Four-unit development mulled in New Hope

Ed McGahan wants to build two twin homes on a half-acre parking lot on New Street.

By: Linda Seida
   NEW HOPE — An approximately half-acre parking lot on New Street could be transformed into a residential space featuring two twin homes; a total of four units.
   Developer Ed McGahan presented his plans Nov. 15 to the Borough Council. He had hoped to receive preliminary approval that night, but the council was not prepared to make a decision, President Richard Hirschfield said.
   The New Street parking lot consists of approximately 95 percent impervious surface. Mr. McGahan’s plan would reduce the impervious surface to about 68 percent and also reduce pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the area, according to Mr. McGahan.
   Mr. McGahan wants to construct two units in each of two buildings called New Canal Village. The plans call for a stormwater facility that would collect and clean runoff before eventually releasing it into the canal. Inspiration for the homes was derived from the Parry Mansion, he said.
   The historic stone mansion was built in 1784 by one of New Hope’s founders, Benjamin Parry.
   All natural materials are planned for the construction. The twin homes’ façades and chimneys would be constructed of local fieldstone. The fireplaces also would be stone. Flashings on the roof would be copper. Crown moldings would be wood.
   The homes, each approximately 3,000 square feet of living space, would not be as wide as the Parry Mansion. At about 65 feet wide, the mansion would be 15 feet longer than the new homes.
   Neighbor Tom Smith, who said his own home is 2,500 square feet, complimented the craftsmanship, but said he wasn’t looking forward to looking out his window and seeing an "enormous structure."
   "The buildings are too big," he said. "These buildings are enormous."
   Former Councilman Robert Gerenser called the proposed homes a "fabulous product" and said, "This project touched something that I find very appealing."
   At the same time, however, Mr. Gerenser asked the builder to consider adding a landscaping feature to "fool the eye" and disguise the "loom of the building over the street."
   Joel Roberts, a Mechanic Street merchant, called the proposed homes "a little big," but said that was not his main concern.
   "The parking issue bothers me," Mr. Roberts said.
   He does not want to lose parking in the south end of town. Also, merchants are "pro-congestion; we’re pro foot-traffic."
   Councilman Randy Flager said the current parking lot is "ugly, but parking is needed. I’m shocked the business community isn’t here screaming about the parking."
   He liked the plan, calling it "gorgeous."
   But he added, "I think in that neighborhood, it’s slightly too large."
   A question exists over whether the proposed buildings exceed the height regulations. To resolve the issue, a review of the regulation is needed.
   In the historic district, a new building cannot be more than 10 percent higher than an adjacent building. At 28.35 feet, the proposed homes exceed that limit.
   But nearby Havana’s, behind the lot, is 29.3 feet, and this is the measurement the developer used, which would ensure his buildings are under the 10 percent height restriction.
   However, the developer’s attorney and the borough’s attorney disagreed on how to interpret the ordinance. One way would allow the proposed buildings’ height; the other would not.
   Also, Mr. Hirschfield said, the council wants to see a rendering that will show "what the neighborhood is going to look like." This would include buildings on each side of the new construction as well as behind it.