Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Haverford planning panel recommends two‑lot subdivision at 43 East Turnbull over neighborhood objections
Summary
On July 9 the Haverford Township Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a two‑lot subdivision at 43 East Turnbull Avenue subject to engineer review items, a road‑width waiver, Shade Tree and forthcoming Historical Commission conditions, and stormwater maintenance obligations; neighbors voiced strong concerns about flooding, parking, tree loss and demolition impacts.
Haverford Township planning commissioners on Thursday recommended approval of a proposed two‑lot minor subdivision at 43 East Turnbull Avenue, despite a large turnout of neighbors who said the project would worsen parking, remove mature trees and increase stormwater risks.
The commission’s recommendation — a nonbinding advisory step before final consideration by the township commissioners — passed by voice vote after a motion that attached conditions including a road‑widening waiver, compliance with the township engineer’s review dated June 23, 2026, adherence to Shade Tree Commission recommendations, review by the Historical Commission and procedures for demolition permits and hazardous‑materials handling.
The applicant’s civil engineer, Chris Young, told the panel the plan would divide the existing 0.287‑acre lot owned by Marley Real Estate Holdings into two lots and construct two single‑family houses with rear stormwater infiltration basins. "There was no limiting zone found down to 10 feet," Young said, and cited infiltration test results of 0.92 inches per hour and 1.83 inches per hour, saying the system is designed to meet the township requirement that stormwater drain within 72 hours.
Neighbors challenged those assurances. "I'm gonna be losing lighting... I've been here for 25 years," said Kathy Sargent, whose home is adjacent to the site, citing loss of mature front trees, proximity of new construction, noise, vibration and a persistent backyard depression she said has been moving toward her property. Emily Raleigh told the panel she was "disappointed to see the possibility of this historic home leaving our community," and others raised health and allergy concerns tied to demolition dust.
Key technical and permitting details the commission recorded as conditions: the existing cartway for East Turnbull Avenue measures 24 feet but the subdivision ordinance specifies 27 feet; the applicant requested a waiver so the developer would not be required to widen the street along the 100‑foot frontage. The engineer’s review also requires updated zoning‑data table figures (R‑6 allows 40% building coverage and 55% impervious cover), added monumentation, Pennsylvania DEP sewage‑facility module/exemption processing, grading and E&S permits, and a BMP maintenance contribution of $2,200 per lot (a total of $4,400) to the township stormwater fund.
Commissioners and staff reiterated that the planning commission is advisory: final approvals rest with the township commissioners after any revisions, and the historical commission — which will review the project July 20 at 7 p.m. — has design input for properties within 100 feet of listed historic resources. Mike Welsh of Spizzato Builders said the company has submitted examples of prior work to the historical commission and is "willing to work with them" on architectural details.
The motion to recommend approval was moved and seconded by commissioners and carried by voice vote; no roll‑call dissent was recorded. The commission also approved meeting minutes from May 14, 2026 and adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
Next steps: the project will be reviewed by the Historical Commission on July 20; after any required revisions the plan will proceed to the township commissioners for final action. Residents were urged to monitor posted agendas and attend the historical commission meeting if they wish to provide additional comment.
