Updated: What's Behind the Zoning Change on East King?

Update 10/22/2012 11:30 p.m.: After a strong showing from residents who live in or near the affected area, the Willistown Board of Supervisors decided not to vote on the zoning change at its Monday night meeting.

The residents expressed concerns about an increase in traffic, noise and other negative effects that might come from a Town Center zoning designation, which allows for retail and shopping.

More information on the meeting will come in a separate article.

Original story continues below

A reader emailed to ask:

Do you know what is behind the proposed change in zoning on E. King St? ... I understand there are notices on E. King in front of Malvern auto and again down by Arlington Ave. My understanding is changing zoning from R1 to Town Center or something like that. [See correction below --ed.] Although many neighbors in the area are in favor of sidewalks they do not want this zoning change. 

According to Rita Reves, Planning Director for Willistown, the reasons for the proposed change from Residential to Town Center will be discussed at the township meeting tonight.

Reves wrote via email:

John Gaadt, AICP (the Township's Planning Consultant) will be giving a power point presentation at the Board of Supervisor's meeting [Monday] evening.  He will give the background of and the rationale for the amendment.  You are correct that it is related to the [Eli] Kahn development in Malvern Borough since part of the tract on which he is developing spills over into Willistown Township.

The Willistown Township Board of Supervisors meeting is Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at the township offices on Lloyd Road.

The meeting agenda includes the relevant public hearing announcement:

Consideration of an ordinance pursuant to Article VI, Section 609 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, amending article XXXII, Section 139-186.H. of the Willistown Township Zoning Ordinance pertaining to residential uses within the TCD Town Center District and amending Article III, Section 139-8, Zoning Map by reclassifying certain lands along East King Street from O-P Office Professional Districts to TCD Town Center District.

Edited 10/22/12 11:15 p.m. to correct the existing zoning. The proposed change is from Office-Professional Districs (not residential, as was previously written) to Town Center Districts.