Joe Grace is a successful builder in Delaware County. Now he’d like to bring more affordable housing to Chadds Ford, writes J.F. Pirro for Main Line Today.

He was hoping to do that with a mixed-use development proposal, Peaceful Valley, but he and the township haven’t been able to make it work so far.

The development on an 18-acre tract would have included 45 townhouses and 20-some apartments above commercial space.

Initially supported back in 2018, the project was dropped when the township proposed a new, narrowly-drawn map for the site that was inconsistent with Peaceful Valley’s master plan and sketch plans.

Grace contends township supervisors want to keep existing homes valuable and school rankings high.

“Why are there only million-dollar homes in Chadds Ford? The answer: They only want million-dollar homes in Chadds Ford,” Grace said.

Grace said he wants to see more housing for the family with six kids or the wife who drives a school bus.

Chadds Ford solicitor Michael Maddren said Grace has never mentioned the lack of low-income housing in Chadds Ford.

The township points to the Painters Crossing apartments and Springhill Farm condominiums, built in the late 1980s as examples affordable housing.

Read more about Joe Grace and Chadds Ford in Main Line Today.

Take a realtors tour of Chadds Ford.