Developer Abrams Realty Set to File Lawsuit After Exton Square Mall Project Rejected by West Whiteland Township
In a move that is likely to spark heated debate, Abrams Realty & Development, the company behind a bid to transform the struggling Exton Square Mall into a residential community and retail center, plans to file a lawsuit in West Whiteland after its proposal was rejected by the township's board of supervisors last week.
The 75-acre property, which was purchased for $34.25 million in March, had been the subject of months-long deliberation by the township's planning commission, who ultimately recommended approval of the project in August. However, the decision was met with opposition from some residents and two of the three supervisors on the board, Rajesh Kumbhardare and Brian Dunn, who voted to reject the plan.
Their decision was reportedly driven by concerns about the impact on traffic and sewer capacity for stormwater management. The planning commission had previously determined that Abrams Realty's master plan complies with the township's zoning ordinance, but it seems that these assurances were not enough to sway the board.
With the rejection of its proposal, Abrams Realty will now take its case to court, where Peter Abrams, the company's principle, has expressed confidence in getting the project back on track quickly. The developer had envisioned a mixed-use development featuring 381 apartments, 172 townhomes, and 165 units for older adults, as well as commercial space and entertainment facilities.
The setback is a significant blow to Abrams Realty, which had hoped to break ground on the project this spring and begin demolition of the mall by 2027. The company's plans will now have to take into account the township's updated zoning ordinance, which sets a density limit of six dwellings per acre, potentially requiring further scaling back of the number of homes included in the project.
As one lawyer pointed out, "If the plans comply, they're required to approve them." However, it remains to be seen whether Abrams Realty will be able to overcome the hurdles that have now been set before it.
In a move that is likely to spark heated debate, Abrams Realty & Development, the company behind a bid to transform the struggling Exton Square Mall into a residential community and retail center, plans to file a lawsuit in West Whiteland after its proposal was rejected by the township's board of supervisors last week.
The 75-acre property, which was purchased for $34.25 million in March, had been the subject of months-long deliberation by the township's planning commission, who ultimately recommended approval of the project in August. However, the decision was met with opposition from some residents and two of the three supervisors on the board, Rajesh Kumbhardare and Brian Dunn, who voted to reject the plan.
Their decision was reportedly driven by concerns about the impact on traffic and sewer capacity for stormwater management. The planning commission had previously determined that Abrams Realty's master plan complies with the township's zoning ordinance, but it seems that these assurances were not enough to sway the board.
With the rejection of its proposal, Abrams Realty will now take its case to court, where Peter Abrams, the company's principle, has expressed confidence in getting the project back on track quickly. The developer had envisioned a mixed-use development featuring 381 apartments, 172 townhomes, and 165 units for older adults, as well as commercial space and entertainment facilities.
The setback is a significant blow to Abrams Realty, which had hoped to break ground on the project this spring and begin demolition of the mall by 2027. The company's plans will now have to take into account the township's updated zoning ordinance, which sets a density limit of six dwellings per acre, potentially requiring further scaling back of the number of homes included in the project.
As one lawyer pointed out, "If the plans comply, they're required to approve them." However, it remains to be seen whether Abrams Realty will be able to overcome the hurdles that have now been set before it.
! It's like, can't we just make progress and move forward already? 
This Exton Square Mall project has been stuck in limbo for months, and now Abrams Realty is going to have to start from scratch because of a few naysayers 
. I get it, traffic and sewer capacity are important concerns, but can't we find a way to make this work? 
The company's master plan was already deemed compliant with the zoning ordinance, so what's the big deal? 
It just feels like bureaucratic red tape slowing down innovation and progress 
.
...and what about the people who want this project to happen? are they gonna have to fight for it in court too? or will they be silenced because of a few naysayers?
. I mean, who wants to live next to an old mall with potential sewage issues? Not me. Still, can't help but wonder what other options could've worked...
. Abrams Realty put in so much effort and money into their plan, only to be rejected because of some minor concerns 
. it's just frustrating for them, and now they'll have to go back to court... hope they can get this project back on track soon 
But at the same time, it's like Abrams Realty just gave up? They knew the plans were a bit ambitious, but to reject them outright? That's harsh. Maybe they should have scaled back their plans before submitting them. 
