HBA Newswatch
March 17, 2008
THE FLATS REMAIN A CORNERSTONE IN CITY’S FUTURE
By R. JONATHAN TULEYA, Staff Writer
COATESVILLE — The dynamics of the redevelopment of the city’s Flats properties may have shifted since the recent announcement that the two power companies interested in the site are exploring the viability of another piece of city-owned property.
But the 26 acres and its connection to Coatesville’s industrial past remains a cornerstone in the plans for city’s future.
The land — situated north of West Lincoln Highway, east of Route 82, and along the east bank of the Brandywine River — formerly served as the home to the G.O. Carlson stainless steel mill.
The plant closed in March 2004 and was razed eight months later, leaving the site a barren, environmental mess.
More...
MONTCO DEVELOPERS UNDETERRED
COUNTY SAYS BUILDING CONTINUES DESPITE SOUR ECONOMIC FORECAST
By BY MARGARET GIBBONS, Special to The Phoenix
NORRISTOWN — Despite the sinking economy, developers still have faith in Montgomery County, according to the county planning commission.
Citing the development proposals submitted to municipalities last year, the county planners say developers continue to believe that people still want to live, work and shop in the county.
Municipalities last year received a combined 302 new residential and non-residential development proposals, according to staff planner Mary Morrison.
Admittedly, this is 61 fewer new proposals than were received in 2006 and represents a 10-year low, she said.
More...
EAST COVENTRY WANTS OPEN SPACE
By Michael Hays, mhays@pottsmerc.com
EAST COVENTRY — A few open space initiatives, including the acquisition of approximately 30 acres of land, are currently in the works.
Two members of the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust spoke about protecting land near Wineberry Estates at a recent Board of Supervisors meeting. A Gambone development on Maack Road, Wineberry Estates is in the final plan stage, according to the township.
The conservation trust’s mission is “to preserve and protect endangered land and natural resources in the northern Chester County watersheds for now and for future generations,” its newsletter states. Directors Claire Quinn and Pam Brown hope for a grant or donations to defray land costs. A conservation easement would be placed on the entire 60 acres near Wineberry, they said.
East Coventry may submit a grant to the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to help pay for the acquisition. Otherwise, township funds are limited.
More...
HOME BUILDERS GO 'GREEN' TO SEEK NEW SELLING POINT
By JIM CARLTON
More builders are adding "green" features to their new homes. It is a strategy born out of necessity.
In October, the Trilogy division of Shea Homes rolled out a program dubbed Shea Superiology for its 1,500 to 2,000 new homes this year. The homes will have environmentally friendly features such as increased insulation and energy-efficient electronic appliances. KB Home this year also began including appliances awarded the federal Energy Star rating for high energy efficiency as standard in homes, even though they cost more than those without the designation. And Pulte Homes Inc. is adding more insulation and energy-saving appliances at some of its subdivisions in the southwestern U.S.
More...
A PETITION TO RESTORE RAIL SERVICE FROM WEST CHESTER TO PHILADELPHIA
These days traffic in this area is getting on the insane side, not to mention
the positive effect less driving would have on carbon emission reduction. And I
don't know about you, but have you tried to park in West Chester lately? All of
these great restaurants and bars we have attract tons of people and their cars
to the borough.
And there are so many great historical and cultural attractions in Philadelphia-
wouldn't it be great to jump on the train right in West Chester and get downtown
more often?
Join in signing the petition- it takes just a couple seconds, you may
encounter a server error, so be patient. Let's get the train back!
More...
Did you see something we missed? Please forward any news stories we may have missed to kirab@builderpa.com and it will be added to the next issue of Newswatch.
