Haverford Township Comprehensive Plan News+ | The Township of Haverford, PA

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Comprehensive Plan News

Updated | April 15, 2025

Haverford Township has announced the release of the latest draft of its 2035 Comprehensive Plan, outlining a 10-year vision for the future of the community. We are asking for your feedback on this draft plan, which includes parks, transportation, housing, sustainability, economic development, and historic preservation, all while maintaining the character of residential neighborhoods.

The draft plan envisions a thriving, welcoming, and sustainable future that blends tradition with progress while prioritizing its residents’ well-being and the inclusion of people from all walks of life. The vision includes walkable neighborhoods anchored by robust local businesses, accessible green spaces, and intentional, well-planned housing.

Postcards have been mailed to nearly 18,000 residents to encourage public engagement.

This draft represents input from stakeholders and residents across the township. We invite you to read the draft and share your feedback.

Key points:

● No increased residential density is proposed in the township.

● Mixed-use development is limited to specific commercial corridors.

● The plan outlines goals in five areas: land use & housing, natural resources & sustainability, historic preservation, transportation, and community services.

Next steps:

● Public comment period is open until June 2, 2025. Email feedback to info@havtwp.com or submit in person.

● Public Hearing: Monday, June 2 at 6:00 PM at the Township Building.

● Board of Commissioners vote: Monday, June 9 at 7:00 PM.

Please note:

There is no intention for increased density in any residential area of the township. The existing density of residential areas will remain unchanged. The Current and Future Land Use Maps (page 27 and 29 of the plan) indicate no changes to the density of residential areas.

In a change from the most recent draft (released in December 2024), areas designated for a mixture of residential and commercial development have been corrected. The designation of mixed-use areas includes only the following: (1) portions of the West Chester Pike corridor and immediately adjacent Eagle Road; (2) portions of the Eagle Road commercial corridor and immediately adjacent Darby Road; and, (3) Haverford Road from the SEPTA busway to Wynnewood Road. These areas are reflected on the Future Land Use Map (page 29 of the plan).

The plan sets forth the following goals:

LAND USE, HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

● GOAL 1: Encourage compatible mixes of land uses, in a way that reduces everyday dependence on motor vehicles and promotes healthy lifestyles.

● GOAL 2: Strengthen the older commercial areas to encourage walkability by integrating a mixture of uses with compatible zoning regulations to promote functional growth and new investment.

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY

● GOAL 1: Protect important natural features, including the Darby and Cobbs Creek corridors, creek valleys, flood- prone areas, wetlands, steep slopes, and woodlands.

● GOAL 2: Manage storm water run-off and improve environmental quality through green infrastructure.

● GOAL 3: Promote sustainability through tree planting and preservation, education and modeling of green stormwater infrastructure, and waste reduction programs.

● GOAL 4: Encourage initiatives that conserve energy through promoting alternative modes of transportation, development designs, and encouraging alternative energy systems.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

● GOAL 1: Preserve locally significant historic buildings and promote the preservation of community character.

TRANSPORTATION

● GOAL 1: Improve accessibility by providing more opportunities to utilize public transit, walking and bicycling as primary means of transportation.

● GOAL 2: Make well-targeted, cost-effective safety improvements to roadways, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), adjacent landowners, neighboring municipalities, and developers.

● GOAL 3: Improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities, to complete walking and biking networks within the Township and connecting neighborhoods to one another and to nearby municipalities.

● GOAL 4: Promote expanded use of public transit services.

● GOAL 5: Coordinate transportation, development and infrastructure across municipal borders, and seek opportunities for additional shared municipal services.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES

● GOAL 1: Maintain a responsive local government that provides services to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community through enhanced township facilities, investments in technology, improved public engagement, and continued coordination between the township and community organizations and surrounding municipalities.

What’s Next?

The public comment period is open. Please share your thoughts on the plan. You can submit your written comments to info@havtwp.com or mail / hand deliver them to the Township Building. The deadline for written comments is Monday, June 2, 2025.

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to review the proposed plan. This hearing will take place at 6:00 PM on Monday, June 2, 2025, in the Commissioners Meeting Room at the Haverford Township Building, 1014 Darby Road, Havertown, PA.

Following the public hearing, the Board will consider all comments and recommendations. The Board has scheduled formal consideration during their regular meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM.