Once a controversial psychiatric institution, the shuttered Embreeville State School and Hospital complex is the subject of an open-space feud, writes Caitlin McCabe for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Currently, the only thing residents, the developer, and officials in West Bradford Township can agree on is that the deteriorating site should be demolished. However, its replacement has been the subject of debate and litigation for years.

The property was purchased by Embreeville Redevelopment five years ago to transform the 225-acre property into a residential and commercial complex. However, the proposal includes 1,100 residential units and more than 50,000 square feet of commercial space that would erase the hospital site and acres of open land.

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Many residents want that open space kept as it is. Others are aware that some development is inevitable, but were hoping for a more modest project, like a retirement home.

The situation is further complicated as demolishing the complex and removing the asbestos, mold, and possible soil contamination will cost more than $13 million.

Five years into the feud, there is still no end in sight, as any decision made by the West Bradford Zoning Hearing Board will most likely be appealed either by residents or the developer.

Read more about the Embreeville State School and Hospital site in the Philadelphia Inquirer here.

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