Permit granted to Chesco townhome development

EAST CALN A controversial 70-townhome development in East Caln moved a step forward Monday when the township approved a conditional use permit.

The town houses would sit on a seven-acre parcel next to Kardon Park. Under the conditions, the developers will have to make various changes to the park, including repaving and expanding the trail.

During the permit hearings, developer Sarah Peck proposed trail improvements, new footbridges, and wetlands plantings for the ponds.

East Caln Township supervisors unanimously approved the permit Monday with conditions essentially identical to those proposed by the developers, Progressive Housing Ventures and J. Loew & Associates, said Barb Kelly, township manager.

Downingtown Borough Council member Ann Feldman said she would appeal the approval.

Feldman, the sole public voice of opposition to the project, has said the changes to the park would be detrimental to its environment. She also said the developers' plan to use parkland to count toward their open space requirements could set a dangerous precedent.

Kardon Park is at the center of a separate lawsuit over Downingtown Borough's attempt to sell some of the land to the same developers.

The townhome project has kept the tension surrounding Kardon Park alive as the parties await a decision from Commonwealth Court in the Downingtown project.

- Justine McDaniel