Closing Arguments Tonight in Whitemarsh for Townshouse Plan on Abolition Hall Property

The Whitemarsh Board of Supervisors will hear closing arguments on the K. Hovnananian Conditional Use application, which seeks approval to construct 67 townshouses at Butler and Germantown Pikes on the property that is home to Abolition Hall.

Based on an email we received from one of the organizers of the opposition to this application, a vote is not expected this evening due to only three of the five Supervisors expected to be in attendance. One Supervisor, Melissa Sterling, has recused herself due to a conflict. A final vote is expected in October.

Those opposed to the plan put forth by the developer believes it is to big and close to the historical structures (which were a stop on the Underground Railroad). The developer believes the historical nature of the site is protected with its plan. There was an interesting article in the Chestnut Hill Local earlier this week in which a husband of a descendant of the abolitionists disputes claims made about the property and why they have chosen to sell it.

The meeting is Thursday, September 13th at 7:00 p.m. at Whitemarsh’s Township Building.