Horsham Township has successfully rezoned the former Willow Grove Naval Air Base, avoiding a future lined with warehouses, writes Dino Ciliberti for the Patch.
At a public hearing earlier this month, Township manager Bill Walker warned residents what could happen if the site remained zoned for industrial use. He cited the view from the Commodore Barry Bridge into the sprawling acreage of warehouses in New Jersey.
“That is what’s allowed,” Walker said. “That is what we don’t want.”
The township council unanimously adopted the rezoning ordinance, a move that clears the path for a mixed-use development featuring parks, schools, single-family homes, restaurants, shops, and offices.
The plan envisions a vibrant town center and regional recreation space, similar to the Pennsylvania Lifestyle Campus across town.
Horsham has been planning for this transformation since the base’s closure in 2011, investing in infrastructure and negotiating with the Navy to secure long-term control. Walker emphasized the importance of proactive zoning in uncertain times.
The redevelopment process, shaped by years of public input and federal approvals, marks a major step forward.
Learn more about Horsham’s plans for the Willow Grove Naval Air Base in the Patch.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on MONTCO Today in June 2025.
