HBA Newswatch
February 11, 2008
A DIFFICULT TRANSITION TO RETIREMENT LIVING
Many are postponing the wrenching move.
By Alan J. Heavens
Inquirer Real Estate Writer
More Americans are postponing the day when they exchange big houses filled with memories for smaller retirement homes - waiting into their 70s and sometimes their 80s to make the move, housing-industry officials and senior-living consultants say.
There are plenty of reasons why, said Sharon Taylor of MoveAbility in Malvern, who helps older buyers prepare to change addresses: "The belief that they can manage on their own; not wanting to be around 'old' people; deep attachment to home and friends. . . . " But, for some, there's a new bump on the road to downsizing: apprehension that their old houses won't sell.
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DOWNINGTOWN DEVELOPMENT RISES AT FORMER PAPER MILL SITE
PLAN CALLS FOR RESIDENTIAL, OFFICE AND RETAIL USAGE
By ANNE PICKERING, Staff Writer
DOWNINGTOWN — Borough officials got their first look Friday at what Carroll Contractors plan to build on the old Brandywine Paper Mill site on West Lancaster Avenue across from the old log house.
The developer submitted land development plans that feature an ambitious design for the site, including 67 residences, 50,000 square feet of office space, a 6,000-square-foot restaurant and 1,600 square feet of retail space.
“We’re really excited to get this thing moving again,” Borough Manager Steve Sullins said. “It’ll be an exciting anchor for the downtown area.”
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ARRESTED DEVELOP-MINT: CALL IT BATTLE OF BALTIMORE PIKE
Massive town center plan for old Franklin Mint site gives way to office park plan
By Timothy Logue tlogue@delcotimes.com
MIDDLETOWN — To outsiders it may seem like an obvious choice.
You have 150-plus acres of prime real estate that fronts Baltimore Pike and backs up to a creek valley and a developer has put forth two options:
1) A town center that mixes residential, retail and commercial development -— including a hotel, several restaurants, shops and a movie theater — with a performing arts center, post office and perhaps a public library.
2) A 1.4-million-square-foot office/industrial park.
On Tuesday, developers of the Franklin Mint and adjoining properties are expected to appear before the township planning commission to push for the office/industrial park.
And dozens, if not hundreds, of Middletown residents will be there to show their support.
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BPG PITCHES IN TO PRESERVE SQUARE TAVERN IN NEWTOWN
By KENN STARK, Times Correspondent
NEWTOWN — Berwind Properties Group is helping to preserve the centerpiece of Newtown Square history – the Square Tavern, also known as the Square Inn and the John West House, located at the intersection of Goshen Road and Route 252.
Even as the development firm is embroiled in town center negotiations with the township, BPG has offered to renovate the historic structure with no strings attached.
BPG has fostered a close working relationship with the Newtown Square Historical Preservation Society, and had promised to help save the aging Square Inn last fall. The restoration project will start later this month and should be completed by the end of March, according to BPG representative John Forde.
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