Paoli Community Master Plan
***UPDATE***
- The Board of Supervisors adopted the zoning amendments, but also asked the Planning Commission to further review height limits for the rail yard, energy efficiency requirements, and zoning around Circular Ave.
- The Planning Commission recommended changes to the new Town Center District. The changes would limit parking uses and eligibility for height bonuses for properties next to or across the street from residential zoning districts. Click on ordinance amendments below for more information.
- Amtrak is still in the process of selecting a developer for the rail yard property.
- A distribution list has been created to inform interested parties of significant progress made in the Paoli project as well opportunities for public input. To become a member of this distribution list, please send your name, mailing address, and email address to ejlee@tredyffrin.org.
- The US EPA's 2007 Inspection & Maintenance Quarterly Report No.2 for the Paoli Rail Yard Superfund Site is now available. It describes the status of maintenance projects and water quality between April and June 2007. Click on the PDF link to view the report. 2007 I&M Quarterly Report No.2 (8.95 MB)
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here (76 KB) for answers to frequently asked questions about the plans for the Paoli Rail Yard.
Ordinance Amendments
Click here for more information on the ordinance amendments.Paoli Community Master Plan Summary
In 2001, the Paoli Community Master Plan was completed by Norman Day Associates. This document lays out a vision for long range development of the Paoli Community that incorporates recommendations from the Paoli Rail Yard and Transportation Center Plan (1996) and a study done on pedestrian facilities and streetscaping (1996). The implementation timeline for the Master Plan spans 20 years, although significant development could happen in the next five to ten years.
The focal point of the Paoli Community Master Plan is the new Paoli Transportation Center (PTC) which is to be located approximately 800 feet to the west of the existing train station. Due to the importance of the PTC, the Master Plan follows principles of transit-oriented development, which suggest a hierarchy of population densities and land uses that correspond to the structure of transit corridors. These findings will be supported by the adoption of new zoning ordinances by both Tredyffrin and Willistown Townships for the area.
While the Paoli Community Master Plan is extensive, its main objectives and recommendations are outlined in the following categories:
- Paoli Transportation Center: New station integrated into development of the Paoli Rail Yard, with more parking for commuters, safer waiting areas for busses and shuttles, and pedestrian access to both sides of the tracks.
- Circulation Improvements: Roadway improvements identified as integral parts of the new PTC will be completed. Some of these could include the widening of a portion of Lancaster Avenue, the reconstruction of the Lancaster Avenue/Paoli Pike intersection, renovations to or replacement of the Rt. 252 bridge near Rt. 30, and the construction of new roads connecting the PTC to nearby points of interest.
- Parking Improvements: As many as 1,000 parking spaces should be provided for commuters as part of the new PTC. On-street parking should be provided on minor collector and local roads in the business district and new lots or parking structures encouraged elsewhere.
- Pedestrian Improvements: Sidewalks are recommended for both sides of all streets in the Paoli Community to promote pedestrian activity in the area. The PTC should also feature a new pedestrian underpass at Greenwood Avenue under the R5/Amtrak tracks.
The Paoli Community Master Plan is a guide for the type of development Tredyffrin and Willistown Townships intend to encourage in the center of Paoli over the next generation, not a mandate for the development of each property. It is an ambitious plan, and achieving its goals will require cooperation and investment from all levels of government and the private sector. The Paoli Community Master Plan in its entirety is attached at the bottom of this page, and is also available for review or purchase at the Tredyffrin Township building.
Documents
Questions or Comments? Click here.
