade improvements be generally consistent with renderings, connection easements for future parking be provided, and certain undesirable uses be deed‑restricted. Council did not take a final vote on the zoning variance at the meeting; staff said the next step is land development review if zoning relief is obtained.
