On November 14th, the Whitemarsh Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt two ordinances that amend the township’s zoning code. The two ordinances establish the Spring Mill Mixed-Use District and the Transit-Friendly Design Overlay District. In a memo to the supervisors, the township’s zoning officer, Charlie Guttenplan, stated about the intent of the rezoning:

The general intent of the new zoning is to encourage transit-friendly development recognizing the proximity of the Spring Mill (SEPTA) train station and Schuylkill River Trail, and encourage access both visually and physically to the river. Finally, it is designed to encourage more mixed use development to serve the existing and future population in this area. This zoning will apply to sites to be redeveloped as well as undeveloped in-fill sites.

Below is the map showing the new rezoned area that surrounds the train station and extend down East Hector Street and up East North Lane.

Riverfront redevelopment in Whitemarsh Township is somewhat settled. Starting left to right on the above map in the dark purple area, apartments and condos are approved for 401-433 Washington Street, which straddles the border with the Borough of Conshohocken. Further downriver at 601 Washington Street, Villanova University is going to construct a new rowing center, 801 Washington Street is the long-running Hines Rowing Center, 901 Washington Street is the partially completed River Place Townhomes, and 1001 Washington is poised to see a townhouse community replace the David’s Bridal office building.

That leaves 501 Washington Street, currently the home of a masonry construction and restoration company, and 701 Washington Street, which is home to a landscaping business.

The green-shaded area on the map shows the area targeted for mixed-use development and residential uses. TDO-1 (Transit Friendly Design District 1), outlined in red, and TDO-2, in yellow, are distinct in the type of housing allowed. In TDO-1, residential uses such as single-family homes, townhouses, and small apartment or condo buildings (less than 15 units) are prohibited and denser residential uses are permitted. In TDO-2, there are not such prohibitions.

You can read the two ordinances here (starting at page 38)

Photo: Google