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Posted on Thu, Apr 30, 2009

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McGrath can't keep investing,his lawyer says

Developers won't continue Promenade project without full supervisorsupport.

By Petra Chesner Schlatter Counsel for the developer of the controversial Promenade at Sycamore Street project said if supervisors cannot give a positive consensus on revised plans, developers cannot continueto invest in the project.Ed Murphy, the developer's attorney, pressed the board for an opinion April 22, saying hisclients, John and Pat McGrath, had "invested a lot of money" to redevelop the vacant Acmesite.This came with several comments during the Newtown Township Board of Supervisorsmeeting about not wanting the developer to "walk away" from the project.Murphy said without township support, it did not make sense for the McGraths to continueinvesting in the project.The developer recently announcedthat a high-end store had signed alease for the project.A majority of the board was in favor of the project with three memberssupporting progressing plans to theland development process.Board members giving their approval were Phil Calabro, MikeGallagher and board chairman TomJirele.Meanwhile, Board Member JerrySchenkman told the developer more work had to be done. VicePresident Rob Ciervo did not give an opinion.The Zoning Hearing Board would next consider nine requested variances, including one for height and use if plans move forward.The township ordinance for the town commercial zone says that a building cannot exceed 30feet in height.The developer wants to build condominiums on top of retail space, but apartments areallowed according to current zoning.Project Architect Peter Stampfl told The Advance about the changes made as a result of thetownship planning coommission meeting on April 21He said the left and center portions of the building were moved back from Sycamore Streetaround 9-feet 6-inches. The building is now over 17-feet from the curb at the closest pointand over 37-feet at the furthest.The building height is 45-feet, 1-inch, Stampfl said.Stampfl noted the significant change from the planning commission meeting is "movingportions of the building back ... from the previous location."He claimed an additional benefit is the addition of green space on Sycamore Street withlandscaping, "hardscaping," benches and a bike rack.Jirele recommended the developer work closely with members of the Historic andArchitectural Review Board for their expertise about the area.Schenkman said there has been an "incredible positive response" from the developer.However, asked for work to continue.Schenkman said he was "not quite ready to accept" the proposed building, mainly because he