Two new commercial developments are being planted in fertile Chester County soil in Kennett Square and Downingtown. Official proposals for a 38-house mushroom farm on the east end of the Kennett Square community and the newest addition to the Royal Farms family of convenience stores at the north edge of Downingtown were recently presented to the Chester County Commissioners.

The 38-house mushroom operation is planned to fill 153,618 square feet on 15.6 acres within the limited industrial district on the northwest side of Ways Lane east of South Walnut Street.

Kennett Square Specialties will construct the new facility if the company can adequately address planning commission concerns regarding a township-designated historic house on the property, stormwater runoff, heavy truck traffic, outdoor lighting and construction proximity to delineated wetlands, according to documents filed with the county.

Meanwhile, Royal Farms is digging into the details of its potential No. 225 convenience store just off the Route 30 bypass between Horseshoe Pike (Route 322) and Rock Raymond Road (Route 4017). Its 8 acres is expected to host a 5,166-square-foot commercial building with 74 parking spaces for customers.

The planning commission is asking Royal Farms to address issues related to stormwater runoff, further study into parking capacity needs, more pedestrian and bicycle access due to Downingtown High School West being right next door, outdoor lighting and traffic control.