Planning commission backs sending support letter for High Street townhome project amid parking and delivery concerns

A majority of the West Chester Borough Planning Commission on July 13 agreed to prepare a letter in support of a proposed townhome development that would place stacked and single townhome units along High Street, Price and Dean Streets, while residents and commissioners raised concerns about delivery access, on-street parking and permit rules.

The commission reviewed architectural materials, shadow studies and floorplans presented to the panel. Chair (S3) said the architect had visited the property, provided elevations and shadow studies and that “all of the buildings meet the 45‑foot maximum building height.” Commissioners repeatedly praised the brick materials, window patterns and the inclusion of courtyards and curb plantings in the landscape plan.

Why it matters: The proposal would add for‑sale townhomes in the town center and will require zoning‑board processes and notices. Commissioners said a borough review letter and a clear parking plan could influence the timing and framing of any zoning hearing.

Public commentators urged the commission to plan for deliveries, drop‑offs and guest parking. One resident, Daryl Cook (S10), identified himself and told the commission: “126 bedrooms, 84 parking spaces. Not a good plan. It needs guest parking.” Commissioners acknowledged the comment and discussed signage and enforcement options to discourage delivery trucks from stopping on High Street.

Commission debate focused on several implementation details: whether interior stacked units should include adaptable spaces for aging residents, how curb plantings and a 5–6‑foot brick sidewalk would affect the pedestrian experience, and how parking permits should apply to the mix of fronting and interior units. Commissioners also asked staff to cite the specific borough ordinance requiring undergrounding of utilities where applicable.

The chair proposed a formal step to support the applicant’s next procedural deadlines. “I will make a motion to write a letter in support of the project,” Chair (S3) said during the meeting; commissioners discussed whether a commissioner should also speak at the zoning hearing. The transcript records the motion being proposed but does not record a formal roll‑call vote at the session.

Next step: Commissioners asked staff to circulate Carol Quigley’s forthcoming architect review letter and to place the application on the August agenda with the letter and any requested clarifications.