Board votes 2–1 to hire outside counsel and to oppose Penn Crest zoning application for 370 Lancaster Ave.

The Board of Supervisors continued a conditional‑use hearing for CU‑03‑2024 on Sept. 11 concerning proposed multifamily redevelopment of the historic Importer (Hibberd) Barn at 370 Lancaster Ave. Solicitor Bernadette Kearney opened the hearing at 7:30 p.m.; the hearing was recorded by a court reporter and continued to next month for additional testimony.

After reconvening into the regular Board meeting, Supervisor Peter Fixler moved and Chair Scott Lambert seconded a motion to retain Siana Law to represent township interests in the conditional‑use proceedings; the motion passed 2–1, with Vice‑Chair Rich Orlow voting against. The Board took a separate 2–1 vote to hire Siana Law to oppose ZHB‑2024‑02, the Penn Crest Properties, LLC application related to dimensional modifications for adaptive reuse of a Class I historic resource at 370 Lancaster Ave. Solicitor Kearney advised that outside counsel could respond in one of three ways — oppose, decline to act, or request conditions — and that the township should expect follow‑up depending on counsel’s chosen approach.

Chief Lewis (representing the applicant at the hearing) indicated additional testimony and presentation would be given as part of the proceedings. The Board did not reach a final decision on the conditional‑use application itself; the hearing record will continue and return to the Board in a subsequent meeting.

Next steps: outside counsel engagement for the specific zoning matters and the continued hearing will determine whether additional evidence, cross‑examination or conditions are required before the Board takes any final land‑use actions.