The West Whiteland Township Board of Supervisors recently approved an ordinance that blocks the large, proposed development of Exton Square Mall, writes Bill Rettew for The Daily Local News.
After the public hearing, where many residents voiced their disapproval for the sizeable development, the three-member board voted unanimously.
The Exton mall sits on a 643-acre Town Center zoning district. The builder suggested a total demolition of the structure. The plans called for 375 apartments and 243 multi-family homes, as well as office units.
The passed ordinance will only allow building only in TC districts and life care facilities will still be permitted. Marc Kaplin attended the meeting, representing the builder. He stated that no developer will take the property with said ordinance, which Peter Abrams, owner of Exton Square LLC, agreed with. Kaplin claims the Chester County Planning Commission approves of the plan.
Most residents were in favor of the ordinance passing, citing infrastructure and traffic issues, a ever-growing school district, and lack of space with a too-large influx of people.
After demolishing the mall property (except for the Boscov’s and one parking garage), the builder planned for a 20-foot retaining wall, a Main Street retail center, new landscaping, parks, sidewalks, a huge pedestrian network, and a link to Chester Valley Trail.
Read more about the West Whiteland Township ordinance at The Daily Local News.
______
