Souderton Borough Council, the Souderton-Telford Main Streets Program, and the Souderton Area School Board have joined together for a new stage in development. As construction nears completion on the new high school in Franconia Township, the school district has moved forward in marketing the Souderton Area High School property for sale. The development of this property poses many challenges, but presents many community benefits. The plans we create must address many borough-wide and regional issues.
As we shape our plans for sound land use and community development, we are setting the stage to encourage residents and developers to work together to craft Souderton’s revitalization. We look to our residents, businesses, and property owners to be a part of the major planning process.
Borough Council members believe that they and other residents must be proactive in visualizing the future redevelopment of the high school property, our core downtown business district, and the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Further, a cohesive plan and conceptual framework may help us attract investors and open opportunities for economic redevelopment grants.
Revitalization is Borough-wide
In general, Souderton’s revitalization is about building a stronger infrastructure to attract businesses and residents while enhancing the look and feel of Souderton. As the borough’s streetscape plan evolves, Borough Council hopes to address long-term issues of traffic calming, pedestrian comfort and safety, landscaping, and parking. Planning elements may also include the review of zoning, building, subdivision, and land development ordinances; infrastructure needs; and regional development.
Here are some of the ways Souderton is revitalizing the borough:
High School Redevelopment Project
The goal of the High School Redevelopment Project is to balance the opportunity for economic development without negatively impacting infrastructure, surrounding residential and commercial properties, elementary schools, and current and future revitalization efforts. Souderton Borough Council appointed DePallo Design and Planning to assist the Borough in this planning effort.
In December 2008, Metro Development Company presented its conceptual plan to transform the high school property into the Souder Hill Towne Centre. Some changes to the plan since its November 2008 unveiling included eliminating the natatorium and private health club along Chestnut Street and proposing a 3-story independent and assisted living facility.
An overview and conceptual sketch are available on www.SouderHill.com.
Related News Stories
High School Redevelopment Project on Track December 9, 2008
Metro Shares Plans for High School Property November 12, 2008
School District Approved Sale of High School Property October 2008
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