Skip to content
Author
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:

CONCORD – Applause broke out as council voted unanimously to deny a proposal submitted by the Wolfson Group for the construction of “Concord Ventures” on Watkin Avenue off southbound US Route 202.

As proposed, a five-story high-rise complex of 166 apartments in three buildings and 29 townhouses was to be constructed on 80 acres of property that borders the Brandywine Summit neighborhood, a residential community of single-detached homes.

“After hearing all the hours and hours of testimony from consultants on both sides of the issue and after reviewing the plans, we felt that the construction of the development so close to Brandywine Summit would have an adverse impact on the township and residents,” said Dominic Pileggi, chairman of Concord Township Council. “It was not the right for Concord Township at this time.”

Pileggi complimented the Brandywine Summit residents for their persistence and patience throughout the process.

“The residents hired an attorney and a ton of experts who were professional and courteous,” he said. “They wanted the township to hear their voices and felt their project was going to affect their way of life and their property values.”

Pileggi said hearings and meetings were held in reference to the proposed Concord Ventures project for more than two years.

The applicant, Wolfson Group, was represented by attorney Marc Kaplin, who, according to transcripts of the proceedings, argued that the project did indeed fit with the permitted use in the township. He stated that high rise complexes up to 135 feet are a permitted use in Concord.

On the “Save the Valley” Facebook page, comments were positive in reference to council’s decision in denying the project.

“Good, I’m so tired of these developers moving in and building more apartments and then charging $2,000 a month in rent and calling it ‘affordable housing,'” Alex Houghton wrote.

Individuals directly involved believe the vote to deny the project is not the end of the issue, and it will eventually end up in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.