A dispute over acres of Archdiocese land in Marple Township between the developer and residents is endangering one of the few open spaces in Delaware County, writes Caitlin McCabe for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Originally, the land was going to be sold to developer Bruce Goodman, but after his plans were deemed too expansive by the residents and the township, he pulled out of the deal.

When the Archdiocese relisted the land, Carlino Commercial Development, in partnership with Brian McElwee, president of Valley Forge Investment, decided to pursue it.

In the fall of 2016, Peter Miller, president of Carlino Commercial Development, approached the resident group with a proposal to redevelop Don Guanella Village and leave the rest as open space.

Now, both parties are at odds over 20 acres the developer claims he mentioned when he presented his plans. Carlino also has a backup plan that would create a much larger and denser development that would not require a zoning change.

Township officials now have to decide whether to approve the original 53-acre development, or risk Carlino moving forward with its backup plan.

Read more about the land dispute in the Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.