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Lower Pottsgrove board to oppose duplex use-variance for 2435 Welsh Drive
Summary
The board voted to oppose a use-variance application seeking to convert 2435 Welsh Drive to a duplex, citing ordinance concerns and inconsistent property records; Commissioner Mohollen recused himself because he lives across the street.
The Lower Pottsgrove Township Board of Commissioners voted Oct. 7 to oppose a zoning hearing application by Maria and James Gaasche that requests a use variance under Section 250-58 to convert 2435 Welsh Drive from a single-family home to a duplex.
Township Manager Edward C. Wagner told the board that township records show the property was listed as a single-family residence in 2019 and said converting the house to a duplex would be inconsistent with surrounding homes. "I believe there may be some misinterpretation," Wagner said, recommending the township oppose the application. Solicitor Jamie Ottaviano cautioned that if the zoning relief were granted, it could set a precedent the township should avoid.
Commissioner Robert Mohollen disclosed a conflict of interest and abstained from the discussion because he lives across the street from the property. The board directed Wagner to appear at the zoning hearing and oppose the variance. Commissioner Raymond W. Lopez confirmed the board's unanimous direction (excluding Mohollen's abstention).
Why it matters: A successful variance could allow a change in residential character in an R-2 district and potentially open the door to additional duplex conversions without a formal ordinance amendment. The board’s opposition and the solicitor’s advice frame the township’s legal position heading into the hearing.
Next steps: The township will send its representative to the zoning hearing to oppose the use variance; the hearing date and outcome were not specified in the meeting record.
