Patrick Henry: "To cover with the veil of secrecy the common routine of business, is an abomination in the eyes of every intelligent man, and every friend to this country.”
There are 3 new housing developments/apartment buildings planned for Chalfont's future.
The Newest and Most Pressing Development is coming in at the Butler and Bristol intersection. On July 12, 2016 at the Borough Meeting, a 57 unit townhome tract, a (possible) Dunkin Donuts, and one other possible commercial unit were brought up as a suggested project, to be built on 7 acres. This land, previously owned by Rich Dreyer, is now owned by Envision Land Development. In order for this to occur, there must be a substantial change in the Borough Ordinance.
THE CONCERN: Chalfont was zoned to balance commercial (business) with residential building in a nice cohesive percentage. However, at the October meeting the first reading of the ordinance Zadell would like to change: Ordinance 427; this is to amend the Chalfont ordinance zone. Which, in essentially says: "WE once dreamed Chalfont would be a wonderful town; a kaleidoscope of business and residential, a peaceful community were one could shop and walk home."
The original purpose of the Butler Avenue Commercial Overlay was (as stated in Section 27-1008.1 of the zoning ordinance) to encourage innovative planning with contribute to village character and vitality of community.
Provide for a mix of commercial and business uses that share infrastructure, thereby reducing congestion while promoting efficient traffic flow and increased pedestrian access.
The proposed amendment would require at least half the development to be residential and would permit up to 90% to be residential, thus there is no balance of commercial/business.
During the October 11th meeting (2016), the "first reading" of Ordiance 427, amending the Chalfont Borough Ordinance by amending the Butler Avenue Gateway Commercial Overlay Zoning district passed the "first reading" by a vote of 4 in favor and 3 opposed.
None of the residents were informed of this possibility prior to the reading. This proposal came up during the July 12th Borough Hall meeting. Residents were not made aware of the possibility of town-homes being built in an area zoned commercial.
Township manager Sandra Zadell assured the residents who voiced their opposition and concern, that prior to the November 8th meeting in which the final vote takes place, residents would be informed.
As of this article, dated 10/31/2016, residents deny being contacted by the Borough or the Council.
Residents also complain there is no email address to reach any of the Borough Council members.
Many concerns range from possibility of Chalfont accepting federal funding from the Government for the Refuge Resettlement Program to increased traffic congestion, to the over saturation of housing in Chalfont, when already, the average house for sale in Chalfont stays over 180 days on the market, and many are in foreclosure.
Residents all agree on one thing; they were not informed of this major amendment to the code, and feel there is a lack of communication that, at this point, feels purposeful and secretive.
As a vital part of the community, please plan to attend the November 8th meeting (after you vote!) so you can express your concern (or approval) for this development. It is the final vote, if it goes through, it will be very difficult to repeal.
Most residents are in agreement they would like to see this project tabled until January, which will give them enough time to
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