The latest land development plans for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Don Guanella property at Sproul and Reed roads in Marple call for 141 single and twin homes, writes Leslie Krowchenko for the Daily Times.

The preliminary plans by Sproul Road Developers were presented to the Marple Planning Commission last Thursday.

A 2015 plan by Goodman Properties proposed nearly one million square feet of retail space, as well as 250 residential units and recreation. A 2017 proposal by Sproul Road Developers sought 230 homes and other non-residential uses.

This most recent plan scales down to 105 single-family, detached homes and clusters of 36 two-family units.

Wetlands, buffers, two unnamed tributaries, and steep slopes would remain. Twelve basins and eight swales would control stormwater. The development would include trails, pocket parks, and possible recreation space from a converted 40-acre dump.

The 50 residents attending want the land undisturbed. Of concern was tree removal, damage to the forest ecosystem, stormwater management, and traffic.

“Why take the little land that is left,” said Anne Irbello. “The important thing is keeping the same thing that we have always had.”

Read more about the latest plans for the Don Guanella property in the Daily Times here.

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