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Board approves conditional use for redevelopment at 370 Lancaster Ave., with preservation and traffic conditions
Summary
The Board approved CU‑03‑2024 to redevelop the historic Importer/Hibberd barn at 370 Lancaster Ave. into apartments (55 units) subject to 13 conditions including preservation of the barn, tree protection/a $15,000 tree fund, limits on unit size, stormwater and traffic improvements; vote was 2–1.
East Whiteland supervisors on Nov. 13 approved Conditional Use CU‑03‑2024 to redevelop the historic "Importer" (Hibberd) barn and adjacent property at 370 Lancaster Avenue into a residential development, with strict conditions intended to preserve the historic resource and limit community impacts.
Solicitor Bernadette Kearney read 13 conditions the applicant must accept as part of the conditional‑use approval. The conditions require, among other items, substantial compliance with testimony and consultant review; final Historic Commission approval of architectural and renovation plans; preparation of a Tree Protection Zone Plan and either a $15,000 tree fund or planting up to 20 three‑inch‑caliper sycamore trees; preservation and restoration of the existing historic barn (required before occupancy of the apartments); a limit on apartment units to studios, one‑bedroom and two‑bedroom units (no three‑bedroom units); a maximum of three stories for residential dwelling units with specified height limits for western facades; and requirements to address stormwater management, traffic improvements and necessary permits and zoning relief during land development.
Applicant representative Mr. Brosman told the Board the applicant agreed to the listed conditions. During public comment, resident Tony Moller asked how many units would be built and was told the plan calls for 55 units. Resident Steve Lawerance asked about codes and refurbishing historic structures.
Chair Scott Lambert said he "loved the reuse plan for the Importer" and the efforts to save the tree and work with the township, but expressed concerns about traffic and resident opposition and therefore opposed the conditional use. Vice‑Chair Rich Orlow and Member Peter Fixler said the benefits — including preserving the historic structure — outweighed the drawbacks.
Vice‑Chair Orlow made the motion to approve CU‑03‑2024 with the solicitor's conditions; Member Fixler seconded. The Board approved the conditional use 2–1, with Lambert opposed.
The approval does not waive zoning relief or substitute for required land development approvals. The Solicitor emphasized that the conditional use does not grant zoning relief or waivers from subdivision and land development ordinance requirements; the applicant will still need any necessary zoning relief and must comply with other required permits.
