Board approves conditional use for mixed‑use redevelopment at 52 E. Swedesford Road with housing limits, workforce housing provision

The East Whiteland Township Board of Supervisors on Feb. 12 approved conditional use CU‑12‑2024 for a multifamily/mixed‑use redevelopment at 52 E. Swedesford Road subject to 16 conditions read into the record by Solicitor Bernadette Kearney.

The conditions require substantial compliance with the applicant’s testimony and exhibits and with consultant review letters; limit three‑bedroom units (none permitted) and cap two‑bedroom units at 90; require a trip‑generation analysis for commercial tenants when known; instruct the applicant to coordinate with the Great Valley School District for student access; and mandate recorded 24‑hour exterior surveillance and a 24‑hour emergency contact for the property. The conditions also limit corporate leases to no more than 10% of units, require six‑month minimum lease terms and prohibit subleasing (corporate leases excepted), and require buffering, landscaping and tree replacement in accordance with township ordinances.

Condition 6 asks the applicant to “explore opportunities to construct affordably priced workforce housing” that—if implemented—would reserve units for households earning no more than 80% of the area median income and lease them at roughly 15% below comparable units; the condition makes clear that inclusion of workforce units could require an amendment to the conditional use approval.

The applicant must provide architectural renderings, building materials lists, and any supplemental trip‑generation information requested by the township traffic engineer during the land development review. The grant of conditional use was explicitly limited and does not grant zoning relief or waivers from subdivision and land‑development requirements.

The board voted to approve CU‑12‑2024 subject to the conditions as read; the motion passed unanimously.