Howdy, neighbor, and soon(ish) there will be roughly 850 more of you. Just how soon(ish) you ask? Here are four developments we are watching in the Borough. (Shout out to the reader who wrote in with this request).

“Rubenstein’s” Apartments

Location: 250 E. Market St. 

What’s being planned: A five-story, 219-unit multifamily apartment complex on 2.5 acres in the Town Center. There will be 231 off-street parking spaces provided for resident use.

Current status: Last week, nearly two years after preliminary plans were okayed, the West Chester Planning Commission approved final development plans for this project. This project had been delayed as the Borough, its engineers, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection developed plans to upgrade the Borough’s wastewater management system to handle the additional capacity. Earlier this year they agreed on a $1.3 million improvement project that will be paid for by the Borough, aka the residents. (Although there is some good news on this front below.) 

What’s next: The project heads to the Smart Growth Committee next week and, barring an unforeseen committee uprising, to full Borough Council the following week. After that, developers will have what they need to begin construction.

“Mitch’s Gym” Apartments

Location: 330 W. Market St. 

What’s being planned: “An apartment building with 185 units and 215 parking spaces via garage is being proposed. The building will be served by public water and sewer.” – Final Land Development summary.

Current status: The Borough granted final approval to this project in May under the condition that the developer pays $131,076 to the Borough to meet missing tree and recreation requirements (i.e. fee in lieu of). So far no work has begun on the site.

“Burger King” Apartments

Location: 410 S. High St.

What’s being planned: A 139-unit residential apartment complex with 145 parking spots (plus 30 “bonus” spaces, these are the backend of two-deep spaces that allow people in multi-bedroom units to squeeze in a second vehicle by double parking.)

Current status: Developers are still seeking preliminary approval after original plans were challenged in court and rejected by a judge last month. Developers reviewed version three with Planning Commission members in late Oct. but chose not to bring the plans up for a vote last week.

What’s next: Developers are expected to bring plans before the Planning Commission (again) later this month. Once the PC has weighed in the project will move to Borough Council for final preliminary approval. If there are no further extensions (or court challenges) that vote should happen in December. 

The “Christmas Tree Lot” Apartments

Location: 400 E. Gay St.

What’s being planned: A seven-story apartment complex with roughly 300 units, ground-floor retail, and 383 parking spots.

Current status: Since this project requires building in the floodplain, which is a no-no in the Borough, Developers had to request a special exception from the Zoning Hearing Board. That case was heard in September with a written decision expected sometime after Thanksgiving. 

Next steps: If a special exception is granted by the Zoning Hearing Board, the project will proceed through the land development process. Should that be the case, we can expect more details at that time. It’s not a lot, but here’s what we know about the project so far. 

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Originally published on Nov. 8, 2024

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