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Commissioners grant conditional subdivision approval for 300 Ashbourne (the 'shovel shop'); public urges preservation
Summary
The committee recommended conditional approval to subdivide the shovel shop and adjacent parkland into three lots (CTDA 26‑05). Staff said the building is vacant, historic status is unaffected, and the reconfiguration will help facilities management; residents urged preservation and asked whether the township plans to sell the property.
Staff presented a resolution granting conditional approval and waivers for a preliminary and final subdivision application to divide 300 Ashbourne Road (the shovel shop and adjacent parkland) into three lots. Staff said the shovel shop is currently not operational and the change "does not impact" the site's historic status. The subdivision was described as part of facilities management and trail planning; staff noted parcel lines were adjusted along zoning boundaries to ease future maintenance and trail connections.
Public commenters urged preservation and adaptive reuse. Carrie (who identified herself in the meeting) said, "I think that we have an obligation as a community to preserve our historical aspects and reuse them, repurpose them," urging the township to pursue commercial opportunities that respect the site's character. A resident asked whether the township intended to sell the shovel shop; staff and commissioners said no final decision had been made and that any disposition would include public process and disclosure.
