Narberth’s housing market ranks among the most expensive in Montgomery County, prompting local officials to seek solutions to lower prices.

The Borough of Narberth, nestled in Montgomery County, faces pressing challenges related to housing affordability. The issue is particularly salient given the borough’s recent surge in real estate prices, which has seen the median sale of homes skyrocket from approximately 0,000 in 2014 to about 1,000 in 2023. Concurrently, rental prices in Narberth have escalated from an average of ,134 to ,028 in the same timeframe, further stressing the local community’s economic landscape.

In a bid to combat these rising costs and to foster a more diverse socioeconomic fabric, the Narberth Borough Council is evaluating proposed zoning amendments scheduled for discussion in May. The planning commission has recommended key adjustments aimed at promoting the development of affordable housing within specific zones, particularly along Montgomery Avenue and in proximity to the downtown area. The proposed changes include raising the allowable height of apartment structures, facilitating the construction of multi-family units, and potentially exempting developers from traditional permits if they commit to including affordable housing options.

Supporters of these proposals argue that modifying zoning laws is essential for expanding the housing stock and will ultimately lower market costs, thereby making Narberth accessible to a broader demographic, not solely affluent long-term residents. However, these initiatives have elicited mixed reactions from locals, some of whom voice concerns regarding the implications of increased density and the adjustments to parking requirements that would accompany these developments.

The specifics of the recommended changes detail a shift in building height limitations from 35 feet to 45 feet for structures that incorporate affordable housing units—set at or below 80% of the county’s median income. Moreover, the parking requirements for new developments would adjust from one space per unit to 0.7 spaces, a move that proponents believe would align better with modern housing trends, as renters tend to own fewer vehicles than traditional homeowners.

Backers of the revisions maintain that revitalizing Narberth’s downtown district is vital not only for economic sustainability but for enhancing community vibrancy. By augmenting the residential population near the commercial center, the plan aims to bolster the local economy by attracting a larger customer base to existing businesses.

As the borough prepares to review these recommendations, community feedback remains critical, with various stakeholders urging careful consideration of how zoning modifications might shape the future of Narberth. The council is expected to deliberate these proposals in a meeting set for May 21.