What is the timeline for the redevelopment project?
Officials are hopeful that development could begin within the next 12 to 18 months, though no firm timeline is set.
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Horsham Township Redevelops Former Willow Grove Naval Base into Community Hub | Climate Change and Subway Systems: Urban Resilience | Horsham Township Redevelops Former Willow Grove Naval Base into Community Hub | Climate Change and Subway Systems: Urban Resilience
Urban Planning / Redevelopment
Horsham Township Redevelops Former Willow Grove Naval Base into Community Hub
Horsham Township, PA, is actively redeveloping the former Willow Grove Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base into a vibrant, mixed-use community. This ambitious project aims to reintegrate the property back into the community after years of...
Key Insights
- **Comprehensive Redevelopment Plan:** The project includes homes, an office park, a hotel and conference center, a school, an aviation museum, green space, and recreational opportunities.
- **Job Creation:** Township officials estimate the redevelopment could create approximately 7,000 full-time jobs, boosting the local economy.
- **PFAS Remediation:** Addressing past contamination from firefighting foam, the township is collaborating with the Navy and environmental agencies to ensure the site is safe for residents. Water filtration systems are already in place to provide clean drinking water.
- **Community Input:** The redevelopment plans are heavily influenced by community feedback, with residents expressing a desire for a town center with restaurants, an ice skating rink, and a movie theater.
In-Depth Analysis
The redevelopment of the Willow Grove Naval Base has been a long-awaited endeavor for Horsham Township. After the base's closure in 2011 and the subsequent detection of PFAS chemicals in the water supply, the township prioritized water filtration and remediation efforts. Now, with these issues being addressed, the focus has shifted back to transforming the 862-acre site into a community asset.
The project is being implemented in phases, with developers starting work on already cleaned-up areas while remediation continues elsewhere. Key components of the redevelopment include:
- **Residential Areas:** A mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family lots, including 70 permanent supportive housing units for people experiencing homelessness.
- **Town Center:** Designed to be a community focal point, featuring restaurants, an ice skating rink, and a movie theater.
- **Aviation Museum:** Honoring the site's history as a naval air station.
- **Green Space and Recreation:** Providing residents with parks and recreational facilities.
Horsham Township Council has already taken steps to rezone the base from industrial to residential, and further rezoning efforts are planned to align with the redevelopment plan. An agreement with the Navy is in place to transfer approximately 100 acres along Maple Avenue to the township, with environmental reports and clearances underway.
The Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority (HLRA) is actively involved in infrastructure upgrades, including transportation systems and utilities, to support the redevelopment. The HLRA continues to collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to finalize environmental clearances already in progress. Any contamination will be remediated before development, and homes will be connected to public drinking water, which is treated. The groundwater on the property will be prohibited from use.
FAQ
How is the township addressing PFAS contamination?
The township has installed water filtration treatment to remove PFAS in its public drinking water, which are currently at nondetectable levels. Remediation efforts are ongoing in collaboration with the Navy, EPA, and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
How can residents stay informed about the project?
Residents can visit the Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority website (www.hlra.org) for more information and updates.
Takeaways
- **Community-Driven Development:** The plans reflect the desires and needs of the local community.
- **Environmental Responsibility:** Addressing and remediating environmental contamination is a priority.
- **Economic Opportunity:** The project promises to create thousands of jobs and stimulate the local economy.
Discussion
What are your thoughts on the Horsham Township redevelopment project? Do you think this type of mixed-use development is a good model for other communities? Let us know in the comments below!
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