Planning commission recommends preliminary approval for Trooper Ridge townhomes with conditions

The Worcester Township Planning Commission on May 22 recommended approval of a preliminary land development plan for the Trooper Ridge townhome community proposed by Westrum Development at Trooper Road and Germantown Pike.

Rob Gundlach, attorney for the applicant, presented the revised plan and said, "The site will retain one existing home; the remaining area will be developed into high-end townhomes." Gundlach told commissioners Germantown Pike would be emergency-only and that full vehicular access would be from Trooper Road, a PennDOT road. He also acknowledged "a traffic impact fee of $81,250," and said the applicant may pursue credits for intersection upgrades that benefit the public.

Commissioners pressed the applicant on parking and amenities. Commissioner Bob Andorn raised concerns about guest parking, citing problems at the nearby Wheat Sheaf development, and said the commission preferred on-site amenities and walkable design. Gundlach said sidewalks will be provided throughout and described HOA protections, noting that HOA documents "will prohibit additions, garage conversions, and other unapproved changes." He added some homes will have basements and potential walkout units, and that the applicant is discussing overflow parking with a nearby church.

The motion to recommend approval, moved by Michelle Greenawalt and seconded by Jennifer Taylor, passed unanimously, 5-0, subject to compliance with review letters from CKS Engineers, the Fire Marshal, and the Montgomery County Planning Commission (May 21, 2025), and to submission of detailed architectural renderings, a guest parking analysis, and a revised amenities proposal before final plan application. The commission also noted full architectural elevations must be submitted before final plan approval.