Cheltenham redevelopment plans reveal increased housing quantity alongside a contentious .5 million pool project.
A recent review by Montgomery County officials has revealed a revised proposal for the redevelopment of the former Melrose Country Club, which now suggests the construction of more than two dozen additional housing units than previously planned. This mixed-use development, located on approximately 115 acres in the southern part of Cheltenham Township, encompasses a variety of components, including townhouses, a medical office, specialized living units for traumatic brain injury care, and commercial spaces. Furthermore, the project aims to incorporate walking trails and a new public pool complex, a feature that has already sparked significant community debate.
The proposed public pools have come under scrutiny, with residents expressing concerns over the project’s pace, the transparency of its planning process, and adherence to public bidding regulations. Critics have pointed out that the estimated budget for the complex, which could reach up to .5 million, raises questions about fiscal responsibility and community priority.
In a recent statement, the president of the township’s board of commissioners acknowledged that the contractor agreement grants less control to Cheltenham officials regarding the pool’s design. Due to ongoing legal issues, further details about this arrangement remain limited.
Despite community dissent, a fiscal analysis produced in connection with the development suggests promising financial returns. According to estimates, the new project could yield approximately .8 million annually for the township and close to .9 million for the local school district.
The Montgomery County Planning Commission has reviewed the latest iteration of the development plan, which, as of early August, proposes the construction of 443 residences, comprising 351 townhomes and 12 twin homes. Recent modifications have eliminated previously proposed apartments, a decision met with criticism from planners who believe that a variety of housing options is beneficial for the community.
In addition to housing, the current proposal still includes 80 assisted living apartments, 30 units dedicated to traumatic brain injury care, and a mix of retail spaces. Parking for the public pools has also been a point of contention, with recommendations suggesting a detailed parking analysis to ensure adequate facilities, especially given the anticipated high demand.
Planners emphasized the need for additional greenery around the pools to provide shade and mitigate heat, while also calling for revisions to the stormwater management plans to prevent flooding concerns. The proposed walking paths and trails, notably a circuit trail alongside Tookany Creek, received positive feedback for enhancing connectivity within the community.
As the township continues to evaluate the development’s plans, prospective adjustments to both housing density and commercial space remain high on the agenda, with officials striving to align the project with Cheltenham Township’s broader goals for sustainable development and enhanced livability.
