A proposed transformation of land near Ambler’s SEPTA station took a meaningful step forward this week, writes Linda Finarelli for The Reporter.
The Borough Council voted 5-2 on February 17 to approve revisions to the town’s redevelopment overlay district. This allows Dresher’s BET Investments to move ahead with plans for a mixed-use project along West Butler Avenue and South Chestnut Street.
The amendment updates permitted uses, height and dimensional standards, parking requirements, and streetscape guidelines, while adding an “active storefront” requirement for ground-floor spaces. Council members Jennifer Henderson and Lindsey Daku opposed the measure, expressing concerns about density and the precedent it could set for future development.
BET’s proposal includes two six-story buildings with 231 apartments, nearly 37,000 square feet of office space, and over 5,000 square feet of retail. The transit-oriented design would sit adjacent to the rail line. Developers estimate one building could open within two to three years, with full completion in about five.
A fiscal impact study projects roughly $314,000 in annual tax revenue for the borough and $540,000 for the Wissahickon School District. Residents raised concerns about traffic, building scale, stormwater management and affordability.
Additional land development and conditional use approvals are still required before construction can begin.
Read more about the planned Ambler real estate in The Reporter.
